The holidays are behind us, and the decorations are packed away (or maybe still lingering if you’re like me). But before you dive headfirst into planning your 2025 celebrations, take a moment to reflect. Trust me, it’s worth it. There’s nothing worse than repeating last year’s mishaps or forgetting the genius move that made everything run smoothly.

Take it from me—I’ve learned this the hard way. One Christmas Eve, we ran out of ice mid-party, leaving our bartender to dash out for more while guests stood waiting. Another year, guests danced through broken glass because I didn’t swap out fragile stemware for plastic cups. And let’s not forget the veggie platter I lovingly prepared every year that never got touched.

The solution? A post-holiday review. Here’s how you can reflect, learn, and ensure 2025 is your smoothest holiday season yet.

Step 1: Review What Worked (and What Didn’t)

Food Favorites and Flops

• What dishes disappeared the fastest? Write them down!
• Were there any untouched recipes? (Goodbye, veggie platter.)
• Did you have enough food for everyone? Too much?

Pro Tip: Keep a running list of crowd-pleasers so you’re not reinventing the wheel yearly. And if you ran out of essentials like ice, double your stash next time.

Hosting Essentials

• Did you have enough plates, glasses, and utensils?
• Were there last-minute emergencies, like running out of ice or seating?
• Was your space comfortable for guests?

Pro Tip: Invest in backup supplies and plan for staffing or delegating roles if needed. No one likes scrambling mid-party.

Decor Wins and Woes

• Which decorations got all the compliments?
• What felt like too much effort for too little payoff?
• Did you have any functional misses, like forgetting a rain tent for an outdoor setup?

Pro Tip: Focus on high-impact decor and plan for contingencies like rain or cold weather.

Step 2: Address Maintenance Issues Now

Did any household hiccups cause stress during your event? Here’s my list:

• The barstool that wasn’t fixed turned into a full-on sibling war.
• I forgot to restock candles and batteries for my votives, leaving my tablescapes dim.
• The French door handle wasn’t repaired, confusing guests as they tried to enter.

Pro Tip: Use this time to tackle these maintenance tasks. Your future self will thank you.

Step 3: Plan Smarter for 2025

Rinse and Repeat

What worked well? Repeat it! Did you discover that plastic cups are a lifesaver for the dancefloor? Add them to your permanent checklist. Was a specific dish or drink the highlight of the night? Make it your signature.

Start Early

Avoid last-minute scrambles by booking rentals (like tents) and stocking up on essentials early. Add reminders to your calendar to review your notes in October.

Step 4: Download Your Free Post-Holiday Review Checklist

Reflection doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ve created a simple checklist to guide you through this process. It’ll help you document:

• Crowd-pleasing recipes and what to skip next time.
• Hosting essentials you might have missed.
• Maintenance tasks to handle now.
• Decor hits and misses.

Taking time to reflect on your holiday season isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. By documenting what worked and what didn’t, you can avoid repeating mistakes and make each year better than the last. So before you move on to your next celebration, grab your checklist, jot down your thoughts, and start planning smarter for 2025.

Cheers to hosting with ease and style! You’ve got this.