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Prepping for Company with Big Lots — Tips + Tricks

October 14, 2019 by Rachel 50 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links

Oh, hi, October! And hellooooo, Fall! In our house, this season is very exciting because it’s the start of all things fun. This also means that it’s the start of all things busy. Am I right?!

Personally, I try to prep for the upcoming holidays as much as possible now so that I have less to do later. At crunch time — you know, just before company is coming over — I don’t want to be worrying about things that could have been taken care of.

Lucky for me, this year we’re starting with a blank slate. When we moved into our forever home last year, it was a week before Christmas. I threw the tree up and that was that. So this year I’m excited to decorate on our (literally) blank walls.

Here’s how I’m prepping for the holidays now.

A blank slate doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money. I’ve turned to Big Lots to get all of our holiday dining, decor, and baking goods without breaking the bank!

The Perfect Holiday Tablescape

I chose a neutral setting that allows me to easily use the same table settings for both Thanksgiving and Christmas (and every little party in between). The chargers, plates, and table runner were all super affordable and incredibly on-trend.

plates and chargers with welcome sign
plate and charger with wine decanter

Food Prep Essentials

As I mentioned earlier, I try to make as much food ahead of time as possible. Big Lots has all of the items I need to make my favorite cookies, breads, and bars. They carry all of my favorite baking mixes and other staples like sugar, flour, and vanilla extract so I can make big batches and freeze them. Pro-tip: Wrap the loaves and cookies in plastic before putting them into freezer bags!

Food Prep mixer

The day before hosting, I’ll take my baked goods out of the freezer and put them into these adorable takeaway containers for my guests. That way no one leaves empty-handed!

I can’t wait to host friends and family this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Setting The Bar

There’s so much merriment surrounding the holidays that I want every person that steps into our home to be welcome to celebrate. Part of my hosting-prep includes setting the bar. I want all things cocktail-related to be ready for guests because no one wants to have to run out last minute for sugar or garnish!

Big Lots has everything I need to have a fantastic array of beverage and cocktail options — and the barware to serve them in!

Champagne flutes and coffee maker

Whatever you do, don’t wait! Get that holiday prepping done now so that you can enjoy these moments with your loved ones later.

Tell me — what is your best way to prepare for having company?

the perfect holiday tablescape

Filed Under: brews + food, cooking, deals, drinks, holiday gift guide, home decor, money saving tips, tips + tricks Tagged With: cooking, deals, desserts, holiday gift guide, holidays, home decor, money saving tips, tips + tricks

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kileen

    October 15, 2019 at 12:04 am

    Now that the holidays are literally right around the corner, shopping at big lots makes everything so much easier because it’s a one stop shop for all your needs!!

    Kileen

    Reply
  2. Aria | Blogs by Aria

    October 15, 2019 at 6:13 am

    It’s definitely the time of year to start thinking about hosting guests! I love the idea of sending guests with baked goods in cute to go containers.

    Reply
  3. Alexis

    October 15, 2019 at 10:42 am

    I love shopping deals to decorate for the holidays. I love the tablescape you put together.

    Reply
  4. Harmony, Momma To Go

    October 15, 2019 at 11:16 am

    we previously have not done a ton of hosting but I would love to! Love those wine glasses/flutes. I have never been to Big Lots – looks like they have a lot of great stuff!

    Reply
  5. Nate

    October 15, 2019 at 11:49 am

    Loved how you prepared everything. Being prepared and maybe sometimes overprepared is not a bad thing either!

    Reply
  6. Amber Battishill

    October 15, 2019 at 1:32 pm

    I love Big Lots! I wish that we had more of them in our area because they always have the best deals!

    Reply
  7. Maureen

    October 15, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    I love the tablescape and the minibar. I haven’t been to big lots in a while, I must visit soon.

    Reply
  8. Cityrocka Perry

    October 15, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    I just have one question? What time should I arrive to the holiday festivities? Lol. Seriously, wonderful tips and enjoy to the fullest. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  9. Nikki Hall

    October 15, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    I have bought so many things from big lots for party planning and the holidays. They have so many different items at affordable prices, which is great for sticking to a budget!

    Reply
  10. Christopher Mitchell

    October 15, 2019 at 9:41 pm

    Well, it looks like you’re absolutely set up for the upcoming holidays! I hope you have a blast!

    Reply
  11. Diana

    October 15, 2019 at 11:43 pm

    I guess we’re lucky and never have to host for the holidays, so very little prepping for us! Very thankful to have family members that do all the work.

    Reply
  12. Kuntala Bhattacharya

    October 16, 2019 at 12:49 am

    Liked your preparation and the shopping you have done. We do shop in lots in India though we do not have Big Lots here in a similar scale. But we go for hypermarkets or supermarkets for the same. Encouraging post.

    Reply
  13. Alyssa Dawson

    October 16, 2019 at 12:55 am

    Such cute table prep! And I am seriously so excited for the holidays!!

    Reply
  14. MUDPIEFRIDAYS

    October 16, 2019 at 2:19 am

    You really great preparing everything! It’s simple but so amazing, and thank you for this wonderful idea!

    Reply
  15. Agnes

    October 16, 2019 at 2:30 am

    Shopping well in advance makes everything a lot easier. I like preparing for festivities in good time. The only thing I hate about hosting parties is the work involved… man do I get tired, lol.

    Reply
  16. Maartje van Sandwijk

    October 16, 2019 at 4:19 am

    I’m so excited about the holidays this year! Really can’t wait to start prepping 🙂

    Reply
  17. Cristina Petrini

    October 16, 2019 at 4:38 am

    If only you were as good as you, I would also like festive tables so appealing!

    Reply
  18. Twinspirational

    October 16, 2019 at 4:39 am

    You have such great ideas..! Love this blog, I will be looking forward for more..! thanks for sharing..!

    Reply
  19. Ola @ WanderWithOla

    October 16, 2019 at 7:11 am

    Wow, you’re such an excellent host that you make sure no one would leave empty-handed! Your guests must be really happy! ~ Ola @ WanderWithOla

    Reply
  20. Razena

    October 16, 2019 at 7:18 am

    Your preparedness reminds me of my late mother. Like you she loved to entertain and often fed large crowds of friends or relatives with takeaways to spare. I love your charger plates.

    Reply
  21. Laura

    October 16, 2019 at 8:13 am

    Thank you for these amazing tips. I’ll definetly will keep some of these in mind when preping for holidays x

    Laura
    https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  22. Amber Myers

    October 16, 2019 at 8:22 am

    What pretty things! I am so excited to decorate for the holidays. I’ve always liked Big Lots.

    Reply
  23. TweenselMom (@TweenselMom)

    October 16, 2019 at 9:05 am

    You are the perfect host and I love to attend your party one of these days.

    Reply
  24. From Jess to You Services

    October 16, 2019 at 10:19 am

    I don’t host enough to need to do all of this but your post had some great tips that I’ll need when I do have visitors at the end of this month.

    Reply
  25. Natalia

    October 16, 2019 at 2:02 pm

    These are some really great tips! I’ve never been too good at decorating things. Hope following your tips will make a difference for me this year! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Samar

    October 16, 2019 at 3:02 pm

    WOW…

    thank you so much for the great tips, I picked up this post before leaving on this weekend, while I am packing.

    so yeah… Thanks.

    Reply
  27. Jay Mih

    October 16, 2019 at 6:26 pm

    Thanks for sharing this. I need to visit Big Lots now!!!

    Reply
  28. Jessica Joachim

    October 16, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    I do a ton of hosting guests this time of the year. I need to take a trip to Big Lots and pick up a few things to stock up and decorate my spare room better.

    Reply
  29. Mommy Rockin In Style

    October 16, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    Parties with wine make me excited! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  30. Nicz E

    October 17, 2019 at 12:52 am

    Nice blog..! Thanks for sharing your ideas on how to prep for the holidays.. Holiday preps are sometimes so exhausting, this would be very helpful.

    Reply
  31. Rachel

    October 17, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Big Lots has amazing deals on decortations and housewares. I like to go and see if I can find unique items.

    Reply
  32. Chad

    October 17, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    This is awesome! I am so excited for the holidays but I do dread the preparations lol

    Reply
  33. Marysa

    October 17, 2019 at 5:02 pm

    I am looking forward to preparing for the holidays this year. I haven’t shopped at a Big Lots in many years. It would be fun to check it out!

    Reply
  34. Gideon Akachukwu Okorie

    October 17, 2019 at 5:17 pm

    Big lots? Just hearing about them for the first and with your honest review, I think they are worth a trial.

    Reply
  35. Candace Hampton

    October 17, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    Big Lots is one my favorite stores to shop for decoration. It’s never too crowded and it has amazing prices. With all the upcoming holidays, I sure have some shopping to do. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  36. David Elliott

    October 18, 2019 at 4:40 pm

    It just reminds me what I need to do for the holidays. I really need to do some more preparation for it. Get the food and prepare the menu. Actually in reverse order. Haha.

    Reply
  37. anshul

    October 19, 2019 at 6:09 am

    The time of holidays is the best. It is just so nice to see everyone preparing.

    Reply
  38. Kim

    October 19, 2019 at 11:11 am

    I just learned there’s a big lots near me! I heard there’s some great things. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  39. Hoang vi Fessenden

    October 19, 2019 at 11:22 am

    Wow this sounds like it’s going to be a great spread

    Reply
  40. Lisa at Following the Rivera

    October 20, 2019 at 5:50 am

    The holidays are always a stressful time for me, and you’ve given some useful tips to get through them! I’ll be putting these into practice 🙂

    Reply
  41. HolyVeggies

    October 22, 2019 at 7:55 am

    wow, this are all wonderul ideas. I’m so excited about Christmas and can’t wait to decorate for the holidays!

    Reply
  42. Flossie McCowald

    October 23, 2019 at 11:44 am

    I can’t believe you got all this great stuff from Big Lots! My #1 tip for holiday prep is just that – PREP. Far in advance. So there is no last-minute scramble. I try NOT to shop in November, at all (all my Xmas presents are usually bought by then, except for a few targeted last-minute Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals – spacing my shopping throughout the year when I see deals is always best for saving time and $$$ for me. So in November we eat up stuff from the freezer, leaving room in early Dec to cook ahead/freeze for when we host all the grandparents + several aunts/uncles (!) over Xmas for 72 hours straight (!!!)

    Reply
  43. Aditi Wardhan Singh

    October 23, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    This looks so fabulous and festive. Just love how you have outlined your prep for the holidays here.

    Reply
  44. Rachel

    October 23, 2019 at 3:34 pm

    I am going to be hosting for Christmas this year. It is time to get serious about my decorating.

    Reply
  45. Cyndi Buchanan

    October 23, 2019 at 10:23 pm

    Way to get a jump start on the holidays! It’s hard to believe it’s right around the corner!

    Reply
  46. Njkinny

    October 24, 2019 at 3:10 am

    I will be hosting in my new home for the first time and will be using your tips for sure. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  47. Clarice

    October 25, 2019 at 2:56 pm

    Yes! You just said — things are starting to get really busy now.

    Thank you for sharing these tips. We’ll definitely have a lot of company coming since it is our turn to host our annual family reunion. This is really helpful. Appreciate it.

    Reply
  48. Jasmine Hewitt

    October 28, 2019 at 9:01 pm

    I needed this reminder, its def time to start prepping!!

    Reply
  49. Sonia Seivwright

    October 29, 2019 at 3:09 am

    Big Lots sound amazing to shop and save money. I love deals when shopping.

    Reply
  50. Quan Tran

    November 4, 2019 at 12:52 am

    I love some tips on decoration ideas. thank you

    Reply

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