entertaining :: tree trimming brunch

If you’re anything like us, your Christmas tree goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving – it’s a tradition we love and gives us as much time to enjoy it as we can eek out! If this is your first holiday season together, you’re in luck as we’re sharing some of our tried and true holiday decorating tips and registry advice so you can have the perfect combination of year-round entertaining pieces, with a balance of classics and holiday peppered in perfect for your holiday home.

When we entertain during the holidays (and really any time of year), we focus on guest comfort on top of all else. The holidays are a special time when we can bring our guests in from the crisp winter air and show them our traditions, inviting them to be part of traditions we hold dear. We make it clear to our guests what they’re being invited to (a lunch? just cocktails? a full dinner or just a visit?) so they know what to expect, how to dress (an ugly sweater? a football jersey? or cocktail attire?), what to bring, and how long they’ll be at our home or event for.

Setting out to trim a tree with friends can take place at any time of day – just be sure that you give your guests the expectation of whether to come hungry or to have eaten prior, and if they should bring anything.

Entertaining Tips for Newlyweds (or Newly Engaged):

Welcome your guests to your first tree trimming party with a casual brunch that feels especially warm and delicious by using festive touches like gorgeous Nostalgic Christmas Plates pre-set with scones (Fischer Scone mix is so easy and tasty!). Simple, yet they feel so special when set atop such beautiful plates!
Give guests their own Mixed Vintage Mercury Ornament cinched in ribbon they can take home with them – a perfect sentimental parting gift they’ll treasure
Put out the ornaments you would like on your tree already threaded with ribbon or hooks to make it easy for guests. We love these French horn ornaments!
Don’t forget the bubbles! We highly recommend registering for a dozen Crafthouse Champagne Coupes – they quickly became our go-to for entertaining both casually and a bit more formally. They make a glass of prosecco feel that much more special!