Even though holidays should be a nice vacation for moms, sometimes they can turn into a headache. When you invite people over, you feel pressured to make sure everything is clean and the home looks festive. But as a mom, you might still have that nagging voice in your head asking, "Did I do enough?"
The short answer is yes. Moms, in general, put a ton of pressure on themselves. They need to realize that their true friends and family aren't attending the party to judge — they're only there to have a good time . Plus, they can also help manage some of the responsibility. Your event can be a potluck so that you're not in charge of all of the cooking and baking. Instead, focus more on the activities and overall decor. Your personal space should make you feel happy and festive, even after your guests have left.
There are plenty of great things to buy to put you in the holiday mood. Some items will make the kitchen tasks that you dotake on just a little more fun. Other things will add a pop of color to your dining room and remind you that the holidays are a special occasion.
In short — take a deep breath, mom. Your family gathering will be a hit because you're a great host. But if you need a little shopping therapy to add a little more pizzazz to your party, here are some must-buy holiday items from some of your favorite retailers.
TableTopics, Set of 3
If you're looking for a family-friendly topic to discuss (or just want to avoid politics) this set of question cards can point you in the right direction. The set of three covers Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Genius!
Shop the Holiday TableTopics ($9.99, T.J. Maxx).
Pie Plates, Set of 2
Holidays are all about festive pies. Whether it's apple, pumpkin, or even a delicious blueberry pie, this two-piece deep dish pie plate set will make your life a lot easier. These are perfectly safe for both your oven and your refrigerator.
Shop the Glass Deep Pie Plate Set ($18.71, Walmart).
Cinnamon Vanilla Candle
Even if you've passed off baking to a family member, it doesn't mean that your house can't smell like cinnamon. One of the best ways to get into the party spirit is by immersing your home in a welcoming aroma, and this particular candle is a great combination of holiday scents.
Shop the Cinnamon Vanilla Candle ($7.99, T.J. Maxx).
Festive Etched Wine Glass
One of the biggest party mistakes is underestimating the number of wine glasses you need. And glasses sometimes get misplaced or broken, so it's good to stock up. This large glass etched with the meaningful message "Grateful, Thankful, Blessed" is dishwasher safe and ideal for red wine.
Shop the 18 oz. Etched Red Wine Glass ($34.99, Wayfair).
Magnetic Cheese Board Set
When you have young kids, you may be concerned about making sure they're keeping their hands off the cutlery — especially sharp knives. This cheese board keeps its five included cheese tools in order. And since everyone loves cheese, a cheese board is a holiday must.
Shop the Magnetic Cheese Board Set ($16, Walmart).
Light-Up Initial Ornaments
One of the most important themes of the holiday season is family. Show your kids how important they are by displaying their first initials for all of the party guests to see. These are so versatile that they can be used anywhere to add a little bit of light.
Shop the LED Marquee Initial Ornaments ($10.99, Macy's).
Old-Fashioned Popcorn Machine
Popcorn is a great treat for any occasion — and a perfect snack if a lot of kids will be showing up at your party. Why not try making some at home? This nostalgic popcorn maker will delight your guests and also be useful if you typically string popcorn around your Christmas tree.
Shop the Popcorn Maker ($37.99, Wayfair).
Seasonal Place Mats, Set of 4
Place mats protect your table and also add festive warmth to your family meal. All moms know that kids have slightly better table manners when the table decor goes up, as it signifies a special occasion. These particular place mats are a great way to welcome both fall and winter.
Shop the Reindeer Place Mat Set ($17.99, Wayfair).
Autumn Cookie Cutters, Set of 7
You may have your fair share of Christmas cookie cutters, so why not add these into the mix to celebrate all of the end-of-the-year holidays? Baking is a great activity for the kids, and having them present the desserts they made to the rest of the family will make them feel proud.
Shop the Fall Cookie Cutter Set ($4.97, Walmart).
Holiday Wall Decal
If your walls are looking a little bare, a holiday decal is an excellent way to make your space inviting for guests and fun for kids. Decals easily peel off, meaning that the design won't be permanent. As a bonus, it'll be a great backdrop for family photos during your party.
Shop the Holiday Wall Decal ($28.99, Wayfair).
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
