Your favorite store has been teasing this season for months, but I’m thrilled to announce that’s officially okay to start pulling out all of your own decorations, too! The holiday season is here. That means plenty of parties to host and attend. The outfits! The menus! The gifts! Packed schedules – even when they’re a frenzy of fun – can get overwhelming fast, but there’s a way to indulge your desire to create memories and make things special, and still have the energy to enjoy it!

I’ve invited a few of my friends who have this holiday season thing figured out to share their go-to tips on chic holiday fashion, home decor and entertaining eloquence to make sure your holiday parties are anything but stressful … and more than a little stylish.

Establishing Effortless and Elegant Holiday Style

Fashion blogger and lifestyle influencer Monica Awe-Tuk is my go-to girl for all things on trend, so I couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say about perfecting a holiday wardrobe this season. Her must-have trend is anything that sparkles, so she challenged me to purchase a sequined dress, something metallic and to invest in accessories to add sparkle to any little black dress. Her holiday hints – like why velvet is in, how to freshen up only a few outfits and what timeless looks likes – continue in our full visit, so check it out for all the fun, fashion details. Maybe even get inspired to do a little shopping for yourself.

 

Creating a Luxurious Holiday Home

Khristian Howell is a home stylist with a knack for simplistic, sophisticated design. So, it’s no surprise that her number one tip for getting your home ready for the holidays is to keep it simple while delivering a big impact. She calls it “hitting the holiday easy button,” which is a big relief during the craziest, busiest time of year. Plus, I love anything that lessens the prep work and leaves more room for mingling. Her secret? White lights and candles create a cozy atmosphere and that nostalgic and warm holiday glow throughout your home. It feels almost magical, which is exactly how we want the holidays to be. Another tip? Put the lights in your house on a dimmer to carry that soft ambiance throughout the year. For more easy tips to warm up your home or if you’re up for next level decorating, watch the full video and get ready to make being at home your favorite part of the holidays!

Making Holiday Food to Inspire Tradition 

Alisa Barry at Bella Cucina knows exactly what it takes to make me look really good – even when they’re the ones doing most of the legwork. They’re experts at helping me make entertaining at home look fancy. I loved the idea of opening a jar of their elegantly wrapped artichoke pesto, pairing it with dipping crackers or a rustic flatbread and displaying it on a piece of butcher block alongside freshly cut herbs. It’s simple, easy and because it’s food, it’s memorable for your guests and makes them feel special. These jars – along with any product from Bella Cucina – double as gifts, so they make for a great party no matter who the host is. For more tips on making entertaining look easy, watch our full visit for a table full of tasty tips.

Setting a Gorgeous Holiday Table: My tips to create a tablescape that is easy and dramatic

Your table is the first thing your guests will see at a dinner party, so set palates up to be pleased with a breathtaking holiday design that makes any serving something special.

1. Color: Choose one signature color to design your entire table around. I opted for a rich emerald green table runner in bold, weighty velvet to accentuate the flatware and let the details of the table truly shine.

2. Pattern: Use a pattern to create visual interest. I love these napkins from Crate & Barrel because the mix-and-match variety is a simple way to entertain the eyes. As a result, the menu cards and place cards unify and complement the vibrant layers of color and texture.

3. Lighting: There’s no such thing as too many candles … and you can quote me on that! When you’re going for a dramatic look without spending extra time and money on floral arrangements, adding a variety of candles in different sizes and heights adds a wow factor on the table right at eye level.

4. Sparkle: Use metallic accents to add sparkling detail to your table. It will elevate the overall style from the everyday to that specialness that exists only during the holidays.

Photos by Mecca Gamble and Video by Joel Adrian