When it comes to the wedding & lifestyle industry, our friends are Be Inspired PR are always connected to the best of the best. So, suffice to say, they’re the gals we turned to when hunting for some holiday tablescape and entertaining tips. They gathered up their friends (more aptly titled “industry stars & experts”) to share their favorite ways to make a holiday party shine. From quick & easy DIYs to memorable menus to a perfect playlist… there’s something for everyone and every event. Still on the hunt for more? Head to Inspired by This – the firms’ fabulous blog. You’re sure to be the best host in town!

Table 7 Events: Stephanie Hassan
1. My first rule of styling an event is to complement the space rather to compete with it. If you utilize the venue or your home’s colors and style, you do not have put in as much energy and expense into making the décor elements fit naturally.

2. Another trick is to go on a scavenger hunt for organic items around your home such as leaves, branches, pinecones, fruit, herbs and berries. These items are easily added to a tabletop with some candlelight. You can even take that a step further and spray paint or glitterize your finds to add some holiday sparkle. I especially like to pull in the fruit, herbs and berries aspect and carry it throughout the event from the tabletop to the beverages. A little sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries can carry a theme from start to finish!

Dish Wish: Laura Meyers
1. Don’t be afraid to make your own napkins or runner from more unique fabric from a fabric store, it can totally transform the table and bring new life to your tried and true place settings.

2. Find new ways to display placecards to create a memorable statement. You can gather up greenery from your garden and tie them with twine or a leather chord such as this.

3. Set your table as early as possible. It will make you feel more prepared even if you are cooking, cleaning and stressing up until the last minute! I can thank my mother-in-law, Beth, for that great advice!

Anais Event Planning and Design: Amrit Dhillon-Bains and Heather Gubics
1. Add ambience to your guest/powder room with a cluster of lanterns and bursts of flowers

2. Use candles (lots of them) and pair with metallic accents. We’re loving brushed gold and brass at the moment!

3. Every little corner in your home should spell festive. So, stock up on ornate candlesticks. Placing them in carefully thought out locations will lift up any dull space

4. Experiment with a holiday inspired signature drink that your guests look forward to each year!

Archive Rentals: Krista Jon
1. Gold leaf on any seasonal fruit is a great inexpensive way to add to your holiday tablescape!

2. Trimmings from your Christmas tree can also be a great way to add greens to place settings, tying gold ribboned name tags around a spruce sprig.

Luxe Event Productions: Misty Damico 
1. Some of the easiest ways to style and decorate for the holidays to bring the outside in by using fresh greens and natural elements that only come around in the winter. For example, we used cedar garland amidst the table as our centerpiece – and vintage flatware, glassware, and plates to bring out a nostalgic traditional feel that we are so used to seeing around the holidays. Sometimes keeping it really simple – “less is more” – and using natural elements with pops of bright colors can be the perfect complement to winter woodland design.

2. EXPERT TIP: Don’t own or want to buy expensive crystal and china? Do like we did and head to your local thrift store and or vintage rental company to acquire eclectic glassware and service wares from back in the day. The eclectic mix will add the perfect charm and whimsy to your holiday table spread

I Do…Weddings!: Melissa Barrad
1. Create the Mood with Lighting. Everyone has candle options lying around the home. An assortment of vases, wine glasses, mason jars, and even baby food glass containers (with the label soaked off) can look extremely impressive when grouped together. Stick with unscented tealights and votives, and place them in glasses atop coffee beans or grains. If you have time, wrap the vessels with ferns or evergreen, and tie with twine.

2. Create the Mood with Scent. Fresh baked cookies or mulling spices are always best, but aren’t always the most convenient. Invest in a high-quality, holiday scented candle in the bathroom. It will give off plenty of scent without being overpowering. Currently, I’m burning a nutmeg candle – you can’t go wrong with your house smelling like food. If you are racing to get your home ready for last-minute guests, I always prioritize lighting a scented candle!

3. Create the Mood with Sound. Populate your Pandora or Spotify with some crowd pleasing holiday music. I’m partial to jazz, or the “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” station on Pandora – a combination of classic songs that everyone loves.

4. Create the Mood with Food and Drink. Be ready! You never know what the holiday season will bring. My bar is always stocked with wine, beer, and fun yet simple options like tonic, ginger beer, and basic spirits. Plan on having nuts and your favorite cheese and cracker option on hand. I promise, you’ll use it!

5. Create the Mood with Touch. Have firewood, matches, a started log, and a cozy blanket ready to go. No fireplace? Download an app on your tablet for a “real fireplace,” which is sure to get a fun reaction.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Anais Events: Photo by Nudrat Owens Photography
Archive Rentals: Photo by Zoe Productions
Dish Wish: Photo by Fern Lee Photography
I Do…Weddings: Be Still Photography
Luxe Events: Hazelwood Photography
Table 7: O’Keefe Photography