One of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season is welcoming friends and family into your home. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or a festive dinner, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere makes all the difference.
You don’t need a whole new set of holiday decor or fancy table settings. Sometimes the best way to get your home holiday-ready is by working with what you already have and adding a few small, thoughtful details.
Here are my favorite holiday hosting tips to make your home feel warm, welcoming, and festive:
1. Set the Mood with Visuals
One easy way to create a cozy holiday vibe is by putting something festive on the TV. For me, a soft, looping holiday scene—whether it's a snowy landscape, a crackling fire, or a twinkling Christmas village—is perfect. If you have a real fireplace, even better!
2. Lighting Makes All the Difference
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy holiday ambience. Instead of relying solely on overhead lights, dim them and use your lamps, candles, and twinkling holiday lights for a soft glow.
There’s something magical about the warmth of a candlelight-lit room. If you don’t have many candles, consider mixing in string lights or fairy lights in unexpected places—along a staircase, tucked into greenery, or strung over a mantle.
3. Use Fresh Foliage and Fruit for Decor
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, nothing feels as fresh and festive as real foliage. Think garlands of pine, sprigs of holly, or wreaths with fresh greenery. I love using fresh Christmas foliage as a centerpiece, either on the dining table or on an entryway table.
To elevate your foliage, add fruits like pomegranates, apples, or oranges. Not only do they add some color, but they’re an affordable way to elevate your decor and create a rich, festive look.
4. Decorate with Simple Elegance
I’ve been loving bows this year! A simple velvet or silk bow tied around a candelabra, vase, or used as a napkin ring can instantly transform your everyday decor into something festive. It’s a simple touch that adds elegance without much effort.
Another tip is to incorporate ornaments into your decor. Whether it’s hanging a few extra baubles from a garland or placing a few ornaments on your dining table as part of your tablescape, they’re an easy way to bring in some holiday sparkle and charm.
5. Play Music, But Keep It Soft
Background music is a great way to elevate your gathering without overwhelming conversation. Soft, instrumental Christmas music sets a cheerful mood that feels both lively and peaceful.
6. Make It Personal
Whether you prefer a minimalist, elegant style or a maximalist approach with layers of color and pattern, the key is to make your space feel like you. Personal touches go a long way in creating a comfortable, welcoming scene. Maybe you have a favorite vintage plate, an heirloom ornament, or custom place cards—let those pieces shine!
Guests will feel at home when they sense that the space is an authentic reflection of you. And if you’re the kind of person who loves to layer textures, colors, and patterns, embrace it! The holidays are all about making memories and celebrating what brings joy.
Have fun decorating!
xx,
Paxton