While entertaining can be a lot of work, it doesn't have to be.
With these tips, you'll be able to make your holiday party or dinner memorable for all the right reasons.
Have a proper-sized table for your guests.
Whether it be with leaf additions or a solid top table, it’s important to have comfortable seating around the table for every guest. Extra seating is a must as well. It’s a good idea to add an extra chair or two for someone to sit in the living or family room.
Don’t be afraid to add some extra style, shapes, or sizes to your home.
Plan, plan ahead.
At this time of year, planning ahead is crucial. Don’t wait until the day before your holiday party to head out to the closest furniture store. Those that planned ahead will have gotten there first.
Having pieces delivered will be difficult without ample time, and any custom orders will be out of the question. “We have lots of different accent chairs and dining tables and chairs in stock ready for immediate delivery,” says Jennifer Reich, owner of Diggs & Dwellings in Sudbury.
Create an atmosphere of festivity with decorations and lighting.
Make sure there's plenty of space for guests to move around freely without feeling crowded or cramped – this will help create an air of comfort and ease among attendees!
Consider upholstery to update your pieces.
Adding new fabric to your current or outdated furniture can add function and style in time for the holidays.
You could even add a performance fabric, says Reich, “so those sticky Christmas sweets don’t do any permanent damage because the fabric has been engineered with stain-fighting properties to get wine spills or chocolate messes off easily.”
Have a memorable Christmas cocktail.
If you’re hosting a party, being prepared with a delicious holiday cocktail will always be a crowd-pleaser. It takes the event up a notch by not just offering a glass of wine – although it’s always good to have on hand, too.
Check out our excellent cocktail recipe from the Diggs & Dwelling team:
Holiday Sangria
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine.
- 1 cup of brandy.
- 1 bottle of apple cider or sparkling fruit juice.
- ¼ cup sugar.
- Your favourite festive fruit: orange slices, cranberries, etc.
- Cinnamon sticks and spices: nutmeg, star anise, rosemary etc.
Mix all the ingredients in a large enough pitch or punch bowl, adding the fruit last and saving some rosemary to garnish on top of each glass. Add enough spice to taste. Mix a bit of cinnamon and sugar to rim the glass – with honey! Serve over ice.
Ready to find the perfect furniture for your holiday party? Check out what Diggs & Dwellings has in store for you.