Tips for Holiday Entertaining

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to entertain. One of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual holiday coffee I host in my home. I love outfitting the apartment with holiday decor and baking my favorite holiday goodies. I invite all my lady friends for coffee, conversation and holiday cheer!

It is a lot of work to get everything decorated, the baking done and the coffee brewed early in the morning. That said, my friends appreciate the morning fete, as it gives them the remainder of the day. But with preparation, the event doesn’t need to be hectic. Here are a few of my holiday entertaining tips that I follow for my event:

#1. A trip to the Flower District

I always pay attention to florals when entertaining. Blooms bring nature indoors and add a warm, elegant touch to the home. A couple of days before the event, I head down to New York’s flower district on West 28th Street. It’s such a nice resource and inspiration for holiday decorating. I buy pointsettias, amaryllis plants and magnolia leaves. 

#2. Get a head start

Never leave anything for the day of the event, or even the day before. I put up the tree and decorate the house well in advance. I start a baking marathon the week before. Breads (pumpkin, banana, cranberry), blueberry muffins, and my favorite–raisin scones.

I will share my recipe for the raisin scones as they are a big favorite, click here for the recipe.
The key to the scones is the fabulous scone pan I bought years ago at Williams Sonoma. I don’t think they carry it anymore but Sur La Table has a similar one. Just mix the ingredients, knead the dough, and divide it into triangular sections.  Voila–beautiful raisin scones!!  I serve them with whipped cream, butter  and raspberry preserves.

#3. Choose the right serveware

Once the home is decorated and goodies baked, I set the table. I love bringing out the good porcelain cups and saucers for this event. Our lives are so rushed and harried, it is nice to enjoy coffee or tea in a pretty porcelain cup! I set out the cups and saucers in a triangle pattern and the corner of the dining table.  I mix some of my Wedgewood wedding china with vintage pieces that I have collected over the years – I love mixing colors and patterns. I serve everything on classic trays, either silver or ceramic.  Some are wedding gifts and others I pick up in my travels. I believe in using our nice things! Of course it’s smart to also be practical, and I always buy cute holiday-themed disposable cups in case more guests than expected appear. 

#4. Set the mood

I always dim the lights in the dining room to create a warm, inviting setting. Harsh, bright lights are no one’s friend. I also scatter festive holiday objects about the room, the more whimsical the better. And we can’t forget the music. I turn on a classic holiday playlist from Spotify that instantly puts guests in a great mood. 

The coffee is brewed, candles lit, holiday music playing and the guests begin to arrive!

Twelve Days of Christmas

We kicked off the holiday season in our shop celebrating the twelve days of Christmas. Here are some fun gifts for friends, family or even yourself!

     On the first Day of Christmas my true love gave to me - One scented seasonal candle. Kick off the holiday season with the scent of Cinnamon Leaves wafting throughout your home.    On the first Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – One scented seasonal candle. Kick off the holiday season with the scent of Cinnamon Leaves wafting throughout your home.

On the second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Two brass apples. Looking to add a “wow factor” to your desk? Look no further than these brass beauties.

On the third Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Three French hens. These delightful guinea hens are the perfect accessory to any kitchen, dining or living room.

On the fourth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Four gardenia scented candles. Reminisce to warmer days with the clean and light scent of spring and summer in your home. They are perfect socking stuffers as well.

On the fifth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Five stone fruits! While you might not be able to bite into these festive pears, they make the perfect centerpiece!

On the sixth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Six sparkly pillows. It’s the time of year to add some glitz and glamour to your home!

On the seventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Seven linen coasters with metallic trim! No need for marks or stain on your tables this season.

On the eighth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Eight vintage cranberry highball glasses.  Be the hostess with the best looking cocktails at this year’s holiday party!

On the ninth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Nine red candles. No holiday tablescape is complete without elegant candles adorning the table.

On the tenth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Ten embroidered stockings. These adorable and chic miniature stockings by Rebecca Vizard are perfect for storing small gifts or decorating your mantle and tree.

On the eleventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Eleven blue seashells. These shells are a staple for every beach home.

On the twelfth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – Twelve Beauville napkins. These napkins are perfect for year-round entertaining.