Thank you Crate & Barrel for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Crate & Barrel all content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Crate and Barrel has long been one of my go-to sources for bakeware, cookware, serveware and a thousand little things that make entertaining easier. When I had the chance to collaborate with them, I jumped at it. Their pieces are practical, attractive and especially helpful when you want your food and tableware to look thoughtful without a lot of fuss.
Below are my favorite entertaining tips, plus a few of the recipes and serving ideas I’ll be using at our annual holiday party. These ideas work for small gatherings or larger groups, and most lean on items you likely already own or can pick up easily.
Start with a crowd-pleasing cheese board. I usually include two hard cheeses (think Manchego and a sharp cheddar) and two soft cheeses (a creamy triple-crème brie and a blue). Surround the cheeses with crackers, toasted almonds, dried fruit or chocolate to offer a variety of textures and flavors. Use an attractive platter or an acacia wedge server for a rustic touch, and add a few festive cheese knives so guests can help themselves.
Small serving pieces make a big difference. Ramekins and nosh bowls are perfect for dips, condiments and individual desserts. Choose a mix of platters and bowls so everything is within easy reach and visually balanced on the table.
Pre-made cocktails save you time and keep the flow casual. Batch a simple cocktail—this year I’ll be serving Meyer lemon mojitos—so guests can pour a glass without a long wait. Present drinks in stemless glasses with a seasonal detail, like an etched snowflake, for holiday charm. Add a candle or two in small glass hurricanes or metallic votives to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Focus on comfort food and seasonal vegetables. Make dishes that travel well from oven to table: roasted green beans, a creamy mac and cheese, or three-cheese scalloped potatoes are always winners. I love pieces of bakeware that are oven-safe and pretty enough to serve from directly—everyday baking dishes and square casserole pans are indispensable for holiday cooking and save on extra serving dishes.
Dessert is non-negotiable. Put out a selection of sweets in varying sizes and textures: bars, cookies and bite-sized treats keep guests grazing happily. I’ll be serving chocolate chip pecan pie bars, brown butter toffee almond cookies, and dark chocolate-dipped funfetti shortbread cookies. Display desserts on cake stands and platters to make an attractive focal point and free up counter space.
Don’t be afraid to repurpose bakeware as serving pieces. A ruffled pie dish, for example, looks lovely on its own whether or not the pie was baked in it. Everyday platters in festive colors—like a red oval Marin platter—or seasonal textiles such as a mistletoe dish towel add holiday personality without overwhelming your existing tableware.
Small accents are simple but effective. Seasonal mugs and matching plates are cozy for serving hot drinks like cocoa or spiced cider, and decorative coasters can pull a tabletop together. I’m partial to snowflake-patterned mugs and coasters that feel festive but can still work beyond the holidays.
Keep things relaxed and practical. Arrange food so people can serve themselves easily, label any dishes that contain common allergens, and use serving pieces that make refills and cleanup straightforward. Decorative touches—candles, a small centerpiece or seasonal napkins—add polish without requiring a huge investment of time.
I hope these ideas make your holiday hosting a little easier and more enjoyable. If you have favorite entertaining tips or easy recipes, I’d love to hear them.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Crate and Barrel. I share brands and products I use and enjoy, and this post reflects my honest opinions. There are affiliate links in this post.