As the innkeeper of the Williams House here in the heart of Amelia Island, I’ve learned that creating a magical holiday experience is all about blending personal touches with a dash of professional flair. Let me share my survival guide for holiday hosting, B&B style.
The Art of Getting Ahead
Preparation is key when it comes to holiday hosting. I start months in advance, prioritizing booking my decorating team first. It’s an investment that pays off in the delighted gasps of our guests as they step through the door.
If you’re not working with a professional team, don’t worry. The key is to start with a plan. Decide on your theme, make lists, and tackle tasks in order of importance. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the perfect holiday atmosphere.
Pleasing the Senses
At the Williams House, we transform both the interior and exterior. Outside, we adorn the house with garlands, wreaths, and strategically placed poinsettias.
But the visual feast is just the beginning. We change our menu to reflect the season, incorporating local produce and products. The aroma of freshly baked cookies and mulled cider wafts through the halls, instantly transporting our guests to their fondest holiday memories.
Building Traditions: Old and New
Someone recently asked me about holiday traditions at Williams House. The truth is, I’ve only owned the bed & breakfast for about four years. While I’ve learned the history of the Williams family, I don’t know exactly what they did for the holidays over 150 years ago.
What I do know is that this house holds lifetimes of memories. I’ve read stories from the Williams’s nieces and nephews about spending magical times here. And while I may not be continuing specific Victorian traditions, I’m creating new ones that honor the spirit of joy and peace that has always been a part of this home.
The Magic of Family Traditions
My approach to holiday hosting is deeply rooted in my own family traditions. Growing up, my parents made the holidays magical for me and my five siblings. We’d go to bed on Christmas Eve with no decorations in sight, only to wake up to a perfectly decorated tree, stockings, and a festive living room.
As I got older, I learned to appreciate the work that went into creating that magic. I watched my mom cook everything from scratch and learned woodworking from my dad. These experiences taught me that the real joy of the holidays often lies in the preparation and the act of creating something special for others.
Bringing the Magic to Williams House
Now, as an innkeeper, I strive to recreate that sense of magic for my guests. I still bake all the cookies, make the cakes, and cook amazing breakfasts. I hire professional designers to transform the Williams House into a winter wonderland and it brings me immense joy to watch guests’ eyes light up at the decorations so beautifully hung and arranged.
I work hard with my staff to ensure that people leaving their homes for the holidays still experience something special and unique. We aim to provide a perfect blend of holiday magic and home-away-from-home comfort.
The Heart of Holiday Hosting
After years of hosting, both for family and now for guests at Williams House, I’ve learned that the most important aspect of the holidays isn’t the perfect decorations or the most elaborate meal. It’s about creating an atmosphere of warmth, joy, and togetherness.
Yes, I still lose sleep ensuring we have the perfect holiday decorations and more desserts than necessary. But I’ve also learned that the best times are often the simplest – gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and making new memories.
Looking Forward
As we approach another holiday season, I’m excited to share these experiences with our guests at Williams House. In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for emails featuring some of my favorite holiday recipes – including my mom’s apple pie and sugar cookies (which I think are now called snickerdoodles, but will always be sugar cookies to me).
Whether you’re hosting at home or joining us here at Williams House, remember that the true magic of the holidays lies in the love and joy we share with others. From all of us at Williams House, we wish you a season filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
