Now that I’ve grown up and have started hosting gatherings and parties in my own home I’ve started to realize just how lucky I am to have been given such great training for the role of “host” throughout my life. It’s easy to take for granted, but I’ve come to appreciate and understand the delicate art of putting your guests at ease from the moment they arrive, setting the mood with music and decor, creating a well-balanced menu, and keeping everyone happy and comfortable throughout their time with you. Today, we look at what to do when hosting your very own Christmas dinner party.

I love hosting during the festive season.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for when the occasion arises:

Setting the table

To start, I would like to clear up the misconception that red is the must-have color of the season. It’s not. You absolutely do not have to make everything read. And if you insist, it can be in very small calculated touches. Personally, I much prefer the combination of white and silver with a touch of black. It gives a very cozy yet modern and clean feel to the table. Also, it’s nice to add different heights by adding candle holders and flowers around the table (just make sure it’s still easy to communicate across the table for the rest of the diner party). I like to keep the table deco quite minimal so as not to take the focus off the food.

Photocred: Pinterest

Photocred: Pinterest

Food Display

What I’ve been really obsessing over lately is how I display food. We’ve been seeing trays and boards being (over)used in the typical cheese and cold cut parties, but a less classical approach is to use them to display main courses that you would usually place on white porcelain plates. My favorite assortment to display in this way is definitely meat with all its side dishes! The trick is to create an organized mess and to have fun doing it. I find this kind of display to be very inviting, instagrammable and allows your guests to comfortably dig in.

Photocred: Pinterest

I also found some inspiration for displaying chocolate, brownies and red fruits to end the night. I’m definitely trying it out at my next dinner party!

Photocred: Pinterest

Bon hosting!