Hosting for The Holidays: The Perfect Christmas Dinner Party
Written By : Hannah Corbett
Imagine hosting a Christmas dinner party that feels like a scene from a Nancy Meyers film—cozy, charming, and effortlessly elegant—but without spending a fortune. Lately, I’ve been in my Martha Stewart meets Wishbone Kitchen era, inspired by Meredith Hayden’s effortless hosting style. I wanted my party to feel luxurious yet approachable, like Meryl Streep bringing out pies in It’s Complicated, but with a Christmas twist. The secret? Creativity, crafting, and using what you already have. Let’s create a magical, budget-friendly Christmas dinner party with a warm, handmade touch.
1. The Tablescape: Cozy, Crafty Elegance
You don’t need pricey florals to create a show-stopping table. Just head outside with a basket and your imagination:
DIY Centerpiece: Gather pine cones, pine branches, and sprigs of holly or berries. Lay them along the center of the table, interspersed with twinkling fairy lights for a christmas glow.
Handcrafted Place Settings: Cut kraft paper or old card stock into name cards. Tie them to a sprig of rosemary or pine with twine or velvet ribbon !
Recycled Candle Holders: Use mason jars or old glass bottles as candle holders. Wrap them in twine or ribbon, and tuck in sprigs of greenery or dried cranberries for color.
One of my favorite recent DIYs was adding pinecones and fresh pine branches from my yard to a cranberry wreath—it transformed it into a lush, festive focal point for free!
2. The Menu: Simple, Sophisticated Comfort
Nancy Meyers’ film meals are always comforting and unpretentious. Stick with classic, cozy dishes that are easy to prepare and satisfy a crowd. I recently picked up a Half Baked Harvest cookbook and have been loving reading new recipes
Starter: I’ve been lovingggg crostinis lately! Buy a loaf of bread, cut it up with some olive oil, thyme, parsley, literally whatever you want and toss them in the oven to make your own homemade crostinis! Top with some brie, prosciutto, fig jam and on the very top, some slightly thinned apples! Maybe some hot honey on the side, and you have yourself the perfect appetizer.
Main Course: Herb-crusted roasted chicken… Need I say more—comforting, elegant, and affordable.
Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes & asparagus sautéed with garlic and toasted almonds.
Dessert: For that It’s Complicated pie moment, serve an assortment of mini pies (apple, pecan, chocolate). Or set up a DIY cookie-decorating station with sugar cookies, frosting, and sprinkles. My favorite dessert to ever exist, especially during the holidays, is tiramisu from scratch.
3. The Decor: Handmade Holiday Magic
Creating a festive atmosphere doesn’t have to cost a lot—it’s all about resourcefulness and creativity.
Upgraded Wreath: Just like I did with my wreath, collect pine branches and pinecones from your yard and weave them into a wreath or garland for instant fullness.
DIY Ornaments: Fill clear ornaments (thrifted or reused) with leftover ribbon, pine needles, or dried orange slices for a unique, handmade look.
Homemade Napkin Rings: Tie napkins with twine, adding a sprig of pine, rosemary, or a cinnamon stick for a rustic, festive touch.
4. The Drinks: Festive and Homemade
A well-curated drink station will elevate the evening and delight your guests.
Cocktail: Simmer a batch of mulled wine with cinnamon, cloves, orange slices, and honey.
Mocktail: Serve a spiced cranberry punch, garnished with rosemary sprigs and floating cranberries for color.
Hot Cocoa Bar: Create a DIY cocoa station with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream.
5. The Music and Atmosphere: Cozy and Personal
Music and scent set the tone for the evening, making your home feel like a warm embrace.
Playlist: Create a playlist blending holiday classics with soft jazz and timeless hits, you can never go wrong with some Ella Fitzgerald, or Michael Bublé
Scent: Simmer a pot of orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves on the stove to fill the air with holiday magic, or whatever candle you have on deck will work just fine!
Lighting: If your Christmas tree is up and lit, that’s all you need! With the candles glowing and dim lighting you have the perfect warmth.