After the whirlwind of wedding planning and the big day itself, couples will now embark on a new journey filled with shared experiences, love, and celebration: Newly-wed life. On your first year together there are lots of super-fun newly-wed things to do, like holiday entertaining!

The holiday season brings an opportunity to create new traditions as a married couple. Let’s explore the art of celebrating special occasions and the holidays after saying ‘I do’ with tips on how to make them meaningful and memorable.

Blend your traditions – One of the joys of merging two lives through marriage is the opportunity to blend your individual traditions. Take the best from each of your backgrounds and create a unique celebration that reflects your shared values and aspirations.

Proper preparation prevents poor performance- It is extremely important to be prepared; give yourself plenty of time to plan. Take time and think ahead about what type of event it is you want to host, and how many people will attend.

Embrace the eclectic — This is your chance to pull out some of your wedding gifts for the first time and set the scene for a dinner party. Everything in your home isn’t going to be picture-perfect immediately. It’s likely that serve ware maybe a little bit mismatched. You may have new gifts, items from college or even borrowed things from mom… just embrace it!

Start your own traditions — This is your chance to begin your own traditions as a married couple. Whether it’s a special ornament exchange, a yearly holiday getaway, or a favourite dish that becomes a staple at every celebration, these new traditions will help strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.

Keep it casual — Let’s face it: the best dinner parties are those where you feel comfortable, not formal. So, I recommend keeping everything casual, from the dress code you choose to the food you cook. It will make your guests feel at- ease and relaxed, which will lead to better conversation and more laughs.

Celebrate your firsts — The first holidays after getting married are significant milestones. Take the time to commemorate them in a special way. Whether it’s your first Christmas as a married couple or your first New Year’s Eve together, mark the occasion with a thoughtful gesture or a small ritual that symbolises your union.

Space — Think about the space that you have to host your event and make sure to plan accordingly. Move furniture or gather more if you need to ensure there is sufficient space and seating based on the type of event you’re hosting.

Host gatherings together — Establish your home as a hub for family and friends to come together and celebrate. This will give newly- weds the chance to have their families and friends bond within their space.

Prioritise quality time — Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, make sure to set aside quality time for just the two of you. Cherishing these moments together is essential for maintaining a strong and thriving relationship.

Your goal as a host should be to make your guests happy and make your life as easy as possible! Being married hosts is an opportunity to create lasting memories, strengthen your bond, and set the foundation for a lifetime of shared experiences. By blending traditions, establishing your own, and cherishing moments together, you’ll not only celebrate the holidays but also the beautiful journey of marriage itself.