Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

‘Tis the season to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

The holidays are the best time of the year for many reasons. With a crazy year behind us, it’s always nice to finally get a chance to catch up with friends and family and throw back a few through our slower-er season. But this year may be a little different for you –  maybe it’s your year to host and you have no clue where to begin when it comes to holiday entertaining. Well have no fear, because we’re here to help! Instead of fussing over details of playing hostess for your holiday party the night before, check out our helpful tips for stress free holiday entertaining.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use a Little Red + Green in Your Decor

I know to some people using red and green around Christmas can be considered cheesy, but for me it’s the only time of year I can get away with using them and not be! The best way I like to be festive but stay on trend is to mix it up a bit. Add in a variation of colors, patterns, and textures to really help modernize your table decor. Mixing and matching is your friend! Now’s the time to stretch out your creative juices and wow your guests with black tapered candles during the holidays (I love these from Target’s Magnolia Line). A total conversation starter! Pro Tip: Begin setting your table the week before so you can see everything laid out and accounted for. You’d hate the day-of to realize you don’t have enough place settings for everyone invited!

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

Done is Better Than Perfect

Hands in the air if you’re a creative and you cringe at this phrase! (Both hands WAY up!) I’m a perfectionist by nature yes, and during the holidays those desires to ensure everything is in it’s place and accounted for are magnified. But in hindsight, mapping out my holiday entertaining checklist this way makes me realize I’m missing the point of why we’re coming together in the first place. So the goal this year is to prioritize ahead of time what needs to be accomplished and what can be taken care of on the fly. Have time to stick a roast in the oven but no time to bake a pie? Splurge and swing by your favorite bakery to pick up some yummy treats. No judgement!

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

Holiday Cocktails are a Must

Did you know that December is the month in which most champagne bottles are sold, beating out Valentine’s Day and the summer wedding season!? No surprise to us there, but if you’re planning on purchasing champagne for your own holiday entertaining why not have fun with it? Make it a specialty cocktail, or have fun garnishes on hand for your guests to spice up their drink. We love the idea of having sugared cranberries (which you sugared the night before!), simple syrups and juices guests can drizzle on their own. Not only are you allowing for your guests to feel special, but you might even save a little money on additional offerings.

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

Continue scrolling for a few additional images of holiday decor a few vendor friends and I whipped up this month!

Happy Holidays!

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

Photo Cred: Ana Isabel Photography

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