Holiday Hosting Tips for The Newlyweds

Who better than event planner and newlywed herself, Kelsey of Back Bay Bride, to share a few holiday hosting tips for the newlyweds!? There are so many fun ways nesting couples can celebrate their first holiday season together, decorate, and entertain. Here, Kelsey shares a few of her favorite ways…

As a wedding and event planner, one of my most favorite things to do is host! The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year not just because everything has that extra layer of sparkle (and greenery!) but because there are so many chances to gather together with the ones you love.

This holiday season is our first as a married couple in a house instead of an apartment, and I was so excited to decorate for the holidays and entertain guests. I loved having this chance to pull out some of our most special wedding gifts for the first time and set the scene for a festive dinner party. Here are a few holiday hosting tips for the newlyweds to try!

1. Stick to your color palette – Red and green can be so cheery and fun, but we’ve decorated our house in neutrals and cool tones. I wanted to keep the décor natural to compliment the vibe we’ve worked so hard to create in our home! Beautiful greenery designed by Stem & Vine went a long way to elevate our décor for the winter months.

2. Set a special table – This is it, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to pull that crystal and china you painstakingly researched and added to your registry and display it in all its glory on your holiday tablescape. Cloth napkins and a linen runner also take it from the everyday to elegant. Seasonal touches like ornaments, pinecones and pine boughs are thoughtful details that won’t go unnoticed and no setting is complete without a place card. Mine were handlettered along with other accents by one of my favorite local artists, Letter & Adore.

3. Keep the menu simple – You may be tempted to roast a turkey or braise a ham like they do at Grandma’s house but if you’re not a tried and true chef it’s best to keep things easy. This rosemary garlic chicken recipe looks fancy but can be prepared in advance and kept warm in the oven while you mix and mingle.

4. Try a DIY – we don’t have a light fixture above our table so I hung a few clear ornaments as a DIY chandelier. Something crafty is always a great conversation starter.

5. Create a cozy feel – Moving from the city, we absolute love our wood burning fireplace and my husband takes every chance he gets to build a fire! But even if you don’t have that option, lighting extra candles or stringing up more lights creates a warm and inviting feel for your guests.