My seasonal scented candle is burning by my desk, and I can’t help but think about the upcoming holiday festivities and entertaining. Have you been curating goodies through the year? Maybe you’re a last minute kinda gal? Well, there’s no doubt that creating effortless holiday entertaining takes some planning.
So… here are some of my tablescapes, a Dinner Party Menu and an Inspiration Board with resources of my favourites for the season. Let’s Party!!
Easy Peasy Menu
Please Set the Table
Do you remember being asked to ‘Set the Table’ when you were a kid? I sure do! It’s a chore when you’re younger, but as time goes on, you change, then suddenly you’re adding personal touches! Flowers and Shells and Stones in the warmer months, and then chestnuts and pinecones in the cooler seasons. I strangely remember that when we had paper napkins lying around, I’d fold them in triangles, feeling ‘proud’ I helped my Mom! lols
Today, setting a table can still mean incorporating bits and pieces of found and collected items, when thoughtfully placed on your holiday table!
For your effortless holiday entertaining, keep it simple in colour palette and theme. I’ve created a number of place settings and tablescapes. I enjoy doing it, and I think it helps to see that there are no rules to set a pretty table. Do you! (Check here for more ideas…)
Woodland Green
Set the Mood
Top l to r: CB2, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel
Middle: Fable, Gild & Co, West Elm, Etsy
Bottom: HomeSense, CB2, Pottery Barn
When entertaining, you’ll want to decide in advance, what mood you hope to achieve. Are you thinking festive & sparkly, dark & moody, rich & regal etc. The centrepiece, foliage and florals, dishware, stemware, and cutlery will all drive your design. Additional decor such as table linens, scented candles, party favours and music will complete and elevate the mood.
Set the Tone
What is effortless holiday entertaining? For me, it’s being organized. Being organized just means that I’m in the right head space. I’m relaxed, not worried about my guests, my house, my food or anything.
Being a relaxed host definitely sets the tone for a great evening. Examples may include a clean and decorated housed, prepared menu, pre made cocktails, holiday playlist etc. I guarantee that if you host this holiday season and you’re organized, you WILL have a great time!
Colourful and Classy
Set the Scene
Personally, I will always be drawn to mixing up my traditional, vintage decor with some modern or recent acquisitions. I like the character, patina and warmth that my pieces bring. It’s my jam, and when I marry the traditional and modern, it feels like a dynamic and lively scene. Never the same twice and by now, my family loves it too!
Vintage Charm
Every year new holiday goodies, gizmos, scents and colour tantalize and titilate our senses. We are inundated via social media and the consumer-driven world we live in. It’s difficult to not be influenced by it.
However, You can control how you set the scene in your own holiday entertaining. (Read this for some self care…)
I know that whatever you choose – will set the scene in your own space to create the effortless holiday entertaining you’ve always dreamed of!
Blue & Silver
And if you need further inspiration check here– plus you know I’m right here to answer any questions you might have!
Happy Entertaining Guys!
