We’ve officially entered the holiday season, and that means entertaining is on my mind! Since Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, this month I’m rounding up some of my favorite tips & tricks to make hosting family and friends a breeze. As always, style is at the forefront, but just as important is the simplicity of pulling your whole event together. From decor to appetizers, I’ve got you covered with the must-have basics so you can spend less time worrying about everything coming together, and more time planning an unforgettable meal. Now grab your favorite seasonal cocktail and get ready - you’re sure to have a wow-worthy spread in no time

Xo,

Laura

KEEP IT SIMPLE

A formal place setting can be overwhelming, and quite frankly, it’s one of the last things people remember. At the end of the day, everything gets filled up with food and drinks, and people are always more focused on the meal at hand. Plus, from multiple sets of silverware to endless glassware, it’s an entire process just to get it set up (let alone wash it all at the end of the night). This year, make it easy on yourself - skip the excess dinnerware and stick to the basics. A classic set of everyday dishware will do the trick, and if you want to add a bit of flair, you can always incorporate a seasonal garnish or two. The result is streamlined and oh-so-chic.

GREENERY

Looking for a casual, yet elegant, centerpiece to finish off a table setting? My number one recommendation is silver dollar eucalyptus. Whether arranged in a vase or down the center of the table, it’s a pared-down decoration that fits any holiday aesthetic. After all, when the true centerpiece of a feast is the food itself, it’s always best to keep the surrounding decor tasteful but subtle.

MIX IT UP

When it comes to holiday entertaining, there’s no reason you need to match everything. Try using a variety of different napkin colors together instead. As long as they’re in a complementary color palette, it’ll feel cohesive and planned. Depending on the crowd and the vibe you’re going for, you can change up the colors as well. Generally brighter/bolder colors are more playful and muted colors are more sophisticated. Whatever your aesthetic, a mixed array will be stunning.

FOOD

One of the best ways to welcome guests to your home is to kick things off with a stellar appetizer. My fave is a loaded charcuterie board filled with our favorite snacks so people can graze while we put the finishing touches on dinner. Incorporate multiple ingredients, too - the fancier meats and cheeses are great for adults, but it’s important to throw in fruit and crackers, too, so the kids feel included and can find something they like. The biggest thing to remember is that with a spread like this, you can never have too much. Load it up with as much as you can - not only will it look gorgeous with those foods layered together, but people will feel much more comfortable eating as much as they’d like.