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By Rachel Hinch
Photography by Christopher Myers
Illustrations by Danielle Dernoga

Model and styling assistant: Diana Eusebio. Photography assistant: Heidi Bell. Dress from After Midnight

Home & Living

How to Holiday

Eat, drink, and be merry with these three concepts for your seasonal soiree.

By Rachel Hinch.
Photography by Christopher Myers. Illustrations by Danielle Dernoga. Model and styling assistant: Diana Eusebio. Photography assistant: Heidi Bell. Dress from After Midnight.

Modern

Graphic patterns and splashes of color enhance an everyday look

THE GOODS! Clockwise from left: Gold spoons ($30.99) at Trohv. White napkins ($49.95); charcoal napkins ($19.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Cutting board ($44); rocking whiskey glasses ($24); copper-finish mini spoon set ($20) at Trohv. Gold bowl from marble set ($42) at Becket Hitch. Aplico Reglisse plate ($32.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Gold flatware set ($39) at West Elm. Kate Spade accent plate ($10) at Becket Hitch. Aplico Zen dipping bowl, large ($26.95), small ($12.95), ramekin ($9.95); white tablecloth ($69.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Food provided by Orto. Florals provided by Floral Fêtes.

FULL SPREAD

Slate Cheeseboard: Indulge in small bites of brie, grapes, and cured meats between lively conversations. PRO TIP: A full, vibrant charcuterie plate can double as decoration!

Middle Wood Slate board set ($22) at Best Day Ever.

DECK THE HALLS

Enhance your place settings with creative décor, such as using garland as a centerpiece. Simple decoration adds a slight visual interest, creating a tasteful touch of holiday spirit. Neutral hues and gold tones pair well for a modern color palette.

Wool felt garland with gold/cream flat circles ($20) at Trohv.

Fruit-infused Sparkling Water
Flavored sparkling water can take your dinner to another level. Do it yourself by adding fresh seasonal fruits to your glass of plain carbonated water.

LAST CALL

There are a few essential mixers to have on hand when making your own craft cocktails: tonic, ginger beer, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and bitters.

Bar utensil set ($48) at Becket Hitch.

Go-to holiday drink: PINK G&T

Elevate your celebration with hand-crafted cocktails made from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. dry gin
  • 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • 6 oz. tonic water
Directions: Coat your glass in bitters, pouring out any excess. Add gin, ice, and your choice of tonic. Top off your cocktail with a garnish of lime or grapefruit.

SHORT CUTS

Cornbread Mix: Craving fresh-from-the-oven treats but strapped on time? For something quick, easy, and always tasty, opt for a mix!

Aunt Maggie’s cornbread mix ($9.95) at Becket Hitch.

CHARMING side plates

Celebrate the season with festive dishware.

Stoneware 3” bird dish ($3) at Trohv.

“TRY TO GET AS MUCH OF THE PREP as you can DONE THE DAY BEFORE SO YOU CAN ENJOY THE NIGHT!”

– Elan Kotz, Orto

Bohemian

Mix and match texture and tone for a fun-loving feast

THE GOODS! Clockwise from left: Reactive Glaze dinnerware plate ($10); stemless glass ($4.20); modern rose gold flatware ($39) at West Elm. Napkins ($18.50) at Trohv. Pink glass ($15) at Becket Hitch. Reactive Glaze salad plate ($8) at West Elm. Blue/white porcelain bowl ($7.99); Raashi bluestone mug ($15); ceramic reactive glaze teapot ($21) at Trohv. Voluspa Japonica mini candle ($10); mini Capri blue jar candle ($12) at Anthropologie. Speckled cement nesting bowls ($20); copper-finish mini spoon set ($20); locally made table ($525) at Trohv. Food provided by Rye Street Tavern.

MINT CONDITION

Every detail counts! Store your Sweet Stripes peppermints in a holiday tin, bringing your guests holiday cheer and an after-dinner refresh. Filled with goodies or even empty, a vintage-style tin also makes for a great hostess gift.

Metal Box with holiday greeting ($5.50) at Trohv.

THE CUP THAT CHEERS

Digestion Tea: Conclude your meal and ease your stomach with a warm mug of tea.

Digestion Tea ($13.99) at Trohv.

GRAB-N-GO

Feel Your Oats: Fill bowls with tasty snacks to stave off your guests’ hunger before the main attraction.

Wool felt garland with gold/cream flat circles ($20) at Trohv.

Go-to holiday snack: NO-BAKE GRANOLA

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup honey
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 cups granola
  • ¼ cup grapeseed oil
Directions: Stir boiled sugar, honey, and oil in a large bowl with granola. Refrigerate, cut, and serve! Sprinkle in dried fruit and seeds for added flavor and nutrition.

Warm Apple Compote
A compote can be a dessert or topping for pancakes and waffles. Place four peeled apple slices, a tablespoon of sugar, and the juice of one lemon into a saucepan. Cook with one vanilla bean over medium heat for 30 minutes.

Mix & Match

Mismatched dishes add subtle flair.

Limited edition Moroccan ceramic bowls x-small ($10), medium ($18) at Trohv.

GLAZED STONE MUG

Versatile for a morning brew or a holiday nog, mugs can bring a cozy detail to a table setting. A one-of-a-kind mug can be an easy table statement.

Stoneware reactive glaze mug ($12.99) at Trohv.

RAISE A GLASS

Colored Glass: Though more casual and relaxed, bohemian-style tinted glassware pairs well with modern metallic accents, adding unexpected and exciting style to any table setting.

Round glass ($3.75) at Trohv.

“Spicy Bloody Marys with an assortment of garnishes are a must!”

– Brian Plante, Rye Street Tavern

Classic

Achieve traditional elegance with simple white and silver pieces

THE GOODS! Clockwise from left: Round au gratin plate ($24.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Porcelain gravy boat ($5.99) at Target. Queen Anne salad plate ($26.95); Pillivuyt square baker ($54.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Promenade silver flatware ($19); stemless glass ($4.20) at West Elm. Aplico Zen dipping bowl ($12.95); oval au gratin plate ($29.95); modern geo napkin ring set ($6.95); white linen napkins ($49.95); Queen Anne dinner plates ($28.95) at Williams-Sonoma. Juliska glass ($29) at Becket Hitch.Florals provided by Floral Fêtes.

SHORT CUTS

Hot Chocolate: Sipping a hot cup of cocoa with friends and family is the ideal winter treat.

Semi-sweet hot chocolate ($19.95) at Williams-Sonoma.

SET THE STAGE

Entertaining Guide: Host the most with tips and tricks from a recipe book.

The Curated Table ($39.95) at Trohv.

GLOSSED OVER

Roasted Carrots: A go-to harvest veggie, glazed carrots are a simple side dish.

Go-to holiday sauce: HONEY GARLIC BUTTER GLAZE

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp parsley
Directions: Mix melted butter with remaining ingredients. Drizzle half of the glaze before roasting, using the rest to serve.

Centerpiece Conversation
Complement your dinner table with an arrangement of seasonal greenery or a bouquet of unique and colorful flowers.

STAR COOKIE CUTTER

Serve your pastries in festive shapes.

Star cookie cutter ($16.95) at Williams-Sonoma.

Level Set

When measuring dry ingredients, use a spoon to fill measuring cups to ensure accuracy.

Copper measuring cup set ($36) at Becket Hitch.

FALL INTO PLACE

Hosting a lavish dinner party? Take a note from the pros on how to set and style the most elegant of place settings.

How to Set a Table ($14) at Becket Hitch.

“Choose a statement container that will make even the simplest blooms pop.”

– Victoria Clausen, Floral Fêtes.

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