The holiday season will soon be upon us, and with that comes festive gatherings with family and friends. For Kathryn Greeley, interior designer, entertaining expert, and author of the best-selling book The Collected Cottage: Gardening, Gatherings, and Collecting at Chestnut Cottage, the holidays are her favorite time to host small, informal dinners and large celebrations.
Greeley kicks off the holidays by decorating seven freshly cut Christmas trees and the cottage. As a seasoned hostess, we asked Greeley to share her tips for hosting memorable parties.
1. Planning, organizing, and executing. As an interior designer, that is how both interior design projects and holiday entertaining end with a perfect outcome. The four “W’s”—who will be invited, what will be served, when will the party take place, and where will the party be—are a good place to begin. Planning and organizing ensure that you will be able to enjoy your party without any last-minute surprises, and if the unexpected does happen, you will be ready to manage it.
2. Start with a beautifully handwritten or printed invitation. In this day of electronic messages, receiving a thoughtful, personalized invitation in the mail makes a special caring statement.
3. Dress mantels, windowsills, and chandeliers in your favorite holiday style. Fill your space with the scents of the seasons, such as fresh florals and greenery, incense, and candles. Taper candles on the mantels and tables work well for small groups, while pillar candles and votives are safer for larger crowds.
4. Menus make the memories. If you do not enjoy cooking, then use a caterer or do a combination of both. Start with a distinctive cocktail or Champagne bar where guests can easily serve themselves, freeing you up to mingle. Add signature appetizers, a main course with sides, and a delectable dessert finale. Signature menu items give those who have been entertained in your home before something to look forward to, and they are a delightful surprise for new visitors. Greeley’s Christmas Eve guests expect her famous Bûche de Noël.
5. Setting a festive table is important. Greeley’s passion is collecting china, crystal, linens, and silver. Whatever your design preference, create a table that expresses your own unique style. Greeley enjoys mixing and layering her china patterns when setting her holiday tables. Be creative with your serving pieces, too. Try serving a shrimp or lobster cocktail in a martini glass.
6. Place cards and menu cards add a special touch to your holiday tables. Place cards end seating confusion, and a menu card helps your guests pace themselves for the next course. And do not forget the music. Create a playlist of your favorite festive tunes, but remember to keep the music soft so that people can enjoy interesting conversations.
7. Develop your own holiday dining traditions. Greeley never ends her Christmas Eve dinner without Christmas crackers. She says that they force us to not take ourselves too seriously. As a small added token, Greeley usually sends her guests home with a little homemade gift of Rosemary Cashews.
