Interior stylist Emily Henderson dressed up the table with festive installations to imbue holiday cheer (Photographed by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for Emily Henderson Design)
Cover Interior stylist Emily Henderson dressed up the table with festive installations to imbue holiday cheer (Photographed by Sara Ligorria-Tramp for Emily Henderson Design)

Entertain in style this holiday season with these decor tips that will easily set the festive mood

As the holiday season approaches, social calendars are rapidly filling up with parties and soirées. If you’re planning to spend this festive season entertaining your nearest and dearest in the comforts of your own home, the key to getting your guests to feel welcomed and comfortable lies in the ambience of your home.

Whether you’re hosting an extravagant meal or a casual dinner party, these decor tips will create an unforgettable festive soirée that will definitely impress guests.

Don’t miss: Astrie Sunindar-Ratner Shares Her Top Holiday Table Decor Tips

1. Select the theme

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Go full out with a Winter Wonderland theme, like how blogger Eden Passante from Sugar and Charm has done so here (Image: Sugar and Charm)
Above Go full out with a Winter Wonderland theme, like how blogger Eden Passante from Sugar and Charm has done so here (Image: Sugar and Charm)
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Or opt for a minimalist theme like interior stylist Abi Dare from These Four Walls, and use dried sprigs and foliage for a striking look (Image: These Four Walls)
Above Or opt for a minimalist theme like interior stylist Abi Dare from These Four Walls, and use dried sprigs and foliage for a striking look (Image: These Four Walls)

The planning of every holiday fête starts with a theme, which will help guide the overall style and menu of your event. Decide on the atmosphere: formal or relaxed? Intimate or elaborate? You can choose to settle on a colour scheme, such as the elegant silver and gold combination or a classic red palette, or go all out with a whimsical White Christmas theme. 

Read more: Christmas Gift Guide 2021: The Best Luxury Jewellery for That Special Someone

2. Set a welcoming table

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Place cards can bring a personal torch to the table (Image: Nicole Michalou/Pexels)
Above Place cards can bring a personal torch to the table (Image: Nicole Michalou/Pexels)
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Interior stylist Emily Henderson created a snowy tablescape with a faux fur runner (Image: Nicole Michalou/Pexels)
Above Interior stylist Emily Henderson created a snowy tablescape with a faux fur runner (Image: Emily Henderson)

The tablescape is the highlight of any dinner party. Once you’ve decided on your party scheme, it’s easy to dress the table accordingly. To craft an elegance to the table that’s also warm and welcoming, opt for a classic floral centerpiece or a collection of special decor accents that can be Christmas-themed.

A place card emblazoned with your guests’ names or printed menus can help personalise the experience, and double as small momentos or party favours for guests to bring home. To add a Christmas edge to the table, use festive ornaments or baubles. These special touches can also double as conversation-starters amongst guests. 

In case you missed it: The Perfect Christmas Gifts for Food Lovers, Available for Delivery

3. Create warmth with candles

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Use a mixture of candles and candlesticks for a warm glow (Image: Nicole Michalou/Pexels)
Above Use a mixture of candles and candlesticks for a warm glow (Image: Nicole Michalou/Pexels)
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Candles can also be used for festive soirées outdoors for a layered look (Image: Rachel Claire/Pexels)
Above Candles can also be used for festive soirées outdoors for a layered look (Image: Rachel Claire/Pexels)

Layer the table with candles and candlesticks to create a cosy ambience and add a beautiful glow. An important holiday tip: opt for unscented candles that will not clash with the delicious aromas wafting from your feast!

Don’t miss: Christmas Gift Guide 2021: The Best Luxury Beauty & Grooming Gifts

4. Tactile details

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Napkins in seasonal colours can amp up the festive atmosphere (Image: Libby Penner/Unsplash)
Above Napkins in seasonal colours can amp up the festive atmosphere (Image: Libby Penner/Unsplash)
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Christmas ornaments are a fun and easy way to decorate the table  (Image: Libby Penner/Unsplash)
Above Christmas ornaments are a fun and easy way to decorate the table (Image: Libby Penner/Unsplash)

Linens also go a long way to elevate the occasion. A tablecloth can add tactile appeal to the table, while soft cloth napkins in festive colours enhance the beauty of the table. Instead of traditional napkin rings, you can opt to tie the napkins with a ribbon and tuck a festive holly leave as a finishing touch.

Read more: Christmas 2021: The Best Log Cakes in Singapore to Indulge in This Season

5. A dream table setting

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Events planning maestro Olga Iserlis used Christofle tableware to bring elegance to this table (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)
Above Events planning maestro Olga Iserlis used Christofle tableware to bring elegance to this table (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)
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Decorative dishware is a great way to impress your guests (Image: furkanfdemir/Pexels)
Above Decorative dishware is a great way to impress your guests (Image: furkanfdemir/Pexels)

Whether you’re whipping up a homecooked menu or opting for chef-made dishes from your favourite restaurants, break out your favourite tableware and glassware for the special occasion.

Plate up traditional honey ham atop your finest crockery for a sophisticated touch (just make sure there aren’t any young ones at the table), or add vibrance and colour with plates boasting merry motifs.

In case you missed it: How the Perfect Tableware Helps Create a Dream Dinner Setting

6. Have a self-service bar

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The Float bar cabinet from Italian furnishings brand Baxter is designed to showcase your curated collection of spirits (Image: Baxter)
Above The Float bar cabinet from Italian furnishings brand Baxter is designed to showcase your curated collection of spirits (Image: Baxter)
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This bar cart designed by by Jorge Zalszupin doubles as a tea trolley and a display shelf (Image: The Invisible Collection)
Above This bar cart designed by Jorge Zalszupin doubles as a tea trolley and a display shelf (Image: The Invisible Collection)

Serving drinks at a dinner party is always a tricky situation—some guests prefer classic wines, some prefer Christmas cocktails, while others are looking for something stronger. Tis’ the season to stock up your bar carts and home bars with an array of drinks—including non-alcoholic spirits.

And as your bar carts and home bars will undoubtedly be the centre of attention, add some sparkle and shine with stylish decorative touches that will breathe fun into the room.

Read more: 5 Stylish Home Bar Designs For the Ultimate Night In

7. Curate a holiday playlist

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Blast out some of your favourite holiday tunes from a stylish wireless speaker like the Ruark Audio R5 Signature (Image: Ruark Audio)
Above Blast out some of your favourite holiday tunes from a stylish wireless speaker like the Ruark Audio R5 Signature (Image: Ruark Audio)

No dinner party is complete without music! Whether you’re welcoming guests into your domain with classic holiday albums or setting a relaxed mood with mellow tunes, a stylish home speaker will bring both impeccable style and surround sound quality into your home.

In case you missed it: 10 Stylish Wireless Home Speakers For 2021

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