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If you are hosting for the Holidays this year, here is our 7-step essential guide to being the "host(ess) with the mostess" this year! 1. Preparation is Key To avoid last minute panic, do as much as you can in advance: make sure you have enough place settings, dinner candles, glassware and cutlery all shine and polished, a pot big enough for your ham, a tray big enough for your turkey and all the non-perishables and practicalities such as tinfoil and clingwrap in now! 2. Pick A Theme Your festive decor should be co-ordinated from the front door to the back – that doesn’t mean that everything has to be matching but it should have something in common, for example some nutcrackers at your door establishes a traditional red and green tone, while acorns and eucalyptus might suggest rustic which can be natural in the kitchen or sprayed gold in the formal spaces. If an image or pattern is repeated occasionally here and there it becomes an intentional theme and is subconsciously more appealing. This will help you to decorate in a considered, purposeful way. A good trick to mix new and old decorations is to unify everything by using the same ribbon. This simple trick also allows you to "Christmastify" an item that is non-seasonal specific which means you can invest in tableware that you can use all year round.
3. Plan a Beautiful Table Setting
The star of the show will be your table where everyone gathers so this is where you can really pull out all the stops and create something wow and memorable. Layering is key - for Christmas, more is better. Layer a beautiful base tablecloth with runners, placemats, chargers, napkins and napkin rings, cutlery, fabulous glassware and accessories. Don’t just think of functional items – people will be sitting idly between courses so give them some pleasing centrepiece décor to focus on by decorating with foliage, ornaments and above all candlelight. Vertical layering is also important so make sure to add candlesticks of different heights for volume and interest. Remember not just to dress the table but the room! Tie bows on the light fittings, hang baubles at various heights from the ceiling or tie wreaths on the back of your chairs. Add faux wreaths to your candles or insert baubles into your lanterns or fishbowl vases!
