A Guide to successful Holiday Hosting

Hosting is my Superbowl, my Roman Empire. If this is also you, read on.

So, you've been tasked with hosting your family or friends for the holidays...Excellent. Let's pull out your nice dishware and get started on how to throw another chic and fun dinner party. Soon enough, you will earn the name "host with the most" amongst your inner circle - not a bad title, in my opinion.

FIRST, LET'S SET A CHIC TABLE

Pulling off a chic tablescape can be hard, but not for us. Remember, this is our sport. To start off simply cover your table with a neutral tablecloth, and layer a textured or color table runner.

A surprise to no one, we're going to place a mixed pattern of vintage dishware. Vintage European dishware is the way to go. Not only is this a very charming design technique, but it's also a great way to incorporate different textures, colors, patterns, etc. into the table without having to go overboard with a centerpiece. A win in our book.

Glassware can remain simple and minimalist so that it doesn't distract from all of the other details on the table. You should expect to set short glasses for water and stemware for your wine or sparkling.

If you are serving cocktails, this is a great opportunity to pull out that cool set of vintage glassware you bought and greet your guests with a drink when they come in.

For the centerpiece, place the meals through the center ofth table (family style) and sprinkle some short vases with fresh greenery in between. Keep the greens to some type of whispy look so add some architectural detail to the table design. To level up, sprinkle some seasonal fruit around the table. Think persimmons, pomegranates, blood oranges, etc.

Next, you want to light up the table with short candle votives and spread them out sporadically in the center of the table in between your courses.

Lastly, add some cloth napkins styled with your best silverware. I particularly love the relaxed look of linen napkins - they add a casual and lived-in look to the table.

NEXT, LE MUSIQUE

Search for French Girl Cafe on Spotify and forget the rest. Other great alternatives, include Billie Holiday playlists, Frank Sinatra, or some light jazz. If you feel like having a more upbeat feel to the party, go nuts with the holiday classics, they never fail.

PREP A KILLER SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

Holiday = the best cocktail season! Spiked eggnog, hot toddies, anything with a gingerbread man!! Holiday-inspired cocktails, round up the magic that is this season. Pick your poison, and go for it. I particularly like a spiked eggnog with gingerbread crumbles around the rim.

SET THE TONE WITH YOUR GUESTS

Having your friends and family gathered in one spot, around an effortlessly chic table, a cheerful playlist, and a killer cocktail, is perhaps one of the most special moments we have. So, take this opportunity to go around the table and speak on what you're grateful for, a treasured memory of this year, what the holidays mean to you, or what your favorite holiday activity is, and feel the endorphins go up in the room.