Simple, Cozy, PEI-Style Holiday Dinner Party
There’s something about this time of year on Prince Edward Island that makes me want to invite people in, light some candles, and make something delicious. Maybe it’s the twinkle lights. Maybe it’s the smell of cinnamon everywhere. Maybe it’s just the joy of gathering before the real winter sets in.
Whatever it is, this is the season when hosting feels extra fun.
My Love of Hosting Started Early
In my childhood home, hosting wasn’t fancy. It was simply “company coming for supper,” and my mom always knew how to make it feel warm and thoughtful.
She always added a special touch. The tablecloth (sometimes under plastic), the wooden candlesticks from a local artisan, the wine glasses she and Dad brought home from Germany. Soup was the first course. Homemade pie was the finale. And I was always on salad duty with the wooden bowl she seasoned with garlic.
Those memories still make me smile. And truthfully… I owe Mom an apology for all those nights when she cooked from scratch and we didn’t help with the cleanup. Sorry, Mom. Truly.
But that was where I first learned that hosting is just another way of loving people
(Photo: Adding little touches adds an extra element to your guests experience.)
Hosting Today: Let’s Keep It Easy
Here’s what I know now: hosting doesn’t need to be fancy to be fabulous.
These days my dinner parties look wildly different from my childhood ones. Some nights it’s tacos. Some nights it’s brunch-for-dinner. Some nights it’s takeout served on my favorite dishes (nobody needs to know).
The point is the gathering. The laughter. The clinking of glasses.
Not the perfect roast or the Pinterest centerpiece.
Honestly… fun hosting is simple hosting
Little Things That Make Hosting So Much More Fun
Here are my go-to ways to make a dinner party feel relaxed, warm, and actually enjoyable for the host too:
• Make it a potluck, but plan the menu.
Everyone brings something, but it still feels coordinated and delicious.
• Outsource one thing.
A local bakery, a local chef, or even our bakery at the Preserve. One pre-made item brings so much ease.
• Prep what you can the night before.
Salad washed, dessert done, table set. You’ll thank yourself later.
• Set up a drink station.
Wine, sparkling water, a simple cocktail option, ice, glasses. Let guests help themselves.
• Music is non-negotiable.
At my house, people always drift toward the kitchen island, and music sets the vibe immediately. Here’s my Spotify Christmas Playlist with some classics and some family favorites. - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75FshkqBfhZCHkbkXN5vqw?si=Cem2rbyeReGcxmb17-d4XQ
• Fresh flowers everywhere.
Even in the powder room. It feels like instant magic.
• Figure out the coat situation before people arrive.
You’d be surprised how much smoother the arrival feels.
• And truly… embrace the chaos of the kitchen island.
It’s where the good conversations happen anyway.
A Simple Hosting Checklist
Because a checklist takes your brain out of the equation:
• Menu planned
• One dish bought, not made
• Table set the night before
• Bar/drink station ready
• Music playlist queued
• Fresh flowers placed (Mike Kelly is my very favorite florist at Flower Buds in Charlottetown!)
• Powder room refreshed
• Coats sorted
• Candles ready
• One deep breath before opening the door
Closing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people don’t remember the dishes you used or whether the bun tray matched your serving bowls.
They remember how it felt to be in your home.
Warm. Welcomed. Relaxed.
And maybe a little full.
And as we head into the holiday season, I want to wish you and your loved ones a time filled with love, laughter, and plenty of good food shared around the table. Whether you’re continuing long-held traditions or creating new ones, I hope this season brings moments that slow you down and fill your heart.
Thank you for being part of our story and allowing our products to be part of your celebrations. From my kitchen to yours, wishing you a truly wonderful holiday season and many beautiful memories ahead.
Lots of Love,
Marsha
