Christmas Dinner Entertaining tips

Follow my Christmas dinner entertaining tips to help you set a chic table for all those extra guests. 

If you’re the one doing Christmas dinner entertaining, you know there’s always the extra seating and overflow to think about. I’ve spent most of my adult life collecting a full arsenal of supplies to accommodate this, but I realize that most people don’t. I’ve partnered with Mozaik to bring you ideas and tips to help you entertain in style whether it’s your first time hosting, or your guest list just suddenly grew to twice its size.

Let me start by telling my story and inspiration. When I was growing up, we would go to my grandmother’s house for the holidays. She was the consummate hostess, cooking the entire meal, making sure everything was decorated just so, and setting the table with aplomb. Her gifts under the tree all had the cutest details (way before Pinterest, and everyone else was doing it), and she made sure the card table that was set up for the extra guest seating, was just as pretty as the main dining room. Whomever was seated at the auxiliary table didn’t have to feel like it was an afterthought.

These are the memories that inspired me to create a beautiful space specifically for those extra guests during the holiday meal.

Christmas dinner entertaining tips

There are 3 foundation pieces to setting up extra seating: a folding table, a table cloth, and the table setting or dishes.

• To start, you pretty much need to have an extra table available. Folding card tables were a staple item back in the day, but now you can choose from folding rounds or rectangles that seat 6-8 people. Choose one that suits your needs, and can be put out of the way when not in use (or used for another purpose).
• I suggest you invest in a fitted tablecloth for your folding table. My go-to source is TableVogue because the shape and size are always right. Choose a basic color like black or white, and then you can top it with whatever color you want to match your decor. Use fabric right off the bolt for an inexpensive and versatile topper.
• Use high quality, stylish, disposable tableware to handle the masses. I used Mozaik party-ware throughout this space and you can’t even tell it’s disposable by looking at it. Most people don’t have enough dishes to handle a large dinner party so this is a great solution.
• Once you have the foundation set, you can add chic touches to dress it up. A centerpiece can be made with two disposable trays, stacked using a pillar candle stick. Place Christmas ornaments in the bottom section, and a low floral arrangement on the top. The overall look is one that combines red for the holiday, black for a touch of sophistication, and mixed metals (silver & gold) for a modern take.

For a delicious Christmas menu, include a green salad with assorted toppings that guests can choose themselves, beef roast with red wine sauce {recipe at bottom here}, cheesy creamed corn, and cheddar biscuit puffs {gluten free}.

Christmas dinner entertaining tips – Dessert Bar:

Set up a dessert bar cart filled with mini dessert options. It’s everyone’s favorite home decorating accessory and it can be rolled into any party space. Use the mini dessert sets from Mozaik to fill with an array of tasty treats.

• Jello desserts look pretty when they’re layered on the diagonal to mimic the asymmetrical shape of the cups. Use an egg crate to help prop up the cups in the refrigerator when chilling. Place the mini spoons in the liquid jello before it sets so that the look of the dessert cups is kept clean for serving. Layer one of the red flavors {strawberry}, with the clear flavor {‘Frozen’ summer berry punch} for a two-toned effect.
• Set up a mini cheesecake toppings bar. This was so simple to do. Just use a prepared cheesecake from the freezer section and scoop out mini balls to place in the desert cups. Keep the cups in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Provide an array of toppings like chocolate sauce, cherry sauce, sprinkles, and candies, for guests to top their own.
• Churros are still a trendy item, and a little unexpected for the holidays. Place a few inside a mini dessert cup and pour some chocolate sauce in the bottom for dipping.
• Take-along treats are one of my favorite things at a party. Fill some of the cups with flavored popcorn, and chocolate covered nuts or fruit. These are terrific for the kids who love to eat with their fingers!

Christmas dinner decorating

• Set up a special cocktail for the grown-ups, using a chest or shelf that’s already in the room. Clear off the everyday items and place a tray with disposable glasses, champagne, and cranberry juice, to create a ‘Poinsettia cocktail.’
• If you’re setting up in another room, why not decorate a spare wall with a string light Christmas tree! This is a great idea if you’re short on floor space. You can use removable wall hooks to hang the lights in a tree pattern, or duck tape also does the trick {best if not used on flat paint; semi-gloss or satin is best}.

It takes just a few extra minutes to create a welcoming space for extra guests at Christmas dinner. Nearly all the dishware and server-ware used here is from Mozaik, and looks so stylish! Visit their site to see even more.

Cheers to a happy holiday!

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