Design a Festive Holiday Fête!

H e l l o!

Up on the blog this week, I'm talking about how to design your most Festive Holiday Fête!

Friends are the family you choose, so before you host your Holiday feast, carve out some time to have a light-hearted meal with your besties. If picture-perfect Pinterest tablescapes have you feeling overwhelmed at the thought of hosting a holiday dinner—rather than excited about spending time with friends—we're here to help. Ahead of prime hosting season, we created a step-by-step guide to host a stunning Feast with your BFFs without the headache.

When planning a fête, break from tradition and think outside the box. You can host a pajama-themed party, or instead of a sit-down dinner, why not brunch? Games are a must, and if everyone needs to BYOB or it's a full-on potluck buffet, yes, yes, and yes. You're having a meal with your besties, so lighten up and make it a meal to remember.

Send a Thoughtful Invite

Make it feel extra special by mailing invitations to your guests. The handwritten invite will let your friends know you took time and care to plan this event.

Design it up a little.

Have fun with your fête design decor: drape a banner from your mantel or hang it on a wall above the buffet. Let your guests know they will be entertained tonight with good food and games.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest 

Set the Table.

It's essential to have linens so you can protect your table with so many guests, set the mood for the evening, and build out your color palette. Like your invitations, a set of linens begins to pull in your colors for the fête. We love this simple ornament tablescape for it's simplicity and it's colorfulness.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Don't Forget the Flowers

If your DIY floral arrangements have fallen flat in the past, save yourself the time and energy and order a centerpiece online. And order two or more days before your event to guarantee they come in time. 

Photo Cred:  Olive and Cocoa

To have a smooth fête with your guests, create a seating plan. Although they might all be your besties, it's helpful to group your friends based on their common interests and who will enjoy some dinner conversation together. Better yet, pair pals who aren't super close already to ensure new friendships.

Opt for casual dinnerware

You can't go wrong with white dinnerware when setting the table. The colors from your food will jump off the plates and be the focal point of your table setting. As a bonus, the small plates in this set act as lids for the larger bowls, so you don't have to worry about any extra Tupperware when cleaning up leftovers.

Photo Cred:  harlow and gray

Light Some Candles

Draw your besties into the festivities with an intoxicating scent. The Gather candle's scent is about creating awareness and relaxation so your friends can talk and laugh in a safe space. Make sure your light the candle thirty minutes before your guests arrive to ensure that the aroma has filled up the room.

Photo Cred:  Etsy

Plan an activity.

Don't let the festivities end without a party game or a fun activity. My sisters and I just played the newest Clue game.  It was really fun to try and solve the murder mystery together! You can also easily create an Instagram-worthy event by simply re-creating a blank wall with craft paper that guests can write down what they're grateful for or their favorite holiday memory and then take photos in front of it using funny props.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

The Take Away

Lastly, end your fête with a thank-you gift. You could give them a bottle of wine paired with a stemless wine glass celebrating your friendship. And, they can bring it to your next BYOB party!

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

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In addition to being a Philadelphia Multifamily Interior Designer,  I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, residential development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area.  We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!