Discover Crescent 9 THC Seltzer—crafted with premium hemp-derived cannabinoids and natural, vegan ingredients. Available in 5 refreshing flavors with potencies from 5 mg to 50 mg THC, it's the perfect treat for any occasion.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, and nothing brings people together like a great party filled with delicious food and drinks. To kick off this year’s Holiday Gift Guide 24, let’s start by exploring the origins of holiday parties throughout history.
The Origins of Holiday Celebrations
The earliest recorded holiday feasts can be traced back to ancient civilizations. For example, the ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival in honor of the god Saturn, with feasting, dancing, and gift-giving. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Norse also hosted grand festivals around the winter solstice, marking the time when communities came together to celebrate the harvest and give thanks. These gatherings evolved into what we now know as modern holiday parties, where family, friends, and colleagues come together to share the joy of the season.
Fast forward to today, whether you’re hosting a holiday bash at home or attending a work event, one thing is clear: preparation is everything. A well-thought-out holiday party makes for a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone.
Throwing or Attending a Holiday Party: Preparation is Key
If you’re the one throwing the party, planning ahead is crucial. Ensure you have plenty of high-quality food and drinks for your guests. In today’s health-conscious world, people are more mindful of what they consume, and many are opting for better, more nutritious choices. Gone are the days of overly sugary treats and cheap liquor; now, the focus is on quality.
When planning your menu, consider offering an array of healthy yet delicious options—think gourmet finger foods, craft cocktails, and beautifully presented appetizers. Be mindful of allergies, dietary preferences, and health concerns. Having an inviting and safe spread can elevate your event and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Trending Food & Drink Items for 2024 Holiday Parties
Here’s a list of the top 10 food and drink items that are trending this holiday season:
- Artisanal Cheese Boards – Curate a selection of local cheeses paired with honey, nuts, and fruit for a sophisticated appetizer.
- Plant-Based Charcuterie – Vegan options for meat and cheese boards are on the rise, offering delicious alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
- Gourmet Chocolate Truffles – Luxurious, bite-sized indulgences that are perfect for dessert or gifting.
- Craft Cocktails Kits – Make-at-home cocktail kits featuring premium ingredients are a hit for interactive holiday experiences.
- Organic Wines & Seltzers – Health-conscious guests will appreciate organic and low-sugar options, such as biodynamic wines and hard seltzers.
- Grazing Tables – A popular way to display a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dips, and small bites, allowing guests to pick and choose their favorites.
- Small-Batch Craft Beers – Locally brewed, artisanal beers are trendy and make great conversational pieces.
- Exotic Dried Fruit and Nut Trays – Beautifully arranged, nutrient-rich snacks that are both delicious and festive.
- Gourmet Hot Cocoa Bombs – A decadent winter treat that transforms hot milk into a rich, velvety drink with a hint of nostalgia.
- Spirited Ginger Beer & Mixers – Versatile and refreshing, these mixers can be enjoyed with or without alcohol.
Presenting Your Food and Drink
Presentation is everything when it comes to hosting. To keep things elegant and safe, make sure to display your spread thoughtfully. Use separate utensils for each dish and opt for individual servings when possible to avoid the spread of germs. Fresh vegetables and dips can be arranged in separate bowls with small plates on hand for guests to build their own. Ensure that there are plenty of napkins, serving utensils, and hand sanitizer stations to keep everyone comfortable.
One key tip is to always have plenty of utensils and never allow guests to use their fingers, especially in the post-pandemic era, where hygiene is top of mind. To avoid contamination from sneezing or coughing near food, consider covering your dishes with glass lids or serving them in enclosed containers.
Bringing Gifts to the Party
When attending a holiday party, it’s thoughtful to bring a gift for the host. Plan ahead to avoid the stress of last-minute purchases, which can be underwhelming and poorly chosen. Some great ideas for hostess gifts include:
- A fine bottle of wine or spirits
- Gourmet treats, such as handmade chocolates or artisanal snacks
- Luxurious mixers or craft seltzers
- High-quality napkins, cups, or cocktail accessories
Remember, the best gifts are those that show you’ve put thought into them, so take your time selecting items that reflect your appreciation.
A Warm Holiday Message from Style Lujo
On behalf of the entire StyleLujo.com team, we wish all our readers a wonderful, happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Make your holiday gatherings memorable by sharing love, laughter, and good food. Be sure to explore our curated list of food and drink selections to make your 2024 holiday parties truly unforgettable.
Crescent 9 THC Seltzer:
Highly satisfying and deliciously refreshing, Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is made with premium hemp-derived cannabinoids and natural, vegan ingredients. Adults across the country can order these tasty THC seltzers online. With 5 flavors and potencies ranging from 5 mg THC to 50 mg THC, there’s a Crescent 9 for everyone.
SEASON:
Seasons Boneless Skinless Sardines are unique this summer due to their commitment to sustainable sourcing and catering to eco-conscious consumers. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients, they offer a healthful addition to summer diets. Their versatility in recipes and convenience in packaging make them ideal for quick, nutritious meals. Additionally, innovative flavor options and attractive, eco-friendly packaging add to their appeal.
MIGHTYLICIOUS:
Mightylicious Gluten Free Best Sellers Bundle 4-Pack
MIGHTYLICIOUS is an award-winning Gluten Free cookie company that offers up 7 varieties of mouthwatering flavors including vegan and vegetarian options, beautifully packaged for the holidays.
- Mightylicious hand-crafted cookies truly have it all: amazing flavor, perfect texture, clean ingredients, Certified Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-free and non-GMO. —everything you want in a cookie except the gluten.
- What sets these decadent cookies apart from the rest is their surprising deliciousness. Everyone is singing the praises of Mightylicious, not just people with celiac disease and health-conscious snackers, but anyone who simply can’t resist a good cookie.
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary force in the world of fashion, celebrated as one of the finest wardrobe stylists and art directors of his generation. His expertise and creativity have earned him accolades throughout the industry, placing him at the forefront of fashion’s evolution. Joseph’s work seamlessly weaves together style, culture, art, and fashion, with a special focus on the shifting landscape of menswear.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Joseph has had the privilege of styling and even interviewing global icons such as Elon Musk, Justin Bieber, Richard Branson, Katy Perry, Tom Brady, and A$AP Rocky, to name just a few. His influence extends beyond styling, as he has also been a prolific writer, contributing award-winning columns to esteemed publications like Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His deep insights and captivating storytelling have established him as a leading voice in fashion journalism.
Joseph most recently served as Creative Fashion Director at Forbes Media, where his dual role as critic and reporter allowed him to explore the intersection of technology and fashion, always championing the transformative power of style. As the founder and president of POTRO, the premier Latinx menswear brand, Joseph is redefining modern menswear with a commitment to celebrating Latinx heritage and craftsmanship.
With an authoritative yet relatable voice, Joseph DeAcetis continues to inspire and influence the world of fashion, setting new standards for success and innovation.
Comments, questions, or feedback? visit me at stylelujo.com
Save Article
