Make it Easy on Yourself The best host is a relaxed host, says Jessica Latham, founder of party rental company Social Studies. Latham is famous for delivering fun (and for her work planning over-the-top parties, including the Vanity Fair Oscar party). To stay stress-free, prep ahead, pre-batch cocktails, “and don’t experiment,” she says. “Don’t wear an outfit you’re uncomfortable in and if you’re cooking, don’t pick a new recipe you’re unfamiliar with.”
Stay on Budget
Be playful with materials you have at home, Latham says. Add pine garlands or preserved eucalyptus, fresh vegetables, gourds or even ornaments down the center of a table to mimic a runner. “Use what you have around the house—we’ve been known to style a table with playing cards. Holiday stamps are also a nice touch for smaller details. Stick one on each place card for a little festive kiss."
Ditch the Welcome Committee
Spare yourself the constant disruption by hanging a welcome sign on the door encouraging guests to come on in.
Set the Mood
Turn off overhead lights and stick to soft-lit lamps and a mix of tapers and votive candles clustered across a table, says Latham. “Put on a vintage holiday playlist and simmer a pot of cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peel. Or buy a great-smelling candle.” The Holiday StrollCandle brings the scents of tart red currants and sugar plums to your home. $34
Add Some Color
Whatever cocktail you’re serving, do it in style. Candy-colored glassware (in trending colors like earthy neutrals and emeralds or acid greens) can elevate a table in a heartbeat. Latham sometimes uses thrifted vintage coupes, Moroccan tea glasses or Estelle Glassware’s Custom Mix-and-Match Sets. $175
Pick a Theme
“We’ve found that people miss dressing up and put a lot of effort into their themed looks,” she says. Build a theme around a decade of your choice or a trending drink, holiday movie or festive pajamas.
Rent-a-Party
Want a beautifully put-together table setting straight out of a Nora Ephron flick—without the hassle? Hire the pros. Choose your theme—Espresso Martini? Christmas Chintz? Hygge Holiday?—and the full tabletop look (flatware, glassware, napkins, table toppers and more) is delivered to your door. Starting at $22 per person
Embrace Nostalgia
Fill a bowl or cloche with meaningful ornaments or display family heirlooms—like your mother’s ceramic trees or your grandmother’s Christmas village—as centerpieces. They’ll spark both memories and conversation. One tradition Latham loves: the Peppermint Pig, a Victorian confection that inspires reflection. “After your meal, you pass the candy pig, break off a piece and share something you’re thankful for from the past year and what you wish for in the coming year.” $17
Decorate with Gifts
Pick personalized ornaments like the Monogram Snow Globeto use as place cards. Or encourage guests to take home a Nathalie Lete Twelve Days of Christmas Dessert Plate as a keepsake or to use as a ring dish. $18
Serve a Signature Sip
While a return to the classics, like Gimlets, Sazeracs and Mint Juleps are trending, Latham suggests a cozy, frothy version of the storied ‘90s cocktail: the Espresso Martini. Fill a shaker with 1 part vodka (like Absolut), 1 part coffee liquor (like Kahlúa) and 1 part espresso. Add ice and shake for 15–20 seconds to ensure a frothy foam. Top with three espresso beans or a favorite seasonal garnish.
