Holiday entertaining is as much about atmosphere as it is about the menu, and the most memorable gatherings can come down to thoughtful, well-executed details. From statement dishes to incorporating nostalgic touches that invite guests to mingle, there are endless opportunities to elevate the holiday party experience. We tapped caterer, culinary influencer, designer, and Chefanie Founder, Stephanie Nass, to share her go-to hosting strategies for creating celebrations that feel polished, joyful, and effortlessly festive.
Image courtesy of Chefanie
Prepare as Much as Possible in Advance
Make more time on the event day by preparing anything you can well ahead of the gathering. Velvety soups, hearty casseroles, and festive cookie doughs can all be frozen weeks before your guests ever ring the doorbell. You can prebatch your signature cocktail the day before. Instead of schvitzing over the stove, you’ll be able to be more present at your party.
Stock Up on Disposable and Polaroid Cameras
Scatter a few film or Polaroid cameras around the party and watch the magic unfold. Guests adore a simple, nostalgic activity—and you’ll appreciate the candid, joy-filled images that come from giving people permission to play. These little cameras create an experience and a memorable keepsake. Long after the last glass is poured, you’ll have a trove of charming snapshots capturing the night exactly as it felt.
Keep Breath Mints in the Powder Room
This tiny gesture makes an outsized impression. Tuck a pretty dish of mints beside the sink—an unspoken invitation for guests to feel their best. It’s thoughtful, discreet, and undeniably chic. The powder room is your secret stage for hospitality: every detail whispers warmth and polish.
Have a Statement Dessert
End your evening with a flourish. Whether it’s a towering trifle, a brûléed cheesecake, or a gingerbread creation almost too pretty to eat, let your dessert be the centerpiece that elicits delighted gasps. Holiday hosting deserves a grand finale—something sweet, sculptural, and celebratory that sends guests into the night feeling indulged.
Prepare fabulous favor bags
Nothing extends the glow of a gathering like a parting gift. Assemble little favor bags filled with playful, thoughtful treats—mini cookies, a pair of Chefanie tapers, a recipe card, or a tiny bottle of champagne.
