‘Tis the Season: TC Guide to Holiday Hosting
By Ashley Sugar
Fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg once said, “Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good.” While Von Furstenberg’s eye for classic, sophisticated fashion will be most remembered, her message applies to more than just selecting clothing ensembles. In the art of entertaining, confidence is also key.
Whether it’s a white elephant gathering or a Christmas cocktail party, hosting doesn’t have to be a stressful occasion. We understand the pressures of hosting, so we’re here to provide helpful recommendations to help you design and implement a function that will delight your guests and leave them in awe.
Let’s start with the star of the show, food. Here are some of our favorite recipes to whip up in the kitchen that will have your attendees begging for recipes. For appetizers, we love serving Honey Ricotta Peach Crostini with Crispy Pancetta with Ham and Cheese Pinwheels or Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels for vegetarians. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Mini Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Snowmen as a fun, yummy, and festive starter. For the main course, we love Prosciutto-wrapped Pork Loin with Apple and Rice Stuffing Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Bites or Cranberry Glazed Ham. At TC, we are all about the sides, and our favorites have to be Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries. No holiday dinner is complete without dessert! We recommend going for Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies, No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake Trifle, or Eggnog Monkey Bread Gingerbread Roll.
While food is usually the heart of the event, the subtle nuances of the atmosphere are essential for fostering memories that will last a lifetime. Even with the best food, the whole event will feel off if the Christmas atmosphere isn’t there. To set the mood, opt for some soft lighting to accent the lights on your Christmas tree, make sure the temperature is comfortable, and light a cozy candle. Then, play the TC Christmas Playlist that will make your guests reminisce about the wonderful times you’ve already shared. There’s just something about Christmas music that makes the holiday season so special.
While good conversation is key to any gathering, games are a welcome addition and help keep people off of their phones and in the moment. Some TC favorites include a classic game of charades, a spicy game of Hot Cards, or a competitive round of Monopoly Deal. If the conversation is getting dry, or if you want to keep your guests from discussing politics, we’d recommend something like Table Topics. If the scene is appropriate, everyone loves a good game of Cards Against Humanity.
What would a holiday party be without a little decor? Nothing says Christmas like a decked out dinner table or lights covering every surface imaginable. It is officially the time of the year to deck the halls and spruce up your home with some holiday cheer. Check out these DIY Decor projects that will surely put everyone in the Christmas spirit: Christmas Wreath, Table Centerpiece, Yarn Tree DIY with Twinkle Lights, and Winter Vases.
Don’t forget drinks! What would a holiday party be without delicious libations? With a slight sweetness, your cocktails can serve as an ode to classic holiday flavors we all love. Try one of the recipes from our 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails list! And if cocktails aren’t quite your speed, pick up some bubbly (Champagne or Prosecco) to keep things festive.
Photos via @imparfaiteparis, @pomegranate_inc, @emperiance, @maisonetteworld, and @bubblydesignco
