The winter holidays are almost upon us, and if you're prepping to host an event, the panic may be setting in. Keep calm and merry on with our guide to hosting the holidays in style and local pride.

The invites

Whether you’re inviting friends, close family, or the whole neighborhood, your guests need to know what to expect.

E-vites are easy, but real paper invitations have an old-school charm — plus, your guests can keep them as a cherished memory of your evening together. We'd go all out with a custom invitation from Oliver's Twist.

The menu

Whether you want to show off with a five-course dinner or want to be as lazy as possible, there are important considerations for curating your meal:

Do your own cooking | Want to whip up a dish that tastes like home? Browse cookbooks written by Circle City residents for inspiration.

Share the love | A potluck is a great way to get everyone involved + divvy up the labor. We suggest the host provides the entrees, leaving the sides up to the guests.

Dietary restrictions | Serve a variety of dishes and clearly label them to help people avoid what they can’t eat. Vegans and those who eat gluten-free will thank you.

The set up

You know the vibe — holidays are supposed to give that warm + fuzzy feeling. Here are some tips to get people comfy:

Playlist | Add some local flavor to your playlist with these artists with Indy ties. We'd especially recommend spinning Straight No Chaser's holiday albums.

Drink bar | Set up a build-your-own drink station where guests can choose their own beverage adventure. We suggest procuring spirits from a local distillery like Hotel Tango, beers from an independent brewery like Bier Brewery, and wine from a family-owned winery like Peace Water.

Ambient lighting | As the queen of Christmas herself declared, overhead lighting is so out. Light some locally-made candles to set a much cozier mood.

Centerpieces | Instead of one giant floral arrangement on the table that gets in the way, consider having several small ones in vases scattered throughout your space. Luckily, we have plenty of local flower shops that can make you the perfect bouquets.

The wind down

Congrats on your successful event. Send guests home with a handwritten "Thank you" card from Semantics Paper Goods or a local gift basket.

Have other local hosting recs? Let us know.