tip for stress-free entertaining + a giveaway! // holiday parties

i'm always on the lookout for ideas to make my life a tad easier when entertaining.

beatriz ball

asked if i wanted to partner up with them and brainstorm some new ideas for parties this season, so convenience was my first topic of choice! they have these amazing little

croc textured trays

that i knew would be perfect as individual plates.

prepare a light appetizer and your signature cocktail for guests to grab as they arrive. it will take away the stress that always comes when a group of guests come in and you are trying to keep track of 6 drink requests! i feel like offering a cocktail is one of the first things you should do as a hostess. let's be honest, it breaks the ice and loosens people up.

don't forget a sign too! if you are busy grabbing coats and introducing new friends, you want to make sure everyone knows that they can dig in. a quick sign let's them know what to do.

so what do you guys do to ease the frantic stress that always happens 3 minutes before your first guest walks in the door?

beatriz ball also wanted to give you guys something to help you entertain in style. if you have a holiday or nye party coming up, need a gift for a pal, or have just been in the market for a quality ice bucket, you're in luck! i have one

VENTO metal ice bucket

to give away to one reader! the ice bucket you will win is below and you can

read a bit more about it here

.

to enter, visit

beatriz ball

and tell me what your dream piece would be for entertaining this holiday season. contest will run through friday when i will pick a winner at random. US entries only.

stay tuned for more entertaining ideas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[ product was provided by

beatriz ball

for this post. thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to continue to create original content for you guys! ]