Design Happens

For last Friday’s freebie giveaway, we asked you to tell us your best holiday entertaining ideas to be entered for a random chance to win this chic faux-shagreen tray from SkateModerne.  You had some great tips — here are some of our favorites.

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Most friends don’t mind helping out a little, especially if they’re among the first to arrive. “I like to have a friend or family member in charge of welcoming people when they arrive, helping them with their coats, purses, food set up and getting them settled in with a drink…even leading them to mix and mingle if necessary,” says Jan T.  Or ask guests to bring a homemade dish, like reader cnpeyton does.

Get Together Ahead of Time
December too busy? Celebrate with friends in the summer, like two of our commenters do. “Since the holidays are so busy with family, we have a garden party in August with decorations and Christmas carols and many courses of food under a tent in my friend’s lovely yard. It’s less stressful for everyone, and there’s better weather,” says Andrea.  And Sylvie R. looks forward to her Christmas in July party every year: “We all dress up in thick, tacky sweaters, reindeer headbands, etc., and enjoy making gingerbread, peppermint schapps-infused hot cocoa and a white elephant gift exchange. Who says holidays only come once a year?”

Host a Traveling Party
Don’t want to play host all night? Try a progressive party like reader SweetLiz and her family members: “We go from house to house so we can see each other’s decorated homes and share a drink, snack or dessert. Sometimes we start with a brunch, sometimes with a late lunch. We try to do this a week before Christmas.”

Don’t Forget the Details
Little touches will put your party over the top — like simple homemade appetizers instead of store-bought or fresh greenery from the yard. And Felipe33 reminds us that “a must for entertaining is a clean and fresh-smelling half bath. This can be a deal breaker.”

Relax and Have Fun
So, you didn’t have a chance to make letterpress place cards or get out your fondue set. It’s okay! Once the party starts, go with what you’ve got and don’t sweat the unfinished details.  As wise reader Pat D says, “If you are enjoying yourself, most likely your guests will too.”  And as this week’s random winner, vintageviolet, reminds us, “Holidays are for spending time with friends and family, so don’t get so stressed that you forget that part!”

Congratulations to this week’s winner! She will have 2 weeks to respond to our emails before we pick another random winner.