Inspired Entertaining Ideas for Holiday Parties

‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry. Whether you’re hosting two or two dozen, here are some ways to make holiday entertaining more festive this season.

 

 

 

Save time by making a signature cocktail or holiday punch before your guests arrive. Elegant faceted glassware such as the Mellie dispenser from CB2 will entice guests to serve themselves so you don’t end up playing bartender all night.

 

 

 

Make your table more visually appealing by mixing — not matching sizes and patterns. Abstract brushstroke dinner plates contrast beautifully against Fishs Eddy gilded salad plates and organic shaped gold-rimmed plates, all by West Elm.

 

 

 

 Bring real greenery indoors to enhance the holiday-themed dinnerware on your table, such as the Denver Plaid collection from Pottery Barn.  

 

 

 

 

Party pros make as much of their food ahead of time so dishes can be heated and served without added pressure. Some colorful pots and baking dishes, such as bakeware from Le Creuset  and Emile Henry and Staub cookware at Sur La Table are attractive enough to go from oven or stove to table and accentuate the dinnerware hues. 

 

 

 

 

From tapers and pillars to tea lights and votives, candlelight is a quick and easy way to dress up any holiday table. For a classic holiday look, go for a deep red, which adds a pop of color and works perfectly with this festive ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas tablecloth from Williams Sonoma.

 

 

 

Wow your guests with a dessert bar featuring mini servings of pre-made (or store bought) sweet treats. Artful dishware, like these fashion-forward Promenade platters from CB2, will help make the end of the evening unforgettable.