Hey friends 👋🏼 It’s time for a little rein Hey friends 👋🏼 It’s time for a little reintroduction!
I’m Charity, the face behind Mornings on Macedonia! ☀️ By day I’m a dental hygienist, and by night I’m your decor-obsessed content creator who’s always got a project (or a cozy candle) going 😂

I’m a proud cat mom to Toby + Riley 🐾, a wife of 9 years 💕, and I love sharing all things cozy home decor, simple DIYs, and easy recipes you’ll actually make!

If you love making your builder-grade house feel more custom (without breaking the bank), you’re in the right place 🙌🏼
Hit that follow to join me on this journey, and comment “shop” below if you want the link to shop my home on LTK! ✨ #dentalhygienists #dentalhygienelife #homedecorlovers #homebloggers #homecontent #catmomlife
Remember those apple slices I froze a few weeks ag Remember those apple slices I froze a few weeks ago? Well, they’re finally getting their moment- crockpot cinnamon apples for today’s Tuesday Treats! 😋 The house smells like fall, and y’all… these are so easy and delicious. Dessert or side dish? You decide! Comment “recipe” below and I’ll send it your way! 🙌🏻
POV: You’re calm, cool, and collected on Thanksg POV: You’re calm, cool, and collected on Thanksgiving because you made your pie crusts way ahead of time 🥧🙌 Comment “pie” if you want the hack that saves my sanity every year!
POV: Cruising the backroads in the ‘67 Chevelle POV: Cruising the backroads in the ‘67 Chevelle with the fall colors in full swing 🍂 Nothing beats a Sunday drive, football on TV, and homemade chili waiting at home. This is peak fall happiness right here 😌🏈 #67Chevelle #chevelle #chevellemalibu
POV: When your holiday decorating turns into a ful POV: When your holiday decorating turns into a full-blown cleanup session 😅 Note to self—blow out the candle before hanging the garland 🙃 Cleaning candle wax off dark wood floors? 0/10 do not recommend 😂
But hey, shoutout to @antiquecandleco_ because that candle didn’t even break 👏 If you want a candle that smells amazing and can survive a fall, grab their Tree Farm candle and use my code “Macedonia20” for 20% off 🎄🕯️
POV: When your holiday decorating turns into a ful POV: When your holiday decorating turns into a full-blown cleanup session 😅 Note to self—blow out the candle before hanging the garland 🙃 Cleaning candle wax off dark wood floors? 0/10 do not recommend 😂
But hey, shoutout to @antiquecandleco_ because that candle didn’t even break 👏 If you want a candle that smells amazing and can survive a fall, grab their Tree Farm candle and use my code “Macedonia20” for 20% off 🎄🕯️
POV: You swore you didn’t need another Christmas POV: You swore you didn’t need another Christmas tree… until this viral one from @loweshomeimprovement stole your heart 😍✨ With 2,250 LED lights (yes, really!) and the option to switch between classic white or cozy multicolor, it’s giving major nostalgic Christmas magic ✨ Comment “tree” below for the link before it sells out!
Be honest, are you team white lights or multicolor Be honest, are you team white lights or multicolor this Christmas? 👀 I’ve always been team white… until I met this viral tree 😍✨ The cozy glow just screams nostalgic Christmas magic! Comment “tree” below for the link 🎄
POV: You swore you didn’t need another Christmas POV: You swore you didn’t need another Christmas tree… until this viral one from @loweshomeimprovement stole your heart 😍✨ With 2,250 LED lights (yes, really!) and the option to switch between classic white or cozy multicolor, it’s giving major nostalgic Christmas magic ✨ Comment “tree” below for the link before it sells out!
I can’t believe Halloween is just a week away! C I can’t believe Halloween is just a week away! Can you?! Although, I’m fine with it because I’m ready to deck the halls over here anyway 😂 But first things first, if you’re planing a fun Halloween party, you’ve got to check some of these spooky scary recipes out! I’ve created a list of my favorite Halloween recipes over on the blog today so if you want to try them out too, comment “recipe” below and I’ll send them your way! 👇🏻 Have a happy Friday my friends! 😉
Can you believe Halloween is only a week away?! 😱 I’m so ready for spooky season fun (even though I’m secretly itching to deck the halls already 😂). If you’re throwing a Halloween bash, you need to try these spooky-good recipes I rounded up on the blog! 🕸️👻 Comment “recipe” below and I’ll send them your way!👇🏻
It’s finally here!! The biggest @minkycouture sa It’s finally here!! The biggest @minkycouture sale of the year! All their dreamy blankets are 60% OFF today only with my code “CharityG” 😍🙌🏻 Even Toby’s living his best cozy life 😹 These make the perfect Christmas gifts, and you get free shipping on orders over $100! But hurry, this sale is gone in 24 hours!! Comment “shop” below for the link!!
It’s finally here!! The biggest @minkycouture sa It’s finally here!! The biggest @minkycouture sale of the year! All their dreamy blankets are 60% OFF today only with my code “CharityG” 😍🙌🏻 Even Toby’s living his best cozy life 😹 These make the perfect Christmas gifts, and you get free shipping on orders over $100! But hurry, this sale is gone in 24 hours!! Comment “shop” below for the link!!
POV: You’re the cool Halloween hostess who shows POV: You’re the cool Halloween hostess who shows up with the treat board everyone can’t stop talking about 👻🖤 I made this spooky sweet charcuterie board using my @shopfancypanz, and it turned out so cute! The best part? I can just pop the lid back on when we’re done! No-bake, no stress, all treats 🍫🍬 Comment “Shop” below if you want the link to these cool pans too! 😉
PSA: Don’t make this Halloween crack candy unles PSA: Don’t make this Halloween crack candy unless you plan on eating half the pan yourself 😅🎃 It’s that good! Ask me how I know 🤣 Comment “recipe” below and I’ll share the danger with you too 👇🏻
POV: you refuse to throw away that one “hopeless POV: you refuse to throw away that one “hopeless” vintage find 🤣 I grabbed some @thegorillagluecompany and gave this poor broken crock a second chance, and honestly, it turned out pretty amazing! It may not be perfect, but the crack just adds to the vintage charm, right?! Now it’s living its best life as a cute faux plant holder 🌿💪
When your hubby finally gives you what you really When your hubby finally gives you what you really want! 🤣 A tree in every room of the house… even his Mancave! Is anyone else crazy enough to have Christmas trees in every room or am I all alone?! 😜
PSA: Don’t make this Halloween crack candy unles PSA: Don’t make this Halloween crack candy unless you plan on eating half the pan yourself 😅🎃 It’s that good! Comment “recipe” and I’ll share the danger with you too 👇🏻
POV: You’re calm, cool, and collected on Thanksg POV: You’re calm, cool, and collected on Thanksgiving because you made your pie crusts way ahead of time 🥧🙌 Comment “pie” if you want the hack that saves my sanity every year!
Tell me you’ve started decorating for Christmas Tell me you’ve started decorating for Christmas without telling me you’ve started decorating for Christmas 😍 These mini Target wreaths on our farmhouse windows + the flocked trees = perfection! Comment “shop” if you need them too 🎄
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Mornings on Macedonia

DIY, Decor, & More

Lifestyle · November 30, 2019

5 Tips for Making Hosting During the Holidays Easier For You

This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my disclosure policy.

Well, we made it through Thanksgiving already guys! How is that possible? And we are only 3 weeks away from Christmas right now. Say what?! This whole year is flying by and I can’t believe how fast it’s going. It has been a crazy year for us so far but I am excited to see what is in store for the future.

We recently hosted our first ever Thanksgiving in our house this week and I have to say I think it went really well. So I thought I would share 5 tips for making hosting during the holidays easier for you.

That way you are ready and prepared for your next big family event or get together this holiday season!

Rae Dunn Gobble Coffee Mug
If you like my nails, be sure to check out my post about Colorstreet Nails too!

1. Don’t Stress Out

I know this is kinda obvious but I needed to say it because I am the kind of person who stresses when we have company over. I want everything to be perfect and for them to have a great time so I over analyze everything and worry.

But it’s much easier if you can just sit back and enjoy your time with your guests! Chances are the people you are inviting over love you and don’t care that everything isn’t perfect.

They would rather just spend time with you and enjoy it. We even did not have much time to prepare. Our plans changed and we had to host and we didn’t know it until a couple of days before.

Now normally, I would have freaked out and went into panic mode, but I just took a step back and breathed and everything was better because I wasn’t stressing out!

My first time ever cooking a turkey
My first time ever cooking a turkey! And it was delicious!

2. Come Up With a Menu And Stick to Tried and True Recipes

I also love experimenting in the kitchen and trying new recipes. I, however, would not recommend trying a new recipe out for a big gathering since you don’t really know how it will turn out.

If you really want to try something new, I recommend trying it out with your own family first a few weeks before your event just to test it out. If it turns out great, then make it for sure!

And if not, no worries because you just won’t serve it to your guests! I always stick with my recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation in my family.

Such as this homemade broccoli casserole. You just can’t beat a tried a true recipe!

Easy Homemade Broccoli Casserole
This is so delicious and always turns out amazing!

3. Not Everything Has To Be Homemade

If you are stressing out trying to get everything made and prepared in time, then stop what you’re doing and make it easier for you! Go buy a pie at the bakery if that will help save you some time.

You don’t have to be Betty Crocker in the kitchen. Hosting is hard work so if you can find ways to save you time and stress, then do it!

I love to bake and make homemade desserts, but this year I was really pressed for time since we were hosting and we had another event for my husband’s side of the family that we had to bring more food to as well.

So instead of making everything homemade, I used one of my favorite Mad Dash Mixes to make a pumpkin spice cheesecake!

It turned out delicious and it was so easy to make because it literally only required me mixing up a few things and then throwing it in the fridge to chill for a few hours.

So doing something like that is a great option too. You can see all their dessert mixes here if you’re interested in trying some out. And don’t forget to use the code “Charity10” for 10% off too!

See it looks so pretty and delicious and didn’t take me much time at all!

4. Do Something Fun and Unexpected

So if you have family staying with you for a large amount of time and you are worried about what you should do to keep them entertained, then I have a few ideas for you!

We usually don’t have houseguests, but this year we did (which was also a first for us and we learned that we really need to finish up our guest bedroom!).

We were trying to come up with some fun ways to spend time with everyone and I am so happy we did something fun and unexpected because I haven’t laughed so much in a long time!

We decided to each buy a gingerbread making kit and then have a competition to see who decorated theirs the best. It definitely entertained us for a long time and everyone had such a blast doing it.

I honestly can’t remember the last time I decorated a gingerbread house so it was a great way to kick off the Christmas season!

Some other ideas would be to play some old board games and/or card games. We had some of those laid out too, but we were having so much fun decorating our houses that we forgot about them!

Basically, anything that you don’t really do on a regular basis would be a fun activity and most likely your guests will remember that for years to come!

Decorating Gingerbread Houses
Look at all those beautifully decorated gingerbread houses!

5. Relax and Enjoy Your Family

It’s so easy to be stressing while you have company over to make sure everything is perfect, but you and your guests will enjoy the holidays so much more if you just take time to relax and spend time with each other.

Put your phone down and stop worrying about all that you have to do tomorrow or the next week and just enjoy each others company!

We don’t do that often enough and it will be more memorable if you do! All the things you have to do will still be there the next day so just take time to enjoy your family when they are over instead.

My husband and me by the Christmas Tree
My Hubby and I
Family picture by the Christmas tree
It was extra special spending this Thanksgiving with our Meme as she has battled breast cancer all year long. She is a warrior for sure!
Funny cat posing by the Christmas tree
My brother and my cat are obviously besties!
Thanksgiving Feast
Our first Thanksgiving feast in our house
Thanksgiving Meal
Look at all that yummy food!
Funny Cat Picture
My Toby loved having everyone over to adore him!

I hope these five tips will help you the next time you have to host. I hope it helps you feel less stressed and makes things easier for you too! Do y’all normally host for holidays or other big events?? Let me know!

5 Tips For Making Hosting During the Holidays Easier For You
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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: Christmas, Holiday Hosting, recipes, thanksgiving

About Charity Gentry

I love Jesus, coffee, and home decor. I also love to cook and bake as well as read in my spare time! Follow along with me for all my latest DIY projects and ideas!

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Comments

  1. Maria says

    November 30, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    I am so glad your first Thanksgiving in your home went so well. I love your idea about each person decorating a ginger bread house, that is awesome!!!
    Thanks for sharing:)

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      November 30, 2019 at 7:07 pm

      Awe thank you so much Maria! I really appreciate that! And yes, the gingerbread houses were definitely the highlight of the Thanksgiving break!

      Reply
  2. Laura says

    December 3, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    This is some great advice! I feel like when I have guests I am always trying something new and it takes so much more time and I’m so distracted. Then this year it was just my husband and kiddos so I made our favorites and it was so easy. Probably need to stick to the known favorites company or not.

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      December 3, 2019 at 11:21 pm

      Exactly! I always think it’s much easier too! Can’t go wrong with the family favorites!

      Reply
  3. Jodie | That Happy Reader says

    November 21, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    I like all these ideas and things to reduce stress. I don’t think too many of us will be hosting anyone this year due to the pandemic though 🥲

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      November 22, 2020 at 8:13 pm

      Yes it won’t be the same as last year that’s for sure. That’s when I wrote this post though lol

      Reply
  4. Johana says

    November 21, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    Thank you for sharing! These are such great tips! I think the main thing that is stressful when hosting is thinking everything has to be homemade.

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      November 22, 2020 at 8:14 pm

      Yes! I think that the main cause of the stress too!

      Reply
  5. Eleanor says

    November 21, 2020 at 5:37 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I think hosting can be a super stressful time for some families, although it might not be an issue this year haha!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      November 22, 2020 at 8:15 pm

      Haha yeah it may not be the same this year for sure! No stress at all lol

      Reply
  6. lifestyleseason says

    November 21, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    Great post and hosting tips! Love the gingerbread house idea! Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      November 22, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      Thank you so much! The gingerbread houses were so much fun!

      Reply
  7. Sue Berk Koch says

    November 21, 2020 at 7:19 pm

    I do tend to want everything homemade, but making past favorites takes a lot of stress out of the equation. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      November 22, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      Yes it sure does! And no problem!

      Reply
  8. Jaya Avendel says

    November 21, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    I love your happy pictures! Your gingerbread houses are making me drool too! You have a village of them.
    Sticking to tried and true recipes is so helpful; knowing something cannot go wrong comes with a bucket of confidence. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Lucy says

    November 21, 2020 at 9:34 pm

    I’m happy to hear that you had a great Thanksgiving! I love how you said that not everything has to be homemade, that’s so true! I would never want to put myself under any sort of pressure cooking so many different things when I could buy it from a local bakery! x

    Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      November 22, 2020 at 8:27 pm

      Exactly! And you would be supporting the bakery too which is always nice!

      Reply

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Hey friends 👋🏼 It’s time for a little rein Hey friends 👋🏼 It’s time for a little reintroduction!
I’m Charity, the face behind Mornings on Macedonia! ☀️ By day I’m a dental hygienist, and by night I’m your decor-obsessed content creator who’s always got a project (or a cozy candle) going 😂

I’m a proud cat mom to Toby + Riley 🐾, a wife of 9 years 💕, and I love sharing all things cozy home decor, simple DIYs, and easy recipes you’ll actually make!

If you love making your builder-grade house feel more custom (without breaking the bank), you’re in the right place 🙌🏼
Hit that follow to join me on this journey, and comment “shop” below if you want the link to shop my home on LTK! ✨ #dentalhygienists #dentalhygienelife #homedecorlovers #homebloggers #homecontent #catmomlife
Remember those apple slices I froze a few weeks ag Remember those apple slices I froze a few weeks ago? Well, they’re finally getting their moment- crockpot cinnamon apples for today’s Tuesday Treats! 😋 The house smells like fall, and y’all… these are so easy and delicious. Dessert or side dish? You decide! Comment “recipe” below and I’ll send it your way! 🙌🏻
POV: You’re calm, cool, and collected on Thanksg POV: You’re calm, cool, and collected on Thanksgiving because you made your pie crusts way ahead of time 🥧🙌 Comment “pie” if you want the hack that saves my sanity every year!
POV: Cruising the backroads in the ‘67 Chevelle POV: Cruising the backroads in the ‘67 Chevelle with the fall colors in full swing 🍂 Nothing beats a Sunday drive, football on TV, and homemade chili waiting at home. This is peak fall happiness right here 😌🏈 #67Chevelle #chevelle #chevellemalibu
POV: When your holiday decorating turns into a ful POV: When your holiday decorating turns into a full-blown cleanup session 😅 Note to self—blow out the candle before hanging the garland 🙃 Cleaning candle wax off dark wood floors? 0/10 do not recommend 😂
But hey, shoutout to @antiquecandleco_ because that candle didn’t even break 👏 If you want a candle that smells amazing and can survive a fall, grab their Tree Farm candle and use my code “Macedonia20” for 20% off 🎄🕯️
POV: When your holiday decorating turns into a ful POV: When your holiday decorating turns into a full-blown cleanup session 😅 Note to self—blow out the candle before hanging the garland 🙃 Cleaning candle wax off dark wood floors? 0/10 do not recommend 😂
But hey, shoutout to @antiquecandleco_ because that candle didn’t even break 👏 If you want a candle that smells amazing and can survive a fall, grab their Tree Farm candle and use my code “Macedonia20” for 20% off 🎄🕯️
POV: You swore you didn’t need another Christmas POV: You swore you didn’t need another Christmas tree… until this viral one from @loweshomeimprovement stole your heart 😍✨ With 2,250 LED lights (yes, really!) and the option to switch between classic white or cozy multicolor, it’s giving major nostalgic Christmas magic ✨ Comment “tree” below for the link before it sells out!
Be honest, are you team white lights or multicolor Be honest, are you team white lights or multicolor this Christmas? 👀 I’ve always been team white… until I met this viral tree 😍✨ The cozy glow just screams nostalgic Christmas magic! Comment “tree” below for the link 🎄
POV: You swore you didn’t need another Christmas POV: You swore you didn’t need another Christmas tree… until this viral one from @loweshomeimprovement stole your heart 😍✨ With 2,250 LED lights (yes, really!) and the option to switch between classic white or cozy multicolor, it’s giving major nostalgic Christmas magic ✨ Comment “tree” below for the link before it sells out!
I can’t believe Halloween is just a week away! C I can’t believe Halloween is just a week away! Can you?! Although, I’m fine with it because I’m ready to deck the halls over here anyway 😂 But first things first, if you’re planing a fun Halloween party, you’ve got to check some of these spooky scary recipes out! I’ve created a list of my favorite Halloween recipes over on the blog today so if you want to try them out too, comment “recipe” below and I’ll send them your way! 👇🏻 Have a happy Friday my friends! 😉
Can you believe Halloween is only a week away?! 😱 I’m so ready for spooky season fun (even though I’m secretly itching to deck the halls already 😂). If you’re throwing a Halloween bash, you need to try these spooky-good recipes I rounded up on the blog! 🕸️👻 Comment “recipe” below and I’ll send them your way!👇🏻
It’s finally here!! The biggest @minkycouture sa It’s finally here!! The biggest @minkycouture sale of the year! All their dreamy blankets are 60% OFF today only with my code “CharityG” 😍🙌🏻 Even Toby’s living his best cozy life 😹 These make the perfect Christmas gifts, and you get free shipping on orders over $100! But hurry, this sale is gone in 24 hours!! Comment “shop” below for the link!!
It’s finally here!! The biggest @minkycouture sa It’s finally here!! The biggest @minkycouture sale of the year! All their dreamy blankets are 60% OFF today only with my code “CharityG” 😍🙌🏻 Even Toby’s living his best cozy life 😹 These make the perfect Christmas gifts, and you get free shipping on orders over $100! But hurry, this sale is gone in 24 hours!! Comment “shop” below for the link!!
POV: You’re the cool Halloween hostess who shows POV: You’re the cool Halloween hostess who shows up with the treat board everyone can’t stop talking about 👻🖤 I made this spooky sweet charcuterie board using my @shopfancypanz, and it turned out so cute! The best part? I can just pop the lid back on when we’re done! No-bake, no stress, all treats 🍫🍬 Comment “Shop” below if you want the link to these cool pans too! 😉
PSA: Don’t make this Halloween crack candy unles PSA: Don’t make this Halloween crack candy unless you plan on eating half the pan yourself 😅🎃 It’s that good! Ask me how I know 🤣 Comment “recipe” below and I’ll share the danger with you too 👇🏻
POV: you refuse to throw away that one “hopeless POV: you refuse to throw away that one “hopeless” vintage find 🤣 I grabbed some @thegorillagluecompany and gave this poor broken crock a second chance, and honestly, it turned out pretty amazing! It may not be perfect, but the crack just adds to the vintage charm, right?! Now it’s living its best life as a cute faux plant holder 🌿💪
When your hubby finally gives you what you really When your hubby finally gives you what you really want! 🤣 A tree in every room of the house… even his Mancave! Is anyone else crazy enough to have Christmas trees in every room or am I all alone?! 😜
PSA: Don’t make this Halloween crack candy unles PSA: Don’t make this Halloween crack candy unless you plan on eating half the pan yourself 😅🎃 It’s that good! Comment “recipe” and I’ll share the danger with you too 👇🏻
POV: You’re calm, cool, and collected on Thanksg POV: You’re calm, cool, and collected on Thanksgiving because you made your pie crusts way ahead of time 🥧🙌 Comment “pie” if you want the hack that saves my sanity every year!
Tell me you’ve started decorating for Christmas Tell me you’ve started decorating for Christmas without telling me you’ve started decorating for Christmas 😍 These mini Target wreaths on our farmhouse windows + the flocked trees = perfection! Comment “shop” if you need them too 🎄

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