Hosting a sophisticated soirée is no easy feat, especially during the busiest time of the year. Whether you’re planning a Boxing Day brunch or ringing in the New Year à la Jay Gatsby, we’ve rounded up a few fashionable ways you can leave a lasting impression on your loved ones. Time to eat, drink and be merry!
Build a breathtaking scene with blooms. Go green on your banister by taking style cues from this sweeping version by florist Alison Westlake of Coriander Girl .
Photographer: Johnny C.Y. Lam
Source: House & Home December 2019
Designer: Alison Westlake
Arrange a vignette with glass jars in the same hue. This simple idea will instantly wake up a tired bench in the entryway. For a more glam look, throw in a few twinkling string lights.
Photographer: Johnny C.Y. Lam
Source: House & Home December 2019
Make a special welcome sign. With this bloom-decorated greeting chalkboard, your guests will not only be impressed by your hosting spirit, they’ll also let themselves in!
Photographer: Robin Stubbert
Source: House & Home December 2018
Designer: Christine Hanlon
Set up a greeting drinks station. Throw in a mix of mismatched coupes so guests can easily identify the spirit that speaks to them.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Kai Ethier
Make a hanging arrangement . With a feathery suspended floral show-stopper like this, don’t be afraid to go bold with your holiday place settings — sparkle, pattern and color abound.
Photographer: Johnny C.Y. Lam
Source: House & Home December 2019
Designer: Alison Westlake
Decorate with farm-to-table elements. Fresh and dried clementines and eucalyptus bring a hit of rustic charm to the dinner table.
Photographer: Robin Stubbert
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Cynthia Zamaria
Inject drama with greenery. Lush boughs look beautiful in the most unexpected places, like draped over dining room cabinetry.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home November 2019
Decorate your table with vintage candleholders. The more patina the better — these holders look truly magical with the addition of twinkling ombré blue candles.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home November 2017
Designer: Kai Ethier
Hand-paint your tablecloth. This personalized piece will not only make a stylish backdrop for your feast, it’ll also function as a conversation starter.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Morgan Michener and Stacey Smithers
Create an Instagram wall. Need a festive backdrop for friends and family to take photos against? Look no further — curate a collection of wreathes on a bare wall for a fresh pop of greener y.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Christine Hanlon
Use artful paper for decorations. Primary hues and abstract shapes are synonymous with some of the art world’s greatest figures. Channel a je ne sais quoi vibe by dressing and displaying Christmas crackers in the same vibrant colors à la Lynda Reeves .
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home November 2019
Designer: Lynda Reeves
Create a floating wreath display. A duo of wreathes suspended with contrasting ribbon make a simple yet unique focal point near the drinks station.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home December 2015
Designer: Lauren Petroff
Go bold with the punch bowls. Punch tastes sweeter when its scooped out of stylish bowls with plenty of curve appeal.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home November 2018
Designer: Jennifer Koper
Decorate the table with take home treasures. Share the tradition of Christmas tree picking with these miniature tabletop decorations .
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home November 2018
Adorn your kitchen with the fruits of your labor. Turn gingerbread houses into charming displays by placing the traditional treat into glass canisters. Don’t forget to sprinkle a dusting of snow — or in this case, sugar — into the base of your creations.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home November 2017
Designer: Morgan Michener and Joel Bray