The best way to get into the holiday spirit? By decorating your home with plenty of seasonal cheer, naturally. Who can be a Scrooge when there are twinkling lights lining your front door? And when you have the right décor, you’ll want to have people over to celebrate the season.
But, it’s not always easy to make your house look like it came out of a Pottery Barn catalog around the holiday. We’ve recruited Rue La La‘s Living Editorial Director, Nancy Soriano (the former editor-in-chief of Country Living), to share her wisdom. These guidelines will get your home decorated and get you in the mood to host an awesome party.
Even if you’re far from being magazine-spread ready, this is all about faking it till you make it. Read ahead for holiday hosting and decorating tips from a local pro.
1. Deck the Halls: Your Holiday Home Starts Here
You’ll need more holiday décor than just your Christmas tree for this party. Set the tone right away by adorning your entryway with a holiday doormat and hanging a large wreath on the front door. To keep your home feeling festive throughout, use ornaments for pops of color both on and off the tree. Display them in large hurricane glasses, vases, or bowls, and hang them from lighting fixtures. Add some pre-light garland to your mantel. Wrap and embellish pillar candles in jewel tone and metallic ribbon.
2. Eat: A Buffet Makes for a Festive Soiree
Buffets are a personal favorite of mine for holiday entertaining. They’re easy on the hostess and allow guests to keep mingling in a casual, but festive setting. To alleviate the stress, set up the day before and put post-it notes on the empty dishes so there is no last minute confusion about what goes where. You’ll want the buffet table to be decorative, but not too busy. Adorn your table with a tablecloth in a color that matches the theme of our home décor, and stick to one festive centerpiece. Set out china in fun prints or bold colors for a stylish twist. Keep the china white for a more formal look.
3. Drink: Cheers to the Hostess
Be sure to use real glassware. There are lots of great and affordable wineglasses and barware out there. These are much for elegant than plastic cups and this will set the tone for the party and for you as a hostess.
4. Be Merry: Mistletoe Optional
Play a classic Christmas film on mute to be a backdrop for the party. Do a mix of holiday tunes to set the mood. This will keep guests feeling fun and festive throughout the evening.
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