7 TIPS FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

We all know that holiday entertaining can be super stressful, so of course I’m here to help… Follow these tips on how to create the perfect tablescape and you will be more excited than ever!

4x6 Tip 1    4x6 Tip 2

Tip 1: Above is the first tip, which should get you off the ground. You can even pull accents from around your house you might think will work within the look.

Tip 2: This should be the fun bit. Pull out various sets of tableware you own and see what works. You will be surprised to find out how many combinations could be made from what you may already own! If you don’t have much at home, buy tableware and do some collecting throughout the year. So once you are ready to entertain you have lots to choose from.

4x6 Tip 3

Tip 3: I wasn’t exactly the most do it yourself person, but when I started making, painting and re-purposing things I began enjoying it more and more! Just give it a go. Create something that will add a special touch to the table which guests are sure to appreciate.

4x6 Tip 6 4x6 Tip 5

Tip 4: If you don’t own a chalkboard sign or two, its a great investment. You can use them for just about any type of signage, and of course you can always print a menu up and frame it using something around the house. I also love Etsy. You can find amazing designers like Jamie from Weddings By Jamie, and have her create a menu or name tag designs for about $10 or so. (Tell her I sent you!)

Tip 5: This will relieve a lot of day of stress and could be one of the most important tips of all!   Too many times we fall behind setting everything up, or stuck in the kitchen while your guests are mingling without you. Lets try to avoid that one and plan ahead.

 4x6 Tip 6  4x6 Tip 7

Tip 6: Not everyone will stay for dessert and some may be too full from dinner to have another bite! So setting up a separate dessert area allows guests to  grab a treat-while you show off the array of desserts for all to see throughout the evening. Guests can take some sweets home with them, as you’ve placed take home bags/boxes out, so you don’t have to worry about what to do with all those leftovers!

Tip 7: Here is the last tip, its a crucial one. Everyone loves a cocktail during the holidays, but not everyone has a large bar to serve from. Instead use a bar cart, shelving, or the top of a credenza or dresser. No need to have a full bar set-up if you don’t have the space for it. Creating a specialty cocktail with a clever name, or having champagne ready for guests is a nice added touch.  You can even pre-batch ingredients for specialty mixers and display it in a nice vessel which is a definite time saver!

Hope this helps with your holiday planning-Id love to hear comments or any questions you have that I can help with.

Happy Holidays,

Jess

HOW TO CREATE A RUSTIC TABLESCAPE

SONY DSCHi Everyone!

With the holidays coming up I wanted to share a rustic tablescape we created for West Elm during our workshop this past Saturday! Lots of fun, easy entertaining, and great ideas for your Thanksgiving table! Above are items we used which are good to keep on hand for when its your turn to host a dinner…

SONY DSCHere is the rustic tablescape we created mixing and matching various sets of dishes, placing small pellegrino’s at each station along with mini baguettes with a sprig of rosemary tied together with jute. It makes a perfect place card, and edible too! We also had tiny bottles of individual olive oil which allows guests to pour them into their mini dish already containing sea salt and herbs. Looks adorable, screams rustic, and the host doesn’t have to worry about the first drink or having something for the guests to nosh on!

SONY DSCHere is a shot featuring the printed menu we made and slipped right into a frame so guests know what they are having, without having to keep asking the  host!

SONY DSCWe alternated 2 different styles, while staying within the same overall theme. For this pacesetting I used a slate placemat, different napkin pattern (which was placed underneath the plate, instead of on top) and a different appetizer plate.

SONY DSCA long shot of how pretty the table came out!

SONY DSCAnd here is the final result! Hope we gave you some fun ideas from our table to yours!

xo Jess

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