Love The Holidays?

The holidays are supposed to be a time of fun and festivity, but let’s face it — sometimes, they’re more exhausting than exhilarating. It’s hard to navigate all the events, gatherings and seemingly endless parties — not to mention what to do when you get two invitations for the same night — but it doesn’t have to mean losing your poise. Here are five ways to keep your confidence and get through the entire holiday season gracefully.

Keeping your bar cart fully stocked during the holiday season is key to being able to throw an impromptu cocktail hour. It also ensures you can relax and just enjoy your guests instead of having to worry about running out of drink fixings. So what do you need to keep on hand? First and most importantly, you’ll want to have plenty of the classics: vodka, gin, rum and whiskey. But as the temperatures drop, having a few bottles of the newly released single vineyard Chloe Merlot adds elegance to any gathering. A sparkling wine is also perfect for a holiday toast, and Chloe Prosecco pairs perfectly with everything from rich cheeses to salty snacks.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with coworkers, catch up with friends and show off your sense of style. The secret to being perfectly styled is to think about the occasion. If you’re going to a more relaxed family gathering, you can take slacks and a blouse to a new level with dressier statement jewelry (sparkles are a yes this season!) and accessories that pack plenty of style punch. If you’re attending more elegant holiday parties for work or social occasions, you may want to invest in a LBD and knockout shoes and earrings that perfectly complement a chic updo for standout style that doesn’t take hours of prep. Either way, a pair of stilettos and a glittery clutch are must-have pieces all season long.

Smoky eyes are quintessentially holiday chic and can be done in bold gray and black tones for intense drama, or subtle browns for a more natural look. If you’d rather play up your lips, a bold red or cranberry hue is perfect for the holidays and looks great with every style.

While the beauty “rules” would tell you to pick either a smoky eye or a bold lip, you can do both. This works best paired with a simpler outfit like the LBD above — think classic Audrey Hepburn style. No matter which way you go — bold glamour or understated elegance — make sure to invest in a quality makeup setting mist to keep your face looking flawless from first application to the final farewells.

Make sure to show your host or hostess some love by bringing a token of your appreciation. Step outside of the hostess gift box and surprise her with something unique that shows you really put some thought into it. Gifts like a super-soft cashmere scarf in her favorite color or a classic bottle of wine are perfect, luxurious options. A bottle of Chloe Prosecco or Chloe Merlot are elegant gifts your host can serve at the party or save for a special night. Even better, a personalized bottle of Chloe makes the perfect gift. Just visit the website to order a free custom label with a personalized message for any Chloe varietal, wait for the mailman to deliver it, then apply it to your bottle. Personalized gifting has never been easier!

If you’re the one doing the hosting, make sure your food and drink offerings are on point. Quick and simple hors d’oeuvres like smoked salmon crackers and marinated olives are easy to keep on hand for last-minute parties, but if you have more time, a seasonal menu is a great touch. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, you can’t go wrong with a few themed dishes, like a colorful crudité platter and pumpkin bread; a green bean dish or a spirited cranberry salad are perfect for a casual Friendsgiving. For a Christmas party, think pineapple glazed ham and a white chocolate cheesecake.

Of course, you’ll also need ingredients on hand for festive drinks. Looking for one classic that fits every holiday occasion? Try an easy sparkling wine cocktail like the Chloe Holiday Spritz. You’ll need Chloe Prosecco, your favorite orange liquor and pomegranate juice. Add 0.5 oz. orange liquor and 1 oz. juice to every 4 oz. of Prosecco. Shake and strain into a champagne glass and garnish with an orange twist for extra color. Cheers!