How to Host Like a Holiday Pro (MWM Style!)
There’s hosting and then there’s hosting in the 318, where Southern hospitality meets local flavor. Whether you're setting the table for Christmas dinner, planning a cozy brunch with friends, or prepping for out-of-town guests, Monroe-West Monroe has everything you need to wow with ease. Here are five ways to impress your guests and sprinkle in a little MWM magic along the way:
Greet with a Gift That Screams “Funroe”
Skip the standard welcome baskets and give your guests a taste of the town. Surprise them with a Funroe hat from Woodstock Monroe or a Monroe-West Monroe coffee mug from Aron’s Pharmacy. Pair it with a bag of Seventh Square's locally roasted coffee beans and a handwritten welcome note. It's simple, personal, and full of 318 charm.
Create a Local Sip Station
Designate a drink station that celebrates our community.
Think:
Morning brews from Standard Coffee Co. or Corner Coffee & Provisions
Afternoon sips of Landry Vineyards or Thirsty Farmer wine
Fun mocktails using lemonade or mixers from local markets
Pro Tip: Add cute signage like "Toastin’ in the Twin Cities" or “Merry in MWM” and let guests pour at their leisure.
Set the Mood with Monroe Vibes
Use local vendors to help create the coziest holiday atmosphere:
Stock up on bath bombs and bubble bars Jubilant Soapsetions.
Add greenery or seasonal blooms from Parterre.
Turn on a holiday playlist featuring Monroe/West Monroe musicians or classic Southern Christmas tunes.
These touches will instantly make your space feel warm, inviting, and one-of-a-kind.
Feed Them Something Local & Memorable
Build a menu (or charcuterie board) that shows off your town’s best:
Mini biscuits from Delta Biscuit Co. with Norris Syrup
Cheese and meats from The Platter
A dessert bar with treats from CAKE, Butter Bakery, or Allbritton’s
Or, go all out and grab to-go holiday platters from JAC’s Craft Smokehouse or Thurman’s.
Send Them Off with a Little Lagniappe
In Louisiana, we love a good lagniappe - “a little something extra.” Put together small gift bags with:
2B Chili Mix or Candied Pickles from Laffitte’s Cajun Foods
A t-shirt from Mr. P’s Tees or a custom hat from the Good Daze
A trinket from a local antique store or museum
Wrap it up with a tag that says, “Thanks for making spirits bright in the 318!”
Being a great host doesn’t mean being over-the-top - it just means being thoughtful. By supporting local shops, highlighting hometown flavors, and offering cozy spaces to connect, you’ll not only wow your guests, you’ll help them fall in love with Monroe-West Monroe, too.
