Thank you Walmart for partnering with me to bring you this post!
I can’t believe Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Are you hosting any holiday gatherings this season? The pressure to create a picture-perfect event can feel overwhelming, especially with social media showing elaborate decorations, inventive table settings, and extravagant menus. That standard can make hosting seem out of reach before you even send an invitation.
Here’s some reassurance: it’s perfectly fine — and often preferable — to keep things simple. Informal, impromptu gatherings can be just as meaningful and memorable as more elaborate affairs, and they’re often easier on the host.
Below I share practical tips for hosting relaxed gatherings that put everyone, including you, at ease.
I wrote the book Simple Gatherings to help hostesses simplify the experience of opening their homes. Simplicity eases stress and often makes the gathering more enjoyable for everyone. That’s one reason I shop at Walmart — it makes hospitality convenient, affordable, and fast. You can pop in last-minute and find everything from tasty ready-made food to pretty tableware, so you leave prepared and confident without overspending or exhausting yourself.
Worried your home isn’t big enough or picture-perfect? Or that you won’t have the time or skill to prepare food and set a pretty table? Most gatherings don’t need elaborate styling or a magazine-ready room. Invite friends for simple treats — donuts and cider on the back patio, a cozy firepit evening, or a casual kitchen-table get-together. These low-pressure invitations are often the ones people remember most.
In Simple Gatherings I noted the elements guests remember most: the atmosphere, the food, and the special touches. None of these require extravagance. A warm atmosphere, tasty bites, and a thoughtful detail can make a small gathering feel special.
People are busy during the holidays, and impromptu invitations remove some of the stress. One simple secret I’ve learned: offer food. An invitation that promises snacks or a warm drink is hard to resist.
If food preparation or table styling intimidates you, keep it light and fun. Let go of perfection. For example, use small footed stands to create a playful tower of donuts — an unexpected presentation that makes guests smile.
We found charming wood footed stands that are perfect for elevating food or decor. Simple props like these add visual interest and elevate even the most casual treats. A leaning tower of donuts doesn’t need to be spotless — its playful, imperfect nature often becomes the highlight of the gathering.
Yes, you could set a box of donuts on the table, but the quirky presentation often creates a more memorable moment than a perfectly arranged tray. Little surprises and unexpected touches make gatherings fun.
We were able to put together this informal “cider and donuts” gathering using items from Walmart and a few things we already owned. It took only minutes to set up, and it felt inviting and festive.
Items we used:
We paired aqua dishes we already had with a plaid tablecloth and a white oval Dutch oven for the cider. A braided charger added texture under the Dutch oven, and winter floral “cheers” napkins made the setup feel celebratory. These small details brought warmth and personality to a very simple spread.
We often complicate hosting and then avoid it altogether. But gatherings don’t need to be perfect. Your home doesn’t need to be magazine-ready to be welcoming. Bringing people together — whether to catch up or to make new connections — is what creates joy.
Keep it simple: offer delicious food, and don’t feel you must make everything from scratch. Using prepared items is totally fine — transfer them to your own dishes if you like a homemade look. Add a few special touches: turn on a playlist, light a candle, or set out a cozy blanket. These small choices make an event feel intentional.
Our cozy firepit reminded me how a holiday gathering can feel festive without formality. A tower of donuts, mugs of steaming cider, and good conversation are often all you need to create warmth and connection this season.
Sources (click photos and links below for details):
Gluten-Free Apple Cider
Glazed Donuts
White Adirondack Chair (similar)
Winter Floral Cheers Napkins
Plaid Tablecloth
Braided Round Placemat / Charger
White Oval Dutch Oven
Aqua Dishes
Wood Footed Stands – set of 2