Holiday Entertaining Must-Haves from Valley & Company

Celebrated event planning duo Aleah and Nick Valley of Valley & Company Events share their holiday entertaining must-haves to help you make the season merry and bright, year after year.

‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings and no matter if your soiree is a party for a house-full or an intimate dinner for a few, these must-have essentials can be used season after season and help make your holiday repertoire shine. Happy Holidays!

A good punch bowl will serve you well party after party! Pro tip: good thrift stores often times have a variety to choose from and they’re in complete sets and well made. Look for heavy crystal or cut glass—and our go-to punch recipe is equal parts cranberry juice to apple cider! Freeze water in mini bundt pans (or cupcake tins) with distilled water, cranberries, and mint or orange slices. As they thaw the punch gets even prettier!

White linen napkins—bonus points if you embroider them—or bring out the fabric markers and pen guests’ names (or have kiddos draw holiday scenes for the ultimate personalized detail).

Festive ribbon is used all over our home—from presents to tying up take-home treats for guests and cinching around the stems of wine goblets, it just makes everything feel that much more whimsical.

White platters and plates help to make food stand out! Whether you find stoneware from Williams-Sonoma or high-quality durable melamine (try Target), the white base really makes food the star.

Punch up your home decor with a few plaid blankets and pillow covers, and stage a warm and welcoming entry with a mini tree or a bundle of kindling.

Don’t forget to dress up guest spaces like a bedroom nightstand or powder room. Even a vase full of evergreen sprigs can help set a holiday scene.

Bring the drama with staggering tall taper candles either on a sideboard or down the table top—beeswax candles will do the trick *just keep things low if you plan on serving family-style.

We always say that no matter how you entertain, what truly matters is the love and laughter that go into the celebration!

For more holiday entertaining inspiration, check out our tree trimming brunch gallery, including tips for newlyweds (or newly engaged!)

 

Cheers and Happy Holidays,
Aleah and Nick Valley, Valley & Company Events

Featured photo by Kerry Jeanne Photography | kerryjeannephotography.com
Photos by Katie Parra for Valley & Company Events | katieparraphotography.com