This post is sponsored by Walmart. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The holidays are officially here, and so is the seasonal rush! Many of us, including myself, often find ourselves short on time with a million things to do, making hosting friends and family seem like a daunting task. But, the reality is that you don't need to stress about fun gatherings like this. Some of the best dinner parties we've thrown or attended have been spur of the moment and always seem to turn out great! Unfortunately, sometimes having too much time to get things done can lead to even more stressful sceneries. In today's post, I'll share tips and tricks for hosting a last-minute holiday dinner party and how to utilize Walmart Plus for free deliveries ($35 order minimum. Restrictions apply.)

Keep reading for these hosting tips and easy and delicious meals to prepare for guests below.

How to prepare for a last-minute dinner party

The best advice I can offer to help you stay organized and relaxed is not to overthink it! Think of these smaller impromptu gatherings as you would any other dinner you cook for your family. It doesn't need to be a complicated meal to prepare, cook what you know, or take shortcuts on the sides to focus on the main course or vise-versa. Be confident in your menu and build a menu around things you may have in your pantry already. The most common pantry staples are pasta, rice, broths, and canned goods. Let these products be your guide, and have Walmart Plus help you with the missing items!

If you’re like me and need a reference to jot down exactly what to get done before your next party, here are a few easy tasks to help you prepare.

• Plan your menu, scan your pantry for what you have and what you need. Place your Walmart+ order as soon as you can.

• Tidy around your gathering areas, and give the dining space a good clean.

• Lay out any dishes or serving trays that may be used ahead of time, this includes serving utensils. Label if needed.

• Arrange and set your table with linens, plates, drink glasses, etc.

• Put together or join a playlist to set the tone of your evening. You can give my dinner party playlist a listen here.

• If you have time add fresh florals or greenery to your table.

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How to utilize walmart+ for last minute shopping

If you are a hostess and looking to throw a last-minute dinner party at your home, let Walmart+ lend you a hand! With free shipping, (Excludes most Marketplace items, location & freight surcharges), it's as easy as online selecting your fresh, high-quality groceries and selecting an available delivery window. Not only that but, you can also shop for a variety of items that may also be needed. Short on  linens or want to dress up your dining table with seasonal decor*? Add it to your order for delivery. You can join today for only $98/year or pay $12.95 per month. Here are a few more ways the Walmart+ membership can benefit your family through the holiday season and day-today!

• Order again and again with ZERO delivery fees!

• Get contact-free checkout with mobile scan & go

• Early access to shop special promotions & events

• Get select prescriptions for as little as $0, available at over 4,000 Walmart pharmacies
  

*subjective to your location and inventory of your local Walmart.

Easy & delicious last minute meals

Start by figuring out a menu that utilizes things on hand. Whether you’re opting for a single dish or a main and sides, you’ll want to start with foods you already have on hand. Most of the time, these things are pantry items, leaving fresh items, like vegetables, bread, or prepared meats to be added to a shopping list. Here are a few additional suggestions that you may find helpful when planning your spread.

• Prepared meats are a great starting point when figuring out your meal plan. Everything from roasted turkey, chicken, and ham is perfect for the holiday season.

• Dry goods, such as beans, pasta, and rice, are perfect for side dishes.

• Utilize pantry staples such as broths to influence additional flavor into dishes.

Visit Walmartplus.com to start your free trial today!

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