Stress-Free Get-Togethers over the Holidays

Enjoy relaxed gatherings with minimum effort in the lull between Christmas and New Year.

The days between Christmas and New Year afford a welcome breathing space after what can be the hectic run-up to the main event and can be a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and family for a low-key gathering.

With the house already looking festive, the fridge filled with tasty treats and a seasonal supply of drinks at hand, this can be a relaxed affair for all concerned.

Keep the joy and laughter flowing with a few stylish decorative additions, effortless delicious meals and fun drinks.

DECORATING FOR ATMOSPHERE

Whatever the occasion, creating the right mood is of the utmost importance. I love to make the entrance extra special and welcoming with the fire roaring in the adjoining living room. I like to ensure my diffusers are going; you can’t beat cinnamon, clove and orange this time of year. Candles ( I used battery operated) makes a home cozy and feel instantly welcoming and special.

Faux and real decorations can be combined for atmosphere too. You can find some amazing faux trees, wreaths and garlands and if you mix these up with twinkle lights and candles, it looks quite beautiful. The trick to keeping things fresh and vibrant over the festive season is to add in real flowers and greenery- it’s quick to do and makes them truly eye-catching.

A mantelpiece is a great focal point. If you do not have a fireplace, choose a console table, a server, any tabletop in the space, I love to dress it up with garland, candles, yarn wrapped trees and white ceramic houses. Don’t forget candles, fairy lights, pine cones from the garden.

Adding real greens from outside like cedar, pine and fir are really easy to add to store bought garland using florist wire. Layer in some pinecones, cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices (which smell heavenly) will create simple, classic yet elegant focal point for your mantels, stair bannister, server, dining table, etc.

TRANSFORMING THE TABLE

Whether serving a kitchen dinner for the family or hosting a small gathering of friends, spending a moment or two on the table display pays off, creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the evening. Start by creating a central focus. I like to run several brass candle holders down the middle of the table. I keep greenery really simple like mixing in herbs such as rosemary or mint or greenery like eucalyptus or cedar. I often use different heights of candles and add in plenty of tea light candles in glass holders which makes it feel relaxed and magical.

Each place setting will have cutlery and glasses for every course and a good looking napkin. Don’t forget to shine your glassware as this really bounces the light around the room.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The period between Christmas and New Year can often be all about last minute spontaneous get togethers and using what you have in the pantry. One of our favorite things to host is brunch. My husband will make his mini quiches with sausage or a hearty breakfast casserole which promises to fill you up. I will whip up a batch of muffins to enjoy with this easy to make Chai Latte.

ENTERTAINING TOUCHES

We love to also invite friends over in the afternoon/ early evening for a dinner and a fire outside. The days between Christmas and New Year, I always make a huge pot of turkey soup as well as a large dish of Turkey pot pie. Two fabulous dishes to warm up to after an afternoon outside around a fire.

My most favorite way of keeping the troops busy, whatever the number, is to get everyone outside. After all the food, going for a walk in our village to the beach nourishes the mind as well as the body. Kids love to explore our acreage and visit with our welsh pony and mini donkey. And of course, there’s always s’mores around the fire and lots of cozy blankets in our Adirondack chairs.

And let’s not forget hot chocolates!

This period, between Christmas and the New Year, really doesn’t have to be about buying things and eating feasts. It’s time to stop and reflect on the past year and the year we have before us.

It’s about taking a moment to enjoy the very simplest things, like nature, family, and friends.