I have been hosting for many years - and always did the Christmas table on Christmas Eve when everyone who was staying had gone to bed. I also used to peel, chop and put in water all the veggies - so your not banished to the kitchen all of Christmas morning. I also used to make my Christmas gravy a couple of weeks before from a roast chicken, veggies from the trivet etc - then freeze - it’s so good to have it ready to just heat on the day. The more prep you can do - the easier the day will be - I used to set up one of the bedrooms with some games and CD’s for any children to be able to watch etc. Little gifts in bedrooms are wonderful to receive - I used to collect little gifts all year to use.

@drchristamarie

2 жыл бұрын

Agree. Prepare most things in advance, so you can not be overwhelmed in the Christmas morning. Great tips 👍🏼

@alexisyates28

2 жыл бұрын

I love these tips, thank you!

Tip: use unscented candles on the table. Scented candles can interfere with the taste of the food because our sense of smell is the first sense used in eating.

@mandyreardon2177

2 жыл бұрын

@Rhonda Darnall I'm so glad you bought this up, because it's not widely thought of. 👏🏻❤️

@Frenchcountryfriends

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this! Will do. Makes sense.

@--M--1111

2 жыл бұрын

Bravo Einstein, that's why you don't set your dinning table in the bathroom.

@alexisyates28

2 жыл бұрын

I love this tip would have never occurred to me

@sallyannc3176

2 жыл бұрын

@@--M--1111 such a rude and stupid comment! What's it got to do with a bathroom - people use scented candles in every room these days so it's useful to remind us not to put them on the table when we'll be eating.

Your guests are so lucky to be hosted by you two! The table settings, food, and decor look fabulous. What I'd give for an invitation to enjoy a roast dinner made by Charlie!

Lovely Josie. My tip is to always warm your plates .. I hate putting hot food onto cold plates, this then helps to keep the food warm throughout the meal. 😊

@abbiemaylor3583

2 жыл бұрын

The aga lends well to that as will have a very low oven for plates.

@sallyannc3176

2 жыл бұрын

I bought an electric plate warmer out of Aldi a few months ago which heats up to 10 plates in a stack in 15 minutes - game changing! It's like a long piece of padded fabric with a heating element in it which concertinas into a plate holding stack that you just slot them into. Much better than heating them in the oven as they don't get too hot and it keeps your oven space free, but the best thing is it only heats the cntre of the plates and not the edges so the plates are easy to handle even when nice and warm! It folds up into a smallish box so very easy to store when you don't need it. There were 8 of us on Christmas Day and I could just sit all my plates in it on the island to warm before we ate - so easy!

I run an unofficial B&B with lots of guests throughout the year. We have a guest house plus a large home to take care of numerous guests at a time. The best advice is to make menus for their entire stay and prep and freeze as much as possible ahead of time. I post the menu for the time they are here and they love it. Many of our guests are returning ones and I keep a notebook on what they can not eat and what they love.

@rfrazar

Жыл бұрын

Wow! Wonderful ❤ Where are you located? 😊

“Maybe that’s a bit sensual” Lol I nearly lost the Prosecco I took a sip of

OH MY -- both the Indian night and Charlie's roasted feast looked mouth-wateringly scrumptious !! How lovely that you pamper your parents in this way and I'm sure your guests were so delighted!

I am constantly amazed at how many lovely crystal vases can be found at various thrift stores.

I love the concept of this video! I've been hosting for years and always make sure my guests (whoever they are) even if they happen to be strangers passing by or friends of guests, are comfortable and treated well. It's a shame at times as a guest myself, that I haven't been treated well in return 😔. So many will appreciate this type of video! 💚💚💚

Your dining room is dreamy!! And everytime I talk myself out of green for my own dining room, I see yours again and I'm right back on the bandwagon. SO pretty!!

Hi Josie, loved the video. Thanks for sharing your life with us. I spent a summer working in a hotel. Pillows on the floor is a a no, no. Please place pillows and cushions on a chair when changing the bed. Shoes on the rug brings in lots of nasties. That is my hosting tip. Thanks again x

@scandisnowgirl3696

2 жыл бұрын

This is why we don't wear shoes in the house in Scandinavia

Hi Josie. In New England, we call the cut circles from tree trunks and limbs wood “coins”. I love that. It truly looks wonderful on the table scape. Well done, you!

Hi Josie, great timing on this topic as we head into the festive season! Your guests surely must have a memorable experience at your place with such a great host and hostess! 🍁🇨🇦

Aw Josie,everything looked so lovely but Charlie’s roast dinner looked amazing.Charlie is superman 🍁

Oh, this is great, Josie...I said "yes" to hosting when in a lockdown fog MONTHS ago and woke up yesterday to discover it is upon us!

Hi Josie, another multi layered vlog packed with great food, ( Charlie's creations look delicious ) family, interesting locations, friends and a festive fall spirit. I am sure your guest appreciate all the little details and thoughtfulness you and Charlie put into their stay.

Literally one of my favourite videos you’ve ever done would love to see more hosting content!!

What lucky guests! Everything looked sublime…. My goodness your home is looking stunning! Always a bright spot in the day to watch Josie !!! Hugs from Texas

Oh this is perfect! It is actually my first time hosting Christmas this year, so this video is much appreciated! 👏😅

Your hosting tips are spot on. One more item I might add is the art of a well written thank you note following the evening.

Love love love the garden gate - FABULOUS

We have guests staying often. We put kettles with tea and coffee and homemade biscuits in the guest bedrooms so that they can make a hot drink when they wake or when they are changing for supper. We put the milk in little thermos flasks to keep it cool. I also like to make sure the guest bathrooms are stocked with spare toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, tissues etc and a hairdryer is available for them to use. We’re lucky enough to have a large garden so part of it is used as a cutting garden, we always have fresh flowers for the house even in January I can normally find something, last year we had roses in December because the weather was so mild. I love that you play music to help the atmosphere, such a nice idea, but just be aware that if you have guests that wear hearing aids (I do nowadays) it can make it really difficult to hear what is being said. Have fun entertaining, it’s a dying art!

@glgardener4972

2 жыл бұрын

Why is entertaining a dying art??? I doesn't take much to have someone over for a meal. And the more you do it the easier it gets. I love having people over but I also like to be invited. It's the fun of getting together. All it takes is a little planning.

@sallyannc3176

2 жыл бұрын

I do that too - I bought a little travel kettle to put on a tray in the spare bedroom with mugs etc like you get in a hotel, so many people appreciate being able to make themselves a cuppa in the morning (or at bed time) before getting dressed.

Eversince I started watching your videos, I always thought you both have this gift - spirit of hospitality! I think your dog found something off about the druid ritual that he barked. I can't wait for your Christmas prep and decoration videos.

Omg!! I love this type of content!!

Such a lovely vlog and thanks for such great tips.

Fantastic tips for hosting and being hosted. I loved your tablescape. The countryside visit was also very enjoyable. Charlie's parents and family friends were truly well looked after ❤

Josie. Great video. Your home n grounds.are just gorgeous. You and Charlie do everything so beautifully and lovely it looks more like a resort than a home. But you do make it very cozy look forward to your next videos 🥰

I loved that idea of dried flowers to wrap in a napkin. Quite informative vlog..

Absolutely love this topic coming from you. You’ve always been creative but these days you’re on fire to always find great topics and a balance between home vlogs and taking us outside for some explorations.

My favourite video of yours thank you. LOVE LOVE the tablescapes and dining content 😍

Another lovely blog. Your hair looks in fabulous condition, really shiny. I prefer it straight! Very flattering.

....wonderful ideas josie. I have a little tip. I would clean and dry all table wear, then cover with a dust sheet, remove before your guests sit down. Though i love to gavhe my plates warmed Thank you for such an informative vid 💕

I love hosting Christmas, I am currently in my planning stage. I like to give my guests a small gift on their plate when they sit down to dinner. Only something small like a nice wine bottle stopper or lovely Christmas decoration. Looking forward to your Christmas content.. roll on the cinnamon buns 🥮

I think staying at your house would be like staying at a really ‘boujee hotel’, only even better 🤩. Some great ideas thank you, and love the gift bags for guests, I will now be doing that xxx❤️

This was wonderful Josie!! Thank you!!

Josie, you looked lovely throughout this video! Charlie's roast omg, just perfection! He is so good in the kitchen.x 😊

Everything looked gorgeous!

Josie, we are hosting 8 for Christmas and 26 for New Year’s. Our 3 guest rooms will each have their own 🎄 decorated with the guest in mind. I love all of your decorating tips. ❤️

@alexisyates28

2 жыл бұрын

Wow how delightful, lucky guests

Love this! More fashion mumblr finishing school please! This is such an inspiring one Josie 🍂

My goodness Josie, your style makes my mouth drop with such inspiration. I can’t wait to move into our country home so I can begin all the fun things you and Charlie have been doing. Nesting. The gold room has gold elements in the bedroom and bathroom, so why not “gold room.”

Enjoyed the vlog. Nice tips as well. You are so sociable .you asking all the right question for the deer.your rooms looks so cosy and beautiful . Loved your bathroom .

Gosh, Charlie really is an ace chef!! That roast looked amazing.

Your skin has been glowing these past couple of vlogs, lol can't get over it. Everytime you speak to the camera, I am just focused on your skin. Stunning!!!

Your elegance is unriveled

Loved this video Josie! Such a good mix of informative and vlog style! You are the best at that!

What a wonderful treat this vlog was...enjoyed it! 🥰

Josie your entertaining skills are exemplary!!! You are beautiful and those outfits are gorgeous. I just want to tell you that what you do really is important and helps a lot... When you ever start to doubt your positive impact. On others please leave those thoughts behind while watching this last night I was inspired to add decor to my tablescape and it really lifted my spirits... After a day of illness feeling bad there was a very bright light and that light was inspired by you... Thank you hugs😍

Yes first time hosting Christmas for me, cannot wait but also don't want to get stressed!

Love your brown leggings, cream jumper and light brown fur trimmed gilet outfit! Such a beautiful color combination. You give me outfit inspiration every video.🤎

I really like this kind of videos, it feels so cozy. Love from Sweden 💗

Everything looks so lovely!

I love hosting too! Enjoyed this blog very much!

Yes I’m so excited another video thank you .

Wow! Josie you must be a mind reader ! You come out with the best and required videos exact when we need them .. saw your dinner on your Instagram stories- looked great! I’m about to watch now 🤍

I’m hosting Christmas 🎄 I have been for the last 10 years and I love it!!

Greatest, heart warming the most wholesome content I have watched in a while thank youuu ❤️ also straight hair looks great on you 😍

38:00 my favorite tip was to serve food in the dishes it was cooked in. Loved this blog. 👩‍🍳 👨‍🍳

Wow you are so creative, Josie. I love the table setting. Super nice 😊

Beautiful hosting, Josie. It looked so relaxing and lovely.

Watching your videos makes me feel like I'm traveling...thank you Josie! From Holland, Michigan, USA

Seriously incredible, loved!

Love your tablescape. I think Charlie should bring out a cook book… Food looks amazing!

I find your videos so calming and restful - I really want to eat a Charlie roast too :) x

I adore those country lanes, driven with your handsome new Defender!

What an excellent idea - how to host❣️🥰 my daughter, sliced herself, some wood segments which she buffed and then varnish. She actually used then for her year 0 class as letters and numbers. But your idea is epic! Oh I’m desperate for some Indian (Bengali) food!!! Yours looked delicious 😋 only in England could you get such old Druid customs. And just to make me hungry an epic Charlie roast 🤩 Pork is one of my favourite too. Thanks for the content. Xxxx

Loved this video!! Keep up the great work ✨✨✨❤️

your skin is just glowing!

I will be hosting Xmas Eve this year (first time ) with my partner in our house, I'm so excited !! I can't wait ! I've started preparation from 1st of November ! :)

What a lovely video. Everything looked so beautiful. Well done to both of you. 🥰

Really enjoyed this thank you Josie, 💕❤️🥰

You are great ! I love your blog, all around 💙

Looved that kind of video sooo much 😍

Probably my favorite vlog yet & that’s saying something!😊Looks like an amazing weekend- I’m not one who likes to host, but I wouldn’t mind being a guest of yours😉❤️

Wow amazing I’m hosting this year 🎄some amazing tips 💕just been watching your last year’s Christmas Vlogs can’t wait to see this years 🎄

I’ll be hosting Christmas Dinner this year and I absolutely can’t wait! The food prepared by the private chef looked sublime, I’m entirely a sucker for anything that contains mushrooms. That was a lovely touch as well from Tom Ford, sending you your preferred fragrance. That would make me feel so special!

@lynseycobden203

2 жыл бұрын

I am salad an absolute mushroom fiend! I approve this message

Well done hosting, Brilliant x

Outstanding content. With all things inspiring ,beautiful and cosy loved it 😍 ❤

Hi Josie that was so interesting on hosting . I think my hosting a lot of people is behind me now, l don't have the energy or want to do it. It was lovely you went to your friends for an Indian party, one of my daughter's is married to a Shrilankan and they cook up beautiful food. Charlie is wonderful with his roasts, it looked so delicious. I'm sure your guests had a lovely time. 💜💙

Re the wood chargers etc. Hubby has been joiner for long long time. His advice is you can sand them now but do not put any varnish or whatever on yet. They need to dry out completely otherwise they will all crack. We used this idea for our daughter’s wedding cakes. They had a traditional cake and a cheese wedding cake, both were lovely, sitting on wooden base made from slice of tree. Very good cheesemonger supplied all the cheeses and note for the venue as in how to build up into a “cake”

@alexisyates28

2 жыл бұрын

I know this was ages ago but roughly how long does it take for the wood to dry out? Thanks for the tips, your daughters cake sounds gorgeous

Nice vlog Josie 💙 Thought I'd offer for those who may not have the space &/or budget is tight... Host a "Pot Luck". Any meal you choose. Plan a menu & have friends/family bring a item. Or just have them bring their favorite to share. As the host you provide the Turkey, Roast or whatever your group enjoys for the mealtime you select: Brunch; Lunch or Dinner. Bon Appetit 🌾😊

@sallyannc3176

2 жыл бұрын

Yes - my student daughter often does this with friends, she'll provide the main course and veg (and venue!) and ask others to bring either nibbles/something to drink/dessert and they can pretty cheaply have a lovely evening without one person being very out of pocket!

Omg I love that dress xxx

I loved so much 😍 ✨ 🥰 Josie and Charlie 💖 💖

After watching Sunday's video and loving the wooden cookies, I asked my tree cutter to cut me some rounds from the trunk he was removing. I remembered to ask for a little a little thinner than yours and he did a perfect job. I now have 8 wooden charger plates. Question Are you still planning to seal yours? A DIY video would be great! Thanks Josie!

I really valued the hosting tips and napkin folding.

Perfect timing for this video! We are hosting Christmas for the first time this year and it’s 4 days of people in our home so I’ve been looking for tips 😊👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 thank you Josie x

@--M--1111

2 жыл бұрын

Yes of course. You got to make sure there isn't a piece of caca floating in the guest's toilet.

@sallyannc3176

2 жыл бұрын

@@--M--1111 you again with your potty-based comments - so immature.

@--M--1111

2 жыл бұрын

@@sallyannc3176 but it is true...I mean it is true . I went to a house once and the lady forgot to flush

Love your style so much!!!🤗🥰😘

Charley and you are such good cooks!

We had to put our Dexter down on Monday. So nice to hear about Dexter on your channel now. Mine looked like a black little Ewok. 🥰 All the food looks amazing! Those veggies he was making sounds so good. 😳

That Zimmerman dress looks beautiful on you!

You're always a classy lady

My 5 year old son said, “I love how pretty she looks. Looks like she’s just had a bath.” 😂

Love you're vlogs. My absolute favourite youtuber. ❤💗❤💗❤

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 so eager to watch this

This was sooo helpful thank you so much

Lovely video and Charlie food looks amazing

10 years hosting and being with Charlie. You two are ideal couple. Hope you tie the knot.

Dear Josie, a message and compliments from the Netherlands. Every time I enjoy your Vlog so I can enjoy your world in the Cotswolds Our holidays always go to Italy because that's our boat, we have 2 companies and little free time, but you convinced us through your amazing Vlogs to go to the Cotswolds next holiday, beautiful!!! Thank you so much for your wonderful vlogs, we enjoy watching them every time. Dear greetings from the Netherlands from Jacquelien Slooten, big fan

Tempted to take notes while I watch this!!!

Dinner party with your Phantom of the Opera candle holders oooozing with ghostly wax.

Your eyes look nice Josie with the flick, very flattering.x 😊