Christmas Entertaining Made Easy and Full of Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is officially here, which means it’s time to deck the halls, prep the treats, and get ready to host family and friends in style. Whether you're planning a festive dinner, a cookie-decorating night, or a Christmas morning brunch, the magic is in the details. Luckily, creating a fun, festive, and totally Instagrammable holiday setup doesn’t have to be stressful—or expensive!
Here are some of my favorite Christmas entertaining essentials this year!
Mix & Max Christmas Plates for the Perfect Holiday Table
Nothing sets the tone for a gathering quite like the table, and this year it’s all about mixing adorable Santa-themed plates with pops of classic red and green. Don’t be afraid to layer patterns and sizes—Santa faces, stripes, polka dots, trees… it all works.
The playful mix instantly brings joy to the table and gives that curated-but-effortless look we all love. See all of our Christmas tableware options here.
Napkins That Add Personality
Christmas napkins are one of the easiest ways to sprinkle personality across your table. Pair your plates with coordinating red and green napkins or go bold with whimsical sayings and cute seasonal prints. They add just enough flair without overwhelming your setup.
Reusable Plastic Cups: Cute + Practical
One of my favorite entertaining hacks? Fun plastic cups that look festive but won’t break the bank.
They’re a great value because they can be washed and reused, making them perfect for parties, kids, cocoa bars, or Christmas morning mimosas.
Bonus: They don’t shatter, so they’re stress-free when the house is extra full and extra busy.
Peppermint Garlands & Holiday Banners
Instant cheer—zero effort!
Peppermint garlands draped across your mantle or sprinkled down the center of your table add a sweet, candy-cane pop of color. Pair them with a playful “Son of a Nutcracker!” banner for a fun nod to everyone’s favorite Christmas movie moment.
These pieces are perfectly whimsical without sacrificing style.
Pretty Wrapping Paper & Gift Bags that Double as Decor
Here’s a secret: Beautifully wrapped gifts are decor. Stack a few pretty gift boxes or place gorgeously patterned + witty gift bags by the tree or near your serving area. The right wrap instantly makes your home feel festive and intentional.
Choose colors that tie into your table setup—reds, greens, metallics, and pops of peppermint stripes always look magical.
Cookies & Milk: A Must Have for Every Gathering
No Christmas entertaining checklist is complete without cookies and milk.
Whether you’re setting out Santa’s plate or creating a sweet little dessert station for guests, cookies are the heart and soul of holiday hosting. Display them on a cute tray or cake stand, add a festive cup of milk (or cocoa!), and watch the Christmas spirit come to life.
Final Touches that Bring it All Together
Add a holiday candle with notes of pine or peppermint.
Use string lights or twinkle lights to warm up any corner.
Set out a festive towel or table runner to anchor the space.
And most importantly—play your favorite Christmas playlist and enjoy the moment.
Christmas entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few charming pieces, a playful color mix, and some holiday treats, you can create a warm, joyful space that your guests will love—and you’ll actually enjoy hosting in.
If you need any of these festive finds, The Social Society has you covered! 🎄✨