Wired has released a comprehensive guide on using smart home gear and high-tech gadgets to simplify holiday party hosting in 2025. The article focuses on automating tasks like decor, cleaning, ambiance, and food preparation to enhance seasonal enjoyment. It highlights products from brands such as Cricut, Ninja, and HP Sprocket based on the author's testing experiences.
In a guide published on November 15, 2025, Wired contributor explores ways to streamline holiday gatherings amid busy schedules filled with Friendsgiving and white elephant events. As a self-described type B personality who favors tools like Partiful invites over timely cooking, the author emphasizes automating the 'little things' to focus on enjoyment.
The article outlines several automation categories under 'The Best Automated Hosting Gear.' For party decor, it recommends the Cricut machine. Cleaning automation features the Narwal Flow Robot Vacuum and G10+ Robot Vacuum. Ambiance is enhanced with Dynamic Effects A19 Smart Light Bulbs, available in two-packs from Amazon and Target, and the Dynamic Effects Smart Light Strip in 16-foot lengths from Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
Answering the door is simplified with Yale's Assure Lock 2 and the Approach Lock in biometric, numeric, and no-keypad variants from Amazon. Photography automation includes the HP Sprocket Photo Booth Machine from Target and Best Buy, paired with Sprocket Zink Photo Paper in 50-packs from Amazon and 20-packs from Walmart.
For appetizers and cooking, the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro is suggested, available at Walmart. Food disposal is handled by the FoodCycler Eco 3 Compact Kitchen Food Recycler and Eco 5. The guide also mentions ongoing tests of additional items this holiday season.
Photographs are credited to Nena Farrell and courtesy of Yale. Keywords include shopping, holidays, kitchen, how-to, buying guides, household, and dedicated server.