Between book club, game-day gatherings (go Niners!), and parties just for the sake of, well, parties, my hostess hat rarely comes off. During the holidays, that mode kicks into overdrive — and so does the stress. When I was just starting to host, I learned a few things, like skipping the fancy tableware and going for disposable plates when you’re feeding 35 people in an apartment without a dishwasher. Most importantly, I realized this: Do what you need to do to spend more time enjoying yourself with your guests.

That’s why I have a few tips for anyone embarking on their journey as a host or hostess. One of the biggest lessons I learned (albeit begrudgingly at first) was that not everything needs to be homemade to feel special.

Today, I prefer a mix of homemade and smart store-bought items, and for both, I rely on my local Sam’s Club. At first glance, Sam’s Club — Walmart’s membership-only warehouse — is known for budget-friendly bulk buys. But what many don’t realize is that it also offers a standout selection of groceries that can elevate your spread without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality. Now, for any party or get-together, big or small, my multiple supermarket runs have been reduced to just one stop at Sam’s Club. And during the holidays, it’s no different.

Don’t overthink the charcuterie board

Holiday entertaining can feel like a chore when you’re stuck in the kitchen while everyone else mingles. One task that used to take forever — because I can fall prey to indecision — was the charcuterie board. It’s a crowd magnet, balancing flavor, texture, and presentation, but it isn’t worth overthinking.

That’s why the Charcuterie Entertainment Tray is perfect. It covers the classics — cured meats and cheeses — plus sweet fig jam and piquant, stone-ground mustard for extra pop. The cheese wedges come whole, so you can decide how to slice or style them. It takes the guesswork out of building a board from scratch, and it’s easy to customize with fresh fruit, more spreads, or whatever’s already in your fridge.

Add a showstopping centerpiece (hint: it’s sushi)

I always try to include elements of surprise and delight. It should be something at the party that prompts a few “oohs” and “aahs” — and maybe an Instagram post. Lately, those are the fresh sushi party platters from Sam’s Club.

I love the regular Sam’s Club sushi for lunch (it’s the best grocery store sushi I’ve had), but the party platters are the real showstoppers. Each tray has more than 40 pieces — everything from hand rolls to fresh nigiri — and they always draw attention and an enthusiastic “Where did you get this?”

The best part comes after the first bite: the price. For example, the Akita Sushi Roll Party Traywhich includes four varieties of hand rolls plus shrimp nigiri for 44 pieces total, runs about $25. The 40-piece Nara Sushi Party Tray and the 42-piece Kobe Sushi Roll Party Tray are also standout picks at just $25 and $34, respectively.

Party trays arrive prearranged and include soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi, so you can serve them as is. For a more polished look, move the sushi to a large platter and put the accompaniments in small condiment bowls. If you have a lazy Susan, set the platter on it and let guests spin and graze.

Save the splurge bottles for later

Finally, a parting tip: Stretch your wine budget.

Alcohol is where costs spike fast — so I stock up on this Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon because it’s a dependable workhorse wine. Of course, I buy it for sipping, but I also use it for cooking. I can’t bring myself to pour a splurge bottle into the half-cup needed for a wintery braise, so I keep a reliable “house red” for recipes and weeknights, saving the pricier stuff for the weekends and special occasions.