Bon Vivant's Guide: 6 Tips for Holiday Hosting

From making the most of your space to planning the menu, let's dive into how to make your holiday entertaining less stressful and more fun.

1. Optimize Your Space

Start with a clean slate. Remove unnecessary clutter. Yes, those old magazines and that countertop blender must go (just for now)! It makes your space more inviting and gives you more room to get creative.

Think horizontally AND vertically. That empty bookshelf can be the perfect spot for your hors d'oeuvres. Your kitchen island can serve as a buffet station! And that coffee table? A chic dining alternative. It's all about maximizing every inch.

2. Glam it up

Opt for festive low-floral centerpieces for your table, allowing guests to chitchat across the table without obstructions. Aim for centerpieces that are less than 12 inches high. Scatter unscented votives, pillars, and taper candles throughout your home. They set the mood; trust me, everyone looks fabulous in candlelight.

3. Dine in Style

Push two tables together if you're planning a sit-down dinner party and need more space. Even if the tables are slightly different heights, you can create the illusion that it's one table using beautiful linens. Cover the two tables with the same tablecloths and add runners. Finish the look by grouping votives or taper candles down the center to unify the surfaces.

Do you have a collection of fine china, crystal, and silver? Holiday hosting is the time to flaunt it. If not, event planners and caterers can help you select and rent holiday table settings, making the process effortless. To add a personal touch, visit my holiday entertaining list on Amazon for some unique accessories. (Note: I may earn from qualifying purchases as an affiliate.)

4. Food Galore

There is no more powerful way of showing love than by feeding people. Whether you love to cook or prefer ordering in, the trick is to present it beautifully. Creating a buffet and using wrapped books to vary the height of your platters is a little trick that makes a big difference.

5. Champers All the Way

Is it even a holiday without some bubbly? Ensure you've got a lot of chilled champagne. My favorite is Billecart. Want to minimize the bar clutter? Whip up a festive signature cocktail or two, and they will become the talk of the evening.

6. Wrap it up with Dessert and Entertainment

Make a statement with your dessert table. From seasonal pies to a stunning Yule log, it's your chance to leave a lasting impression. For Hanukkah parties, serve platters of round jelly doughnuts topped with powdered sugar. And remember to display the traditional chocolate gelt (gold coins) for good luck.

An acoustic session or a game of charades is always a good idea. Let your guests become a part of the show! It's all about making memories. (Keep the champagne flowing.)

So, dress up, embrace the imperfections, and let the festivities begin! For more tips and tricks for home entertaining, check out Redfin's blog, where I am proud to be quoted.

Happy Holidays!