Food

6 Items to Have on Hand for Holiday Hosting

posted on October 1, 2018 | by Amanda Holstein

This post has been sponsored by Safeway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I can’t believe I’m already typing the word “Holiday” right now, but it’s true, the time has come! We all know holiday hosting can be overwhelming, so one thing I like to do before they even begin is get prepared. How? By stocking up on some must-have items that I’ll likely need throughout the season. Want an insider’s tip? Instead of running around picking up things last-minute, I suggest heading to Safeway’s Stock Up Sale from 10/3-10/16. You can literally get everything I’m listing below and save a ton!

1. Paper towels

The first item I’d suggest stocking up on before the holidays is paper towels! From the last minute cleaning before guests arrive to cleaning up messes made by all that holiday cooking, paper towels are definitely essential to have on hand. I’m a big believer in stocking up on these so you don’t need to worry about running out. Go for the Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels in the 12-count size (yes, that many!). They’re also part of Safeway’s Stock Up Sale so you’ll get a great deal!

2. Wine

I mean, duh. But having wine on hand throughout the holiday season is clearly a must. Not just for hosting, but for last-minute gifts if you’re headed to a party as well! And if you didn’t know, Safeway actually has a really solid wine selection! I’d suggest picking up a few bottles of white and red so you have a nice variety. If you have a favorite kind, just get a few bottles of that to keep it easy!

3. Serving platters

One thing I feel like I’m always missing when I need it? A serving platter. Sometimes a large plate just doesn’t cut it. So make sure you have a few serving platters & large bowls ready to go for when guests come over. I usually have 2 large platters on hand, as well as two large bowls. I just use my regular size bowls for things like dips or nuts.

4. Coffee, Tea, & Hot Cocoa

There’s nothing better than something warm to drink during the chilly holiday season. I like to keep coffee & tea on hand, not just for guests, but for me to get through the madness of the season as well! I don’t know what I’d do without my Keurig during the holidays. It’s so easy to whip up a quick cup or even a larger batch with just the press of a button. So I like to stock up on my fave blend of Starbucks K-Cups, their Pike Place Roast! I’ll also grab a few boxes of Starbucks Hot Cocoa, Double Chocolate of course. I mean, do the holidays even exist without hot cocoa??

5. Snacks that last

It can be so overwhelming figuring out what snacks to have on hand for holiday hosting. You want items that can last and won’t go bad too quickly. You also want a good variety, depending on your guests. I suggest some of the classics: chips & salsa, cheese & crackers, and spinach artichoke dip with pita chips. I actually head straight to Safeway’s “entertaining” section where they have everything from dips to high-end cheeses.

6. Toilet paper

But seriously, this is an important one! With all the friends and guests coming in and out of your home throughout the season, chances are you’re gonna go through a ton of toilet paper. Stock up now while they’re on sale and thank me later! I’m a Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet Paper, Mega Rolls fan myself!

Anything you’d add to the list??

I purchased these products and more at my local Safeway, but you can also stock up and save at any of the Albertsons Companies family of stores including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, and Carrs/Safeway. Visit the Safeway website to find a store near you and discover some fun meal prep tips and recipe ideas!

The products mentioned in this post are on sale at the Albertsons Companies family of stores from 10/3 – 10/9 , and new products will be on sale from 10/10 – 10/16. Products on sale at United retailers may differ.