Celebrating the most wonderful time of the year has evolved from singing carols and treating Santa to milk and cookies to donning ugly sweaters and belting out Mariah Carey’s holiday hits. But whichever way you and your loved ones rejoice during the holidays, it’s a given that there’ll be at least one traditional get-together with those you hold dear.
If you’ve been seeking inspiration to help elevate your big at-home meal, make Classical Shindig: Amateur Artistry from the Simple to the Sublime your resource. Authors and entertaining extraordinaries Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper offer tips, tricks and recipes that even a first-time host can execute. Their advice, along with tips from party planners Lucy Pujols of SeViLu Party Planning in Teaneck and Nicole Serse, who along with co-founder Kristen Ligas runs Paramus-based Well-Dressed Events, can help you make the holidays extra special. “Remember to live in the moment and be present with your people,” Pujols reminds. “Giving thanks to friends and family who are at the event is always a good conversation to have when hosting.”
At their New Orleans home, Harold and Peeper include a handcrafted gift at every place setting. On this table, the keepsakes complement the homemade citrus and clove pomanders, as well as the pinecones and garland, that fill the centerpiece. Adds Serse: “Personalized touches such as a small note to your guests or little gift go a long way. Details always make a difference! Candles always set a beautiful tone and can be a little more practical vs. florals on a table during the holidays.”
Who wouldn’t want to partake in this Victorian sterling nutcracker suite? The holly and ivy napkins are from the Methodist Church Christmas bazaar in Osceola, Arkansas, circa the 1970s, says Harold and Peeper. If you’re preparing a platter or charcuterie board, Pujols suggests doing one in tiers. “Using layers can easily elevate the look of the boards on your table,” she says. “Adding a variety of materials, like glass or mirrored platters, also adds interest. In addition to basic cheeses and meats, offer jams and honeys as well as dried berries and fruits. Adding greenery is also a great way to elevate the look.”
The stockings—needlepointed by Quinn with an armorial crest and trimmed with fox—were hung by the chimney with care.
Before they’re ripped open on Christmas morning, thoughtfully wrapped gifts are an extension of the tree’s décor.
The Christmas tree and candles illuminate the gold and white Spode china meticulously arranged on the table. For your tablescape, Serse recommends understated décor like “real greenery or berry branches, and festive fruits like pears, pomegranates, figs and dried orange slices.” In addition, “Use velvet ribbon on wreaths and staircase garlands in softer colors like beige, terracotta, mauve, navy, or Hunter green. Then add taper candles on gold stands with hurricanes to brighten the mood,” she says.
Photos reprinted with permission from Classical Shindig: Amateur Artistry from the Simple to the Sublime (Susan Schadt Press, 2023) by Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper. Photography by Elizabeth Dondis.