The Opening Note

This week, I’ve found myself thinking about one of my favorite parts of summer: gathering friends and family together for a garden party.

I’ve also been inspired by how brilliantly Americans seem to host outdoor gatherings. There’s such a joyful, relaxed spirit to them – everyone brings something to share, whether it’s a favorite salad, a homemade dessert, or a signature drink, and the whole afternoon feels wonderfully communal. I love the idea that hosting and good garden party ideas don’t have to fall on one person; everyone pitches in, making it feel less formal, more fun, and far more memorable.

Growing up in Britain, I was always drawn to the charm of traditional summer garden parties too. The tabletop was never perfectly matched, flowers were clipped fresh from the garden, homemade cakes appeared on well-loved china, and guests almost always stayed longer than expected because nobody wanted the afternoon to end. Those gatherings felt relaxed, welcoming, and full of personality – and in many ways, they remind me of the same easy-going atmosphere I admire about American outdoor entertaining today.

There’s something magical about hosting outdoors. Perhaps it’s the slower pace of a warm afternoon, the way conversations drift long after dessert, or simply the pleasure of setting a table beneath the trees and letting the garden do most of the decorating. The best gatherings are rarely the most elaborate – they're the ones where everyone feels comfortable enough to settle in, pour another glass, and stay a little longer.

So this week, I’m sharing an edit of my favourite garden party themes and inspiration, from beautiful table settings and charming serveware to comfortable seating, fresh flowers, and all the little details that make summer entertaining feel effortless. Whether you're planning an elegant afternoon tea or a relaxed potluck with friends, these are the pieces I'd genuinely choose to create a gathering that's welcoming, beautiful, and above all, fun.

After all, the best garden parties aren't the ones where everything goes perfectly – they're the ones where everyone feels completely at home.

The Edit: Entertain in Style

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I'm embracing the effortless charm of a European summer – and all the decorating inspiration that comes with it.

It seems as though so many people are returning from vacations across Europe with a fresh appreciation for the colors, textures, and relaxed style that make Mediterranean destinations so unforgettable. From the iconic blue-and-white palette of the Greek islands to the striped beach clubs of the Italian Riviera, charming sardine motifs from Portugal, and sun-faded linens found in the South of France, these are the little details that instantly transport you somewhere warmer.

I've always admired the way Europeans make everyday living feel like a celebration of the season. Long lunches stretch into the afternoon, outdoor tables are set with beautiful yet uncomplicated pieces, and even the smallest balcony feels inviting with woven textures, colorful ceramics, and plenty of greenery. There's an easy elegance to it all that feels just as appealing at home as it does on vacation.

The beauty of this look is that it's incredibly easy to recreate. A striped tablecloth, woven baskets, terracotta planters, olive branches, hand-painted dinnerware, colorful glassware, or a few blue-and-white accents can completely transform a space without feeling overly themed. It's less about recreating a destination and more about capturing that carefree vacation atmosphere.

I've been gathering my favorite European-inspired finds that work beautifully in everyday homes, whether you're refreshing a patio, styling a dining table, or adding a few seasonal touches indoors. Think Mediterranean stripes, rustic pottery, natural textures, playful sardine prints, lemon motifs, and all the little details that make a home feel bright, welcoming, and full of summer spirit.

Next week, I'll be sharing the pieces I'd genuinely buy to bring this timeless European style home, along with simple decorating ideas inspired by Greece, Italy, the French Riviera, and beyond.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

Outdoor hosting is one of the best ways to enjoy the summertime. Whether it's brunch on the patio, an afternoon pool party, or a moonlit, al fresco dinner, nothing can ruin the mood of a day spent outdoors – well, except soaring temperatures. So how do you and your guests keep cool when hosting outside in the summer?

We spoke to hosting experts who shared their practical and creative approaches to staying cool and adding shade while spending time outside this season. Below, find their tips so you can enjoy hosting outdoors – no matter the temperature.

Whether you're prepping a small backyard for summer hosting or you're gearing up your large outdoor living room for an evening get-together, these six hosting tips can ensure a summer full of refreshingly cool outdoor parties.

1. Create Spots of Shade

It's always a good idea to have some shaded areas in your backyard. Even if you love soaking up the sun, some guests might prefer to relax in the shade. And on hot days, a shady zone can make your patio feel so much cooler.

Hosting expert Julianna McIntosh says that shaded areas are a must. 'I recommend using large umbrellas or pop-up tents to provide ample cover. Setting up comfortable seating areas under the shade with cozy cushions and fans can help guests stay cool and relaxed,’ she explains.

Things like outdoor umbrellas, small gazebos, and even tall plants can create shade in your outdoor space. And the more shading elements you have, the more outdoor space you'll be able to enjoy on a hot summer day.

2. Encourage a Flow Between Indoors and Out

If a shady space is not enough, you could combine indoor and outdoor hosting by starting the party inside and then transitioning outdoors once it's cool enough, author and entertainment expert Dawna Pitts recommends.

‘I live in very sunny Paradise Valley, Arizona, so oftentimes I hold the 'mingling hour' (the beginning forty-five minutes to an hour) inside, and then, after the sun has set enough, I love taking the party outside for comfortable dining without the sun beating down,’ she shares.

Keep exterior doors open so guests can quickly move from outside back in, and vice versa. Just make sure to use a screen door or a magnetic screen to keep unwanted pests from finding their way inside.

3. Plan a Summer Menu With Intention

A summer party calls for a seasonally appropriate menu and what you serve can make all the difference to keep guests cool. Rather than serving heavy, hot dishes and strong drinks, opt for light meals, seasonal accoutrements, and cold, refreshing cocktails.

According to luxury event planner Cassie LaMere, there are so many creative drinks to serve when hosting outdoors in the summertime. 'Serve beverages in mint julep cups with shaved ice that hold onto their cooling effect even in peak heat, or have glassware in a freezer so it presents frosted,' she suggests. It helps to set up an outdoor drink station, too, or at least a few chic ice buckets – this way, you don't have to run back inside to make another round.

As for the food, you can never go wrong with fish as the main course (grilled halibut is always a winner for an elevated but easy dish). That said, there are so many other summer foods that are worth serving at your party – like sliced fruit, melon and prosciutto platters, or cold pasta salads.

4. Incorporate Cooling Devices

Sometimes, shade is simply not enough to keep you cool while outside – especially when the summer heat surpasses 90 degrees. That's why it's a good idea to incorporate cooling units or devices into your backyard's design scheme.

If you have a covered porch, consider installing an outdoor ceiling fan to circulate air, and if you don't have a covered space, opt for a standing fan instead. If you live in a very hot climate, consider installing misters – or wire-like devices that can spray water around your patio to keep you and your guests extra cool and comfortable.

5. Use a Light Color Scheme

Light colors just make sense for outdoor summer hosting. These shades absorb less heat than darker colors do, and they can even trick your brain into feeling cooler, too.

According to our editor Jennifer Ebert, 'a lighter color scheme can completely transform how an outdoor space feels during the summer months.' She recommends utilizing a soft summer color palette of whites, warm neutrals, and pale natural tones to make patio seating areas feel fresh and more comfortable for summer hosting. 'Beyond the practical benefits, these airy hues also create a relaxed, timeless backdrop that enhances the feeling of being outdoors,' Jennifer continues.

Decor aside, you can even recommend that guests dress in light colors to help them feel even cooler as they enjoy time outside at your house.

6. Appeal to All of the Senses

Another way you can make your outdoor space feel cooler in the summer is by tapping into all of the senses. According to hosting expert Cassie LaMere, this is a key element in hosting a successful gathering. Since we've covered sight, taste, and touch, that leaves scent and sound.

'Saltwater or eucalyptus scents are refreshing and soothing,’ Cassie suggests in terms of scent. And while you can definitely buy a candle to emit a refreshing summer scent, consider planting fragrant summer flowers that will immerse your garden in cooling, fresh fragrances.

In terms of sound, Cassie suggests playing peaceful music to set the mood. 'Keep the playlist soothing with ocean waves or yacht rock; both will transport you to on-the-water instant chill vibes,' she says.

Hosting an outdoor event in the summer doesn't have to be a sweltering ordeal. Keeping you and your guests cool is simple when you follow these six tips – no matter what the mercury reads. With thoughtful preparation and creative touches, your outdoor summer party is sure to be a success.

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Most tablescapes are assembled with the same features – a grounding tablecloth, plates and cutlery, glassware, and a decorative centerpiece. But the best tablescapes include an additional element – a set of chic napkins.

And no, we aren't talking the disposable paper variety: for an elegant table, you want cloth. Made from cotton, linen, specialty fabrics, or blends, cloth napkins take ordinary tablescapes from good to great. They're proof that you, as a host, are willing to go the extra mile to create a scene that's layered, considered, and thoughtfully designed.

The beauty of cloth napkins is that there are endless variations of them – floral, fringed, embroidered – so you're certain to find a set that matches your personal style. There are even cloth napkins that tap into this summer's top table decor trends, including Anthropologie's Bistro Tile Napkins that channel Italian summer energy and Williams Sonoma's Embroidered Gingham Napkins that look as coastal chic as can be. And since all cloth napkins are washable, you can use them again and again, for every dinner party you host this summer and for summers to come.

Ahead, find 24 picks that'll make your table setting look and feel complete this summer.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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While the best outdoor gatherings look and feel effortless, the best hosts know that the key is in the preparation. Putting in the legwork early means that your summer get-togethers will involve far less stress ahead of the event, making for a happier and more relaxed host on the day.

We've asked the experts for their top outdoor entertaining tips, from setup to cleanup – think seating layouts, shade and lighting, tableware, decor and drinks stations – for the most seamless and stylish patio hosting setup.

We have you covered with summer garden party decor and an essential outdoor entertaining checklist, as well as editor-approved buys to help you shop the best outdoor dining ideas for creating a memorable and magical event.

1. Start With a Layout That Allows Space and Flow

Ensuring that the layout of your outdoor space works for the number of guests and style of event is a crucial factor for backyard hosting. Creating 'micro-zones' that encourage guests to mingle and gather, allowing for flow between spaces to prevent overcrowding, and providing plenty of seating, lighting, and shade will all contribute to a smoothly run event.

Ensure There's Ample and Flexible Seating

While your outdoor living room ideas might work perfectly for your household day-to-day, when it comes to hosting, you'll need to consider more flexible seating arrangements that can be moved or adapted to suit the guest list.

'Flexibility is key in designing for entertaining, both indoors and out,' agrees Aly Morford, co-founder & principal designer at Pure Salt Interiors. 'Modular seating, like ottomans and stools, are a great way to flex with your party’s size while still keeping a curated and low-profile look when not in use.'

Make sure there are plenty of outdoor side tables for guests to put their glasses on and that furniture is lightweight and easy to move, or that you provide some elegant occasional pieces, like these Folding French rattan-style chairs from Wayfair.

Create Clearly-Defined Zones

'The biggest mistake people make with outdoor entertaining spaces is treating the yard as one undifferentiated room,' says Rebekah Zaveloff, founder of Imparfait Design Studio. 'Zoning is about giving each activity its own sense of place.'

Creating a three-zone outdoor hosting setup for dining, lounging, and late nights is the perfect way to do this. Rebekah adds, 'At our home in Michigan (pictured above), we have a pizza oven positioned close to the dining area – when you're pulling a pizza out and bringing it straight to the table, you want that energy, that heat, that theater all happening in the same breath. But the fire pit is somewhere else entirely. That's a slower, more contemplative space for lingering after dinner. Those zones need to feel different because they invite different kinds of connection.'

It's also important to pay attention to the 'flow' between those zones. 'People often overlook the in-between – the planting pockets, the moments of greenery that you move from one zone to the next,' says Rebekah. 'Those transitions matter enormously. They signal to your body: this is a new space now, shift your pace. Good outdoor design choreographs how people move through it.'

Provide Shade and Lighting

A purpose-built structure, like a pergola, not only provides shade to keep guests cool and protected from the midday sun but can make for a really atmospheric feel by night, too.

Outdoor lighting, such as the statement pendant light shown above, can be fitted to the crossbeams and combined with string lights and lanterns for a cozy glow. A semi-permanent structure can also be useful for attaching outdoor fans, heaters or speakers (for ambient background music) to, while the wiring can be hidden in the frame. And, if positioned close to the house, there's no need for an external power source.

2. Build a Hosting-Ready Outdoor Dining Setup

When it comes to styling an elegant summer table there are a few additional things worth considering for outdoor entertaining. First of all, it's worth investing in some outdoor-specific tableware to keep your best plates and glasses for indoor use. Colorful and washable linens will help to create a styled tablescape, while practical elements, such as substantial serveware, table weights and outdoor-safe candles, can be balanced with personal touches, for a functional yet elegant setup.

Switch to Stylish, Durable Tableware to Prevent Breakage

Outdoor-safe tableware is far more sophisticated today than the plastic and paper picnicware of old. Think vintage china-inspired melamine, scalloped edges, acrylic glasses that emulate cut crystal. Birch Lane's Cabana stripe dinner plates (pictured above) are the perfect example and come in four colors, so you can mix it up if you wish.

Melamine is a good choice for plates and bowls as it's lightweight, practically unbreakable, and comes in an array of colors and designs to suit your event. Bamboo is another great option, which is a sustainable tableware choice.

When it comes to outdoor glassware, opting for shatter-proof acrylic will take away any stress about breakages – nobody wants to be sweeping up broken glass when hosting – but don't scrimp on style either. Colored glassware is everywhere right now, and the best acrylic drinkware is just as effective, from tumblers and flutes to jugs.

Layer Linens for a Curated Look

Tablecloths aren't just for indoors; outdoor table linens can add a really chic look to your alfresco entertaining setup. And one way to make them look purposefully styled is by layering. This means starting with a tablecloth base and building on the look with linen napkins, a table runner and other details in a complementary colorway or pattern. For example, a yellow and white striped linen tablecloth (Summerill & Bishop) would pair beautifully with these Marigold block print napkins (Wayfair).

Mary-Kathryn McConaghy from Curated Events explains: 'Layering linens allows us to create visual depth and dimension without adding complexity to the experience. By introducing a secondary textile, pattern, or color through a runner or overlay, the table begins to feel more alive, more intentional, and more reflective of the overall event story.' She adds: 'Those subtle, complementary elements help guide the eye and transform a tabletop from a functional surface into part of the sensory memory of your gathering.'

Style an Outdoor Centerpiece That Feels Informal and Effortless

You can get really creative when it comes to outdoor table centerpieces. Think candles or lanterns, fruit and floral displays that incorporate edible decor and vintage decor pieces that bring a touch of whimsical garden style to the table.

Curated Events' Mary-Kathryn shares: 'The most compelling outdoor tablescapes engage more than one sense. Centerpieces with a combination of florals, fruit, candlelight, and layered textures create a feeling of natural abundance without overwhelming the table.'

'In this setting (pictured above), the grapes soften the formality of the floral design while introducing movement, color, and an element of seasonality. The goal is never decoration for decoration's sake – it's creating an environment that feels inviting, effortless, and thoughtfully considered from every seat at the table.'

Mix Up Your Serveware For Alfresco Ease

The lovely thing about entertaining outdoors is that you don't need to be as formal or rigid with your choice of serveware. Switch up traditional platters for vintage trays, rustic boards, or repurpose unexpected collected pieces.

Founder of Creative Event Catering Company, Lauren Lombardi says: When entertaining outdoors, I love selecting serveware that feels both beautiful and functional. One of my favorite approaches is to present food on trays and platters that are ready to move seamlessly from kitchen to table. Rustic wooden boards, vintage platters, woven baskets for bread, and collected ceramic pieces add warmth and character while encouraging a relaxed style of entertaining.'

'I am always drawn to pieces that feel collected rather than perfectly matched. Antique platters, weathered bowls, and heirloom-inspired serving pieces bring a sense of charm and authenticity to the table. They help create an atmosphere that feels inviting, effortless, and personal.'

Work in Some Personal Touches

A couple of thoughtful personal touches go a long way and can make your gathering (and your guests) feel extra special. They needn't take a great deal of time, effort, or expense either. A simple handwritten placecard popped in a holder, like these gold strawberry placecard holders from Tuckernuck (pictured above), creates a really elegant look.

You could also place hand-written menu cards on the tables, propped up on some tabletop easels (Amazon), pop some fresh herbs into napkin rings, or try making your own floral napkin posy using seasonal florals straight from the garden.

Personalizing glasses with name labels like these wine glass charms from Amazon, which you can write straight on to, will both help guests to keep hold of their own drinks and reduce glass usage throughout your event, so that you don't run out.

3. Don't Forget Lighting to Add Evening Ambiance

If you're hosting a late afternoon or evening event, lighting is absolutely crucial and can instantly transform a bright and breezy daytime setting into a warm and atmospheric one. Opting for multiple light sources, from string lights to table lights and pathway lighting, is one way to plan outdoor lighting like a designer – it helps to reinforce entertaining zones to create a layered and intimate scheme that works on all levels. Outdoor solar lights are ideal for entertaining as they don't have unsightly or hazardous wires. Dimmable bulbs and warm temperatures all add to ambiance.

Create an Atmosphere With Candles and Lanterns

Candlelight is unbeatable when it comes to creating an inviting and magical atmosphere, thanks to its natural warmth and hypnotic glow. However, there are safety implications of using open flames in an outdoor arrangement. A gust of wind could cause loose florals or linens to catch light and quickly become problematic.

Instead, opt for tealights in glass votives, or solar-powered flameless candles, like these real wax LED pillar candles from Amazon, which can be equally effective and are often easily managed with a remote control. Mix them up for different heights. Lanterns can also be used on tables or hung on nearby trees or hooks for added interest.

Make it Magical With Festoon and String Lights

Overhead lighting, whether string lights or festoon lighting, can bring a wonderful aura to an outdoor dining area, particularly if the lights are nestled among branches and greenery. Courtney Allison, stylist, founder of French Country Cottage, says, 'I love to layer lighting when entertaining. From candles and moody lights on the table to zig-zagged strands of lights above, it is all about creating a magic-filled ambiance for a gathering.'

Festoon lighting makes a great choice for relaxed outdoor gatherings as it brings a rustic, homespun touch that feels casually thrown together rather than styled to perfection. Claire Bassett agrees: 'Festoon lighting is my go-to – it’s super versatile, can be draped or wrapped around sheds, greenhouses, fences or trees to add comfort and warmth in the evening.' She adds a practical tip: 'The color of the cabling is important to consider – black can provide a strong contrast, while white cabling gives a lighter, softer feel when combined with the glow of the bulbs.'

'String lights are equally as impactful – they tend to be smaller than festoon lighting and are therefore better for smaller spaces, or for lighting nooks and crannies. I like to wrap string LEDs around objects or plants, such as trees or foliage, as this can act as a nicely lit backdrop.'

Lead the Way With Pathway Lighting

If your outdoor entertaining area is sprawling with different zones and lacking in built-in lighting, you can easily add definition and ambiance with LED or solar pathway lighting. From clusters dotted among floral borders (like the Anthropologie Solar Dandelion Stake Lighting, pictured above), to hanging lanterns on stakes, there's such a variety to choose from.

Claire Bassett suggests, 'LED candle lanterns can be situated on the pathway leading into the garden, at the entrance to greenhouses or sheds, with various sizes creating more of a theatrical entrance or scattered throughout steps and paved spaces at different levels on the floor for a more interesting look.'

While pathway lighting is beautiful, it's also a practical choice to guide your guests around your entertaining space safely. You can make it really easy for yourself by opting for solar powered lights which come on automatically when it gets dark.

Opt For Rechargeable Table Lighting

You can easily capture that romantic and intimate European courtyard aesthetic with some thoughtfully positioned table lights. While overhead lighting brings a warm glow, portable table lights will provide directional lighting for guests to see what they're eating and aid easy conversation.

Opt for chic rechargeable touch lights (like this Cading Cordless Outdoor Table Lamp from Lulu & Georgia – pictured above) which will mean that you won't have to contend with wires in among the plates, and that they can be seamlessly worked into your tablescape, bringing height and interest. Warm color temperature bulbs will ensure the light isn't overly harsh or unnatural, and dimmable settings will allow you and your guests to tailor the brightness to suit them.

4. Set Up a Self-Serve Drinks Station

Setting up an outdoor drinks station is a wonderful way to take the pressure off the host and to encourage guests to interact in a natural way. Rose Duong, of The Wickwood Inn, in Michigan, says, 'I love outdoor self-serve bars for so many reasons. They give guests autonomy to choose whatever they like, whether that’s lots of ice or an extra olive. They free the host to mingle and actually enjoy themselves at their own party. And, maybe most important, they offer a reason for guests to prompt conversation with people they may not know, and acclimate to their surroundings at their own pace.'

Find Stylish Ways to Keep Drinks Cool

While regular ice buckets will do the job, you can create a stylish talking point by being more creative with your choice of vessel when entertaining outdoors. Lauren Lombardi says, 'Some of the most charming entertaining details come from reimagining everyday objects. Rather than traditional beverage tubs, I often use antique bowls, terracotta pots, vintage enamel sinks, stoneware crocks, or galvanized vessels filled with ice to chill wine and beverages.'

These might be items found around your garden – a stone trough, for example – or picked up at local antique stores or estate sales. 'These unexpected pieces add personality and visual interest while serving a practical purpose,' adds Lauren. 'I especially love using terracotta pots as wine coolers. They feel natural and relaxed, complement outdoor settings beautifully, and create a collected, garden-inspired look.'

Elevate Soft Drinks With Thoughtful Details

As the host, you'll likely have your wine, beer, and cocktails covered, but don't forget the soft drinks for non-drinkers and drivers, as well as for keeping your guests hydrated in the heat. Think colorful thirst quenchers, like fresh lemonade and fragrant mocktails with pots of pick-your-own herbs to garnish with.

Courtney Murray, co-owner of luxury party rentals and event design company, Spoon + Salt, recommends: 'Prepare garnishes ahead of time. Slice citrus fruit, herbs, and other garnishes before guests arrive. Display them in small footed bowls for elevated presentation.' It's well worth investing in something like this glass footed drinks dispenser (Williams Sonoma) for showing off your beautiful beverages.

Rose Duong adds, 'An event’s color palette, setting, and theme can all provide inspiration for a signature mocktail. If it’s in a garden, for example, you can incorporate elderflower and fresh herbs. The idea is to heighten the guest experience by providing a beverage that looks and tastes delicious, and tells a story.'

Add Accessories for a Thoughtful Flourish

You can really hone in on a theme with bar accessories, from elegant garnish picks and colorful coasters and napkins, to chic bar tools, like bejeweled bottle openers.

Founder of eponymous home style store Joanna Buchanan says, 'An outdoor bar should create a sensory overload with color, pattern and whimsy. Start with a colorful tray (like the large ombre capiz trays from Joanna Buchanan), then create interest with cocktail napkins, coasters, cocktail picks and a dazzling bottle opener. I really like using natural or coastal themes as they mimic what's going on around you and really amp up the vibe of the party.'

Offer DIY Garnishes to Encourage Interaction

'A garnish station is one of the easiest ways to elevate cocktails while encouraging guests to interact and personalize their drinks,' says Lauren Lombardi. 'I love arranging seasonal garnishes on a tray with delicate and curated bowls of fresh strawberries, edible flowers, citrus wheels, and herbs, such as mint and basil. Not only does it add beautiful color to the table, but it also transforms a simple cocktail into a memorable experience.'

A set of these mini berry serving bowls from Target is ideal for small soft fruits, while you can add potted herbs, or vintage jars and bottles for flavored sugars and syrups, as well as mini vases for edible flowers.

'One of my favorite garnishes is chamomile. It brings a soft, romantic element to entertaining, with its gentle flavor and daisy-like blooms. Guests enjoy creating their own combinations, and the presentation becomes part of the decor,' adds Lauren.

5. Put Guest Comfort First

The best gatherings are those that bring a natural ease, where guests don't have to ask for anything, but this concept of 'invisible hosting' does take a little forethought and planning ahead. Check the weather forecast to ensure you have cover for all eventualities (shade, cooling and warmth), consider ways to prevent outdoor pests from ruining your event, and create a comfortable setting that brings a quiet luxury to your outdoor space, encouraging relaxed conversation and a reason to linger.

Add Coziness With Cushions and Blankets

Comfort is key if you want to create an environment where guests want to settle in. Extra outdoor throw pillows will ensure hard outdoor furniture is easier on the back, while leaving blankets out for wrapping up in as the sun goes down will be welcome additions to your backyard hosting setup.

Leigh Lincoln, co-founder and principal designer at Pure Salt Interiors, explains, 'High-quality, outdoor-grade furniture mixed with soft accents like throws and accent pillows make for a functional space that allows you and your guests to relax and stay awhile.'

Cushioned outdoor furniture that you can sink into, like these wicker swivel outdoor lounge chairs from Pottery Barn, invites your guests to get cozy and embrace the comforting environment.

Keep Bugs at Bay

There's nothing worse at an outdoor gathering than an invasion of unwanted bugs. But there are plenty of ways that you can keep them at bay without compromising on style.

These screened food domes from West Elm are chic, yet practical, while these fly fans from Amazon are battery-powered and will keep bugs away without having to cover food, so that your guests can easily reach for dishes.

As dusk arrives, biting insects can spoil the party spirit, so consider providing some natural bug spray (like Murphy's Lemon and Eucalyptus Bug Spray from Target) in discreet baskets, away from the food areas, for guests to help themselves to. Hanging some elegant citronella-scented candles like these ombre lanterns from Anthropologie brings ambiance and fragrance as well as protection.

Be Prepared For Changes in Weather

You can manage every element of your party from the food to the decor, but one thing you can't control is the weather. You can prepare for it, though. Providing a covered space that offers a cooling oasis during the hottest part of the day, and protection against wind and rain should you have an unexpected downpour, will pay dividends if the elements are against you.

'Designing a shaded space for outdoor entertaining adds longevity to your hosting throughout the season,' says Aly Morford. 'We love an integrated shade, like a draped pergola, for both its function and form. It adds a layer of texture and softness while providing a cool atmosphere – bonus points if it’s retractable.' This freestanding pergola with retractable canopy from Lowe's is under $300, making it an affordable addition to your backyard.

'And never underestimate the effect of greenery in your outdoor spaces – trees and other large foliage help keep things cool, and offer natural shade as they mature,' Aly adds.

6. Do the Prep for Food Service and Cleanup

It's easy to feel overwhelmed if you're hosting a lot of people, but the key is in the prep – if you've put in the work before the guests arrive, you'll be able to actually enjoy the party when it comes. That includes ensuring food is all but ready (bar the final touches, or a quick warm-up in the oven), drinks are chilled and mixed, the grill is clean and tools accessible, and plates and glassware are ready-to-go.

'The secret to enjoying your own party is doing the work before anyone arrives,' says Joseph Marini, event designer and author of Mastering the Art of Entertaining (SparkPress/Simon & Schuster). 'A host who’s still mixing drinks and plating food when the doorbell rings spends the gathering in the kitchen instead of with their guests. A little preparation buys you the thing you actually want, which is to be present.'

Finally, having a plan for dirty dishes, glassware, and trash as you go along (putting out accessible and stylish trash cans for guests to use, for example), will cut your cleanup time dramatically so you won't feel burnt out at the end of the night.

Set the Stage Before Guests Arrive

'Entertaining well comes down to a pre-preparation plan, from staging your hosting space to organizing your kitchen. Every staged area, whether the kitchen or a buffet table, needs room to work,' says Joseph.

Consider extra surface space, whether that means temporarily clearing a kitchen sideboard or investing in a couple of portable tables that can be used indoors or out, like this slim rectangular folding table from Lowe's.

'Even a small kitchen can be zoned ahead of time: one area for cold prep, one for staging hot food, and one for clearing dirties. If counter space is tight, keep restaurant-style bus tubs or deep bins on the floor so you can clear dirty dishes straight into them, and deal with them after the party,' adds Joseph.

Keep Drinks Well Stocked and Food Fresh

After all the hard work prepping delicious food for your guests, the last thing you'll want is for it to go cold before serving or spoil in the heat. 'Oven space is usually the bottleneck, so a restaurant-style chafing dish is always in my arsenal for keeping food warm behind the scenes,' shares Joseph.

'For cold food, keep an oversized cooler on hand and line the bottom with 6 to 8 inches of ice. I use round deli containers in quart and pint sizes for salads, dips, and the like, and tuck them right into the ice. Here’s the trick: number each lid, then number the platter or dish it will go into at serving time, so you’re never pulling containers out to guess what’s inside.' You might also want to keep a separate large coolbox outside, ready to top up the drinks station when needed, so you don't have to keep running to the fridge indoors for refills.

'Building a menu that can be served entirely at room temperature is another good way to take the pressure off,' adds Joseph. 'I also set out food on larger platters, so I’m not constantly refreshing them.'

Get the Grill Zone Ready

If you're planning on cooking on one of the best grills, the last thing you want is to open the lid and find it's not been cleaned properly from the last use, so allow plenty of time to clean your grill before you need to get the food sizzling.

Making sure that all of your grilling tools and accessories, such as aprons, charcoal (if using), spare gas cans, and dishes to serve into once the food is cooked (plus aluminum foil for keeping it warm), are close at hand will help things go smoothly. And, placing a folding table will provide extra space for tools and dishes so that you won't be fumbling around for space when the food is ready to come off the grill.

It's also worth investing in a steam grill cleaning brush for a quick and easy post-cook clean, and a small, but stylish trash can like this mint green galvanized steel lidded bucket will be so useful for disposing of meat wrappers, used foil, and kitchen towels, and save on cleanup time afterwards.

7. Consider The Final Details For an Effortless Atmosphere

Often, the more you force it, the less relaxed your event will feel, so don't fixate on trying to make things perfect. Atmosphere is everything when it comes to hosting. 'Perfection is the fastest way to ruin a party. Guests can feel a host who is performing rather than present,' warns Bryan Graybill, interior designer and seasoned host. 'I’d rather have a slightly crumpled linen cloth and a host who’s actually sitting down than a flawless table and someone hovering in the kitchen. Atmosphere is generosity; perfection is anxiety with good lighting.'

But the good news is that you can help to create an atmosphere by taking the pressure off, keeping a flexible and relaxed schedule, and adding memorable touches that engage the senses from lighting to scent and music to fresh flowers. You can also bring natural ease with elements such as fire pits to gather around, self-serve drinks, and informal sharing platters rather than plated food.

Consider All of the Senses

Good atmosphere engages all of the senses, from scent to sound. Choosing the right playlist can really set the tone for your gathering – and make sure it's not so loud that it hinders conversation. Remote-controlled speakers give you flexibility to adjust the volume from afar and ensure they're placed at a slight distance from key gathering zones.

Easy floral displays can bring a natural feel to your event – place them on the main table as well as on drinks stations and side tables – and can mirror the garden and bring color and scent. Build on the olfactory element with scented candles in garden-inspired fragrances like Jo Malone's Green Tomato Vine Candle, and opt for natural textiles and textures in table linens, cushions and blankets for tactility.

'I layer a table the way I layer a room – scent, texture, light, sound, all working quietly together,' says Bryan. 'Flowers cut from the garden that morning, never anything that looks flown in. Candles low and plentiful rather than one grand gesture. Real linen, because the hand remembers what the eye forgets. And music is the architecture of the evening – set it at the volume of a good rumor: present enough that no one fears a silence, quiet enough that no one raises their voice.'

Linger Longer With a Fire Pit

Providing a comfortable and inviting area where your guests can make themselves at home and keep warm as the evening chill starts to bite will make sure they linger, and can often end up being the best part of the party.

There's nothing like the natural glow of fire to entice guests and while a gas option might be easy, you can't beat a wood-burning fire like this Lidded Rectangle Fire Pit from Anthropologie (pictured above) with its wonderfully rust-hued patina. 'A fire pit does half my work for me,' says Bryan. 'People arrange themselves around flame the way they have for ten thousand years; no seating plan required.'

Add low-slung seating, blankets for comfort and you might even want to offer self-serve s'mores to cook over the open flame for a sweet treat. This DIY S'mores Kit from Williams Sonoma will save you the effort at the end of the night.

Keep the Schedule Relaxed

Be guided by your guests rather than sticking to a rigid timetable – it will take the pressure off and make for a far more relaxed atmosphere. Daytime events should gently move into evening without ceremony, allowing guests to come and go.

'Keep the schedule loose,' suggests Bryan. 'The best evenings have one fixed point – dinner – and everything else is allowed to drift.' And if the majority of the work is done in advance, you should be able to attend your own party stress-free. 'The host’s job is to design the gathering, then disappear into it,' adds Bryan.

Providing self-serve food that guests can keep going back to throughout the evening, rather than sitting down to a formal dinner, will keep things flexible and manage expectations. 'Sharing plates over plated courses, always,' advises Bryan. 'Passing a dish is the oldest form of conversation. The goal is for guests to feel they’ve discovered the evening rather than attended it.'

The Often-Forgotten Outdoor Essentials That Hosts Swear By

You've sorted the food, drinks, and styling touches, but there are a few not-so-glamorous but equally essential items that hosts wouldn't be without for any gathering. Make this your last-minute checklist to ensure your event goes without a hitch.

• Extension cords, power strips, and chargers: essential for any electric lighting or music that needs to be connected to an indoor power outlet. This green power strip from Target will blend in with the garden planting. If you have rechargeable lights or speakers, ensure they are fully charged in advance.
• Matches or lighters: Keep a packet on standby near your candles, grill (if it's a charcoal one), and the wood-burning fire pit. The last thing you'll want is to be hunting down a single pack of matches all evening.
• Extra candles: tealights look beautiful, but they don't last long, so stock up on a 100-pack of tealights from Amazon, and stash them away for top-ups.
• Hand towels: Have plenty on standby for spills, barbecue grease and sticky fingers.
• Bathroom essentials: even though you're hosting outdoors, your guests will be using the bathroom, so make sure it's clean and well stocked with hand soap, toilet paper, and clean towels
• Spare serving utensils: This 9-piece serving set from Walmart will have you covered if serving spoons or tongs get mixed up or misplaced.
• Tablecloth weights: Ensure that your linens stay put if there's a gust of wind. Natural shells or smooth pebbles work wonderfully as weights, or choose something that clips onto your tablecloth, like these white bird tablecloth weights from Amazon.

Successful outdoor entertaining isn’t about perfection – it’s about thoughtful preparation, comfort, and atmosphere, designed to create a memorable experience for your guests and to allow for a relaxed hosting experience for you. For more inspiration, these garden party themes will have you covered, from rustic and natural to cool coastal.

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The Fourth of July is one of the best holidays of the year. Between the parades, the backyard barbecues, the family parties, and of course, the fireworks, there's no shortage of lively celebration. But before all of the festivities and fun comes the hard part: the prep.

Like any other holiday celebration, Fourth of July parties require lots of planning and preparation. You'll want to consider everything from Fourth of July decor for the front porch to patriotic touches for the inside of your home. Even little details, like flag-inspired cocktail picks or red, white, and blue bud vases, can go a long way in making your house look extra festive. And since The Fourth is a summer holiday, you can't forget about the backyard – decorate it to theme and bring out your favorite yard games to encourage play and celebration all day long.

With so much to prepare for ahead of America's 250th birthday, I thought I'd help you out by assembling a hosting checklist – a comprehensive guide to everything you need to plan a successful Fourth of July party at home. With these recommendations in mind, your holiday party will be the talk of the town.

1. Exterior Decorations

One of the best and easiest ways to decorate your home for the Fourth of July is by putting up exterior decor – that is, flags, banners, wreaths, and yard signs. These details can instantly elevate your home's curb appeal with holiday flair.

Pleated fan flags are my personal favorite form of exterior decor. They're easy to hang from porches, railings, or fences, and if your yard doesn't have a flagpole, they act as a suitable alternative to the traditional American flag. I have my eye on this variation from Michaels – with its deep maroon color, it can add some heritage charm to your front porch this Fourth of July.

I’m a firm believer that less is more when it comes to exterior decorations. Subtle red, white, and blue touches mixed with your standard yard decor and existing greenery will create an elegant scene that you can keep up through Labor Day.

2. Interior Accessories

Though many Fourth of July celebrations are spent outside, there's no harm in refreshing your interior spaces with some patriotic touches to tap into the holiday spirit. Small details like decorative pillows, vases, and blankets can make your home look on-theme for the Fourth without going over the top.

Growing up, I remember that each summer, my mother would swap a few of the generic pillows on our couch for festive alternatives. These pillows didn't scream Fourth of July, instead, they tapped into the iconic color scheme and the stars and stripes motif to add some old-school, Americana elegance to our home. Even though these pillows were meant as holiday decor, in my eyes, they became summer decor staples that just so happened to make our house look festive. Any interior decor in America's color scheme can have the same effect in your home.

3. Tableware

Whatever type of feast you're planning – a backyard barbecue, a park picnic, a chic dinner party – you'll need Fourth of July tableware that taps into the theme.

Plates are the obvious essential, but instead of buying plain paper plates, consider Table Two Studio's American-inspired paper collection that looks even better than ceramic alternatives. Paper plates (along with non-breakable melamine dinnerware) are ideal for outdoor entertainment, but if you're hosting inside, consider something a bit more formal to set the scene, like Lenox's Gingham Dinner Plates.

While there are so many additional elements of Fourth of July table decor, another detail that I find important is the table linens. These ground the scene – whether you're setting the table for dining or lining it with trays for serving. Though these linens sit in the background, they're the quiet workhorses that pull the entire arrangement together.

4. Lawn Games

The Fourth of July is a summer holiday, which means any parties or gatherings that you're hosting will most likely take place outside. In between the meals, the chatter, and the fireworks, it helps to have some playful yard games to keep guests occupied.

Croquet is a classic choice, and a classy choice, I'll admit – perfect for those who plan to host elevated garden parties for the holiday. Other favorites include pickleball and bocce ball – two yard games that can just as easily be played on a sandy beach. And of course, there's cornhole – perhaps the most American game of them all. It wouldn't be the Fourth of July without a competitive cornhole tournament taking place amidst the hot dog eating and the beer drinking (both of which are equally as competitive, might I add).

Whatever your outdoor game of choice may be, keep it on hand during your July Fourth fête for anyone eager to take part in some friendly competition.

5. Entertainment Extras

After the exterior decor, the interior decor, the tableware, and the yard games, your Fourth of July party prep is nearly done. However, it's always a good idea to include some extra party details to ensure a successful celebration.

A cooler is an essential detail – especially if you plan on hosting your Fourth of July party outside. This way, neither you nor your guests will have to run back inside for another drink. A model like Wayfair's Cart Cooler with its deep interior and wheeled design is a perfect choice.

Secondary details like decorative string lights, patriotic pool floats, and festive cocktail picks might not be on your must-buy list, but truth be told, it's little touches like these that can make your Fourth of July party come together.

The Fourth of July is nearly here. Keep this list in mind to ensure a successful and well-styled holiday celebration.

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Nothing sets the scene for a Fourth of July party quite like festive decor. And I don't just mean flags, banners, and lawn signs; I'm talking about the table decor – the plates, the bowls, the napkins, and the platters that ground the scene with patriotic appeal.

This holiday is just as much a celebration of independence as it is an excuse to indulge in the most delicious summer foods – barbecues, cookouts, picnics, or seafood boils to mark the occasion. And a well-styled table creates a stunning backdrop for all of these festive feasts, bringing the entire holiday celebration together.

Fourth of July decoration can get rather kitschy, and I am partial to flags and bunting around the porch, but on the table, I find that simplicity yields the best look. Use the iconic red, white, and blue color scheme as a starting point, and invite subtle pops of patriotic flair here and there. You can even incorporate silver serveware or rattan table decorations to add visual interest and variety to the scene. Ultimately, the key is to choose table decorations that tap into the holiday theme but remain timeless by design – this way, you can reuse them for events well past the Fourth of July and for summers to come.

Whatever type of Fourth of July feast you're planning – a picnic in the park, a backyard barbecue, or an evening dinner under the fireworks – this festive table decor will ensure the scene is as stylishly on-theme as can be.

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We've all been there – the summer party outside, the ceramic dinnerware left on precarious surfaces, the unfortunate but inevitable shattering. It's not that you weren't extra careful; it's just that delicate materials, patio slabs, and maybe a few cocktails don't mix well.

Outdoor-friendly tableware becomes the obvious alternative to avoid this disaster, but in the past these hardwearing dishes have leaned more campside that chic. However, 2026 has been the summer for shatterproof tableware as stylish as their ceramic counterparts, and Drew Barrymore's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set from Walmart is the latest launch to prove outdoor dinnerware can be every bit as aesthetic as indoor.

This dinner set is bold, lively, and perfectly on-trend for summer tablescapes. Plus, it's just as design-oriented as the collectable plates and platters you only take out for special occasions. The only differences are that this set is completely safe for outdoor use and it's a bargain find, at less than $30.

An accidental drop to the floor means nothing to these melamine dishes from Drew's Beautiful Line at Walmart. In fact, they're made to withstand the impact without showing signs of wear. You can bring them to picnics in your local park, use them for outdoor dinner parties, and even trust them in the hands of uncareful children.

And this set isn't all function and no form. The green and blue color scheme is bang on trend for summer 2026, and the sardine is the motif of the season. Layer it with a gingham green tablecloth, rattan placemats, and some simple white linen napkins for a table that feels fun yet elegant.

Along with this 12-piece dinnerware set, Drew has released additional summer table decor details and hosting accessories that can complete the look. This Sardine Serving Bowl, for instance, is the perfect dish for a large summer salad, and this Sardine Oval Platter is the ideal tray for serving dessert after dinner. The Rattan Drink Basket and the Rattan Tray act as the perfect complementary details – bringing a touch of texture to the scene while tapping into the same color scheme as the plates and bowls themselves.

Together, these tableware details can create a tablescape that's fresh, inviting, stylish, and outdoor-safe. But if you're looking for more decor to complete the scene, find everything I'd style alongside Drew Barrymore's 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set, below.

How To Style Drew Barrymore's Dinnerware Set

Shop More Outdoor Dinnerware

Need more outdoor-safe dinnerware options? Here are additional melamine-made styles that are perfect for outdoor use and look just as chic as Drew Barrymore's sardine dinnerware set.

Drew Barrymore's 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set will help you make sure that outdoor hosting is just as thoughtful, considered, and design-driven as indoor hosting. Not only that, but with their melamine materiality, these dinnerware sets eliminate the fear of shattering your favorite ceramics.

But before the dinnerware sets and tablescaping can even happen, you need to make sure your outdoor dining room is up to par. Lucky for you, we have tons of ideas to create a space that's fit for entertaining and endlessly inviting, too.

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The World Cup is officially here. If you can't make it to the stadium to support your favorite team, then hosting an at-home World Cup watch party is the next best thing – that is, as long as it's decked out with the best decor.

Of course, I don't expect you to inundate your house with blow-up soccer ball balloons or turf-inspired tablecloths to honor the occasion. Instead, it's important to choose decor with longevity – that is, decor that can work for a World Cup watch party, but be used in other contexts, too. Like these green wine glasses from Pottery Barn or this black and white speckled serving platter from Hudson Grace, sometimes it helps to decorate with colors that remind you of the event – and for a soccer tournament, that's green, black, and white. You can even draw inspiration from your team's colors (go USA!) to tastefully set the scene for your World Cup watch party.

Though I do think it's best for your World Cup party decor to lean more timeless in style, that's not to say you can't invite themed decor into the mix. In fact, I think you should. Mount an international flag banner behind your TV (like this one from Etsy), use soccer ball-inspired paper plates for eating (these from Meri Meri minimize dishwashing), and keep a cup of cocktail picks with soccer ball charms on your bar cart. When tapping into a theme, simplicity is key. Don't overdo it and be sure to balance it out with neutral, complementary decor. This way, your World Cup party will look like an elevated affair rather than a child's birthday party.

There are tons of matches left to be played until the World Cup final on July 19th, which means there's so much time for hosting watch parties and decorating your house with the best World Cup-inspired decor. So below, shop everything you need to create a dream starting lineup of chic watch party decor.

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As the weather brings longer, warmer days that stretch late into the evenings, our way of living naturally becomes more transitional between indoors and out. But, far more than just a backyard, or a single-use patio, our outdoor spaces can be transformed into multi-functional extensions of our homes, where we can dine, entertain, and relax with friends and loved ones.

The key to achieving this successfully lies in creating intentional outdoor hosting zones. From outdoor living room ideas to outdoor dining ideas and magical spaces to spend an alfresco aperitivo hour, these defined, but evolving areas, will invite guests to naturally flow easily from one to the other, as the day progresses into the evening.

With these expert styling tips and tricks, you can master this 3-zone outdoor hosting concept, whatever size or shape your space, for seamless hosting throughout the summer months and beyond.

Zone One: The Dining Space – The Heart of Hosting

Sharing a meal is the perfect way to spark conversation and conviviality, so the heart of your outdoor entertaining space should be the dining 'room'. As such, it should feel comfortable enough to encourage a relaxed atmosphere, but also be thoughtfully styled, to show your guests that you've really made the effort to help them feel special and welcomed.

Choose a Sheltered Spot for Shade and Protection

A back porch or purpose-built pergola offers the perfect ready-made shade from the sun and protection from the elements for your dining area. This beautiful sunset view is enhanced by the natural unpainted wood of the pergola and dining furniture, while the floral arrangement echoes the vibrant colors of the sunset beyond, for a naturalistic and elevated evening atmosphere.

Founder of Well by Design, Lauren Sullivan, explains: 'We preferred the dining area underneath the covered porch here for the ability to use the space throughout the warmer months – even during intense sun or summer rain – while still feeling completely connected to the surrounding landscape. I also think having a more sheltered dining area makes people naturally want to linger a little longer at the table.'

If you don't have a porch or pergola, you can opt for a stylish outdoor umbrella, which will allow you to be more flexible with where you set up your dining zone.

Opt for a Statement Dining Table and Relaxed Seating

A dining table can make a statement outdoors as well as indoors, and this one is a lovely example of how to be creative and achieve that indoor/outdoor feel. This pretty tiled tabletop looks striking, will withstand the elements, and is easy to wipe clean, negating the need for tablecloths or placemats.

Jamie Robb, Creative Director at Marlborough Tiles, explains: 'A beautifully tiled surface brings depth, texture, and individuality to a piece like a dining table, transforming something purely practical into a focal point. Whether using plain glaze colors or hand painted patterns, tiles allow you to create a table that feels entirely bespoke – full of character, artistry, and permanence. Beyond aesthetics, it’s also an incredibly durable choice; a well-tiled table is designed to be lived with, enjoyed daily, and admired for years to come.'

Meanwhile, the deep basket chairs with soft cushioned seating are proof that you can dine in comfort outdoors. If your guests are comfortable, they will feel more relaxed, and your event will take on more of an informal atmosphere, inspiring lively conversation and the chance to sit back and relax after the plates have been cleared away. The pretty floral cushions tap into the rustic country look here, whilst the lacy greenery on the tables and colored glassware add extra layers of texture and hue.

Create a Layered Tablescape Inspired by the Garden

When it comes to spring tablescaping ideas, Founder of eponymous lifestyle store Joanna Buchanan explains, 'I take inspiration from my garden and love to layer colors, patterns and textures. I definitely don't see minimal tables as being effective outside. It needs to be a full-blown statement.'

In this example, Joanna has leaned into the colors and textures of the garden, with sky blue, floral block-printed linens, and napkin rings embellished with bejewelled bees and butterflies. 'They are simply the perfect accessory for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful conversation starter,' she adds.

And there's one non-negotiable in Joanna's book. 'You have to have fresh flowers on the table – simply cut from what is around you for a seamless effect.'

Finally, if you're hosting a day-to-evening event, 'don't forget candles,' says Joanna. 'It's always magical to eat by candlelight outdoors.'

Ensure Proximity to the Kitchen Space

It may sound simple, but ensuring your dining area is located within easy reach of where you'll be serving food from will make your job as a host so much easier. If your guests are seated at the far end of the yard, even if it feels like the perfect spot, you'll have a long way to bring dishes back and forth and risk food being spilled or getting cold.

You may have a fully functional outdoor kitchen setup, or one of the best grills in the backyard, but if you're going to be prepping your food in your indoor kitchen, you'll ideally want your guests sitting as close as possible. A kitchen hatch for passing dishes through, as shown in the above image, or simply some French doors opening onto your dining terrace are perfect solutions.

'We prioritize indoor/outdoor living in all of our designs, but a functional connection to the kitchen is paramount for easy and enjoyable outdoor living. If a full doorway from the kitchen to the backyard isn't possible for the design, we love a pass-through kitchen window – this becomes a design feature with bar seating, unique materials, and increased livability for both the interior and for outdoor entertaining,' explains Leigh Lincoln, Co-Founder and Principal Designer at Pure Salt Interiors.

Shop the Outdoor Dining Edit

Zone Two: The Lounge – Relaxed, Social, and Flexible

Outdoor living room ideas should cover all bases, from morning coffee to pre-dinner drinks and late afternoon relaxing. Comfort is, of course, key, so ditch the more structural furniture and turn to softer silhouettes and textures, with modular or easy-to-move options, allowing you the flexibility to change the flow of the space depending on the form your gathering takes, or your number of guests.

Bring in Elevated Yet Comfortable Seating

This serene, neutral space incorporates natural materials, like wooden furniture and a rattan pendant light (perfect for changing the atmosphere after dark), with white upholstery for a clean and minimal finish. The wide chairs and deep cushions beckon guests to get comfortable, whilst still feeling elegant.

'Given the scale of the outdoor areas of this property, it was important to thoughtfully program each space with its own purpose and atmosphere. This more formal outdoor lounge sits adjacent to the great room, with firmer, more upright seating designed to better suit evening entertaining,' says interior designer Gianpiero Gaglione.

This intimate, yet elevated seating arrangement is the ideal breakout area for enjoying a pre-dinner aperitif while your guests warm up for the evening ahead.

Add Outdoor Rugs and Soft Textiles to Anchor the Space

If there's no clear structure, whether a pergola, patio or low-walled area, to set up your lounging zone in, create your own. This is the perfect way to use an outdoor rug, as it will instantly define an area around which to arrange your furniture, and it will give you total flexibility over where you want your guests to sit.

This alfresco French cottage range from McGee & Co has an elegant countryside feel, thanks to the rattan, but is softened with plenty of throw cushions in mix-and-match striped and gingham patterns and a soft palette of greens and blues. The striped rug brings a sense of order and timelessness, while anchoring the space that is also beautifully framed by the boughs of the trees above.

Use Low Tables for Drinks and Candles

A key differentiator between dining and relaxing areas, is the table height. Outdoor coffee tables work wonderfully as part of an outdoor lounge area, alongside lower slung, deep seating, and they are the perfect level for placing candles, drinks and snacks on without obstructing the eyeline.

Interior designer, Wendy Glaister, adds: 'Part of the allure of a beautiful outdoor space is the romance of an evening filled with candles and a cozy fire. I like to find interesting tables to set around my seating areas for visual interest.'

Lower tables are an excuse to get creative with outdoor candle ideas. 'Outdoor, battery-operated candles come on with just a click of a remote and suddenly the space is alive with quiet, flattering light,' says Wendy. 'A drink in a sparkling glass reflects the candlelight and voila! A romantic getaway has been created in your own backyard.'

Soften Zone Borders with Delicate Planting

The idea of creating hosting zones isn't to add hard, physical borders to separate different areas of the backyard, but to incorporate subtle definition with visual tricks. One of the loveliest ways to achieve this is with delicate planting. In the above example, a low concrete wall is softened with wispy grasses that bring movement and texture.

The best ornamental grasses for privacy make the perfect choice, as they'll not only offer a quiet space away from onlooking neighbors, or the hubbub of the more lively areas of your gathering, but also protect guests from the wind.

You can achieve a similar effect with climbing plants over a pergola for a natural canopy, or a simple, low floral border. It's about hinting at these different spaces without defining them too rigidly.

Shop the Outdoor Lounge Edit

Zone Three: The Late-Night Space – Atmosphere and After-Hours Appeal

As night falls and the last of the plates have been cleared, you'll likely want to usher your guests to a softer seating area to enjoy an after-dinner drink or two. Think casual clusters of seating around a cozy firepit, baskets of blankets for wrapping up in, and even a bar cart on hand for effortless refills. The addition of twinkling string lights and candles will create a warm and inviting atmosphere, bringing a natural ease and elegance to the end of your evening.

Add a Fire Pit for an Evening Glow

There's something about fire that is so magical and mesmerizing and a firepit is a wonderful way to draw your guests away from the table to sit in comfort and enjoy the beauty of an open flame. This square firepit from Wayfair is light for maneuverability, but you could go for more of a statement piece or a permanent fixture, such as an in-built outdoor fireplace.

In a real wood, (not gas-powered), firepit you could add scented wood or colored fire sticks (like these from Anthropologie) for a full sensory experience. Alternatively have some S'mores ingredients on standby for a sweet after-dinner treat.

Make it Magical with Ambient Lighting

As dusk falls, clever outdoor lighting ideas can take the look and feel of your entertaining space from day to night with an ethereal ease. You could opt for candlelight, position string lights in trees or around fixed structures, or go for more permanent garden lighting solutions, such as garden uplighters, as shown above, for a beautiful and magical effect.

'Garden uplighting transforms an outdoor space into an experience,' explains Jessica Bennett, Creative Director of Alice Lane Interior Design. 'It casts a soft glow through layered landscaping and highlights architectural beauty, while creating an atmosphere that invites guests to linger after sunset. It’s the perfect backdrop for evening parties and candlelit conversations.'

Curate More Intimate Seating Clusters by Night

Getting cozy and hunkering down for quieter and more relaxed moments, by the warmth of a fire, with a nightcap in hand, is the perfect way to conclude an evening gathering. This might involve creating a focal point to center seating around, allowing for more flexible and casual seating arrangements, providing comforting touches such as throw pillows and blankets to snuggle up in, and adjusting lighting for more intimacy.

Dee Dee Lear, Founder and Principal Designer at Delaney's Design created the above space and explains: 'When designing outdoor spaces for use after dark, we take great care in considering clearances, sightlines and, of course, lighting. In this cozy outdoor space, the topography required small retaining walls to create a flat surface for the firepit and gathering area, which offered an opportunity for additional seating and a place to install downlighting.'

'The choice of a circular design with dimmable downlighting and inconspicuous, flexible seating blends with the landscape and enhances the natural aesthetic. We created an intimate and quaint gathering space that feels both effortless and organic.'

Set up a Designated Drinks Station for a Magical Cocktail Hour

Creating a designated area for drinks will not only ease your load as the host – because guests can help themselves – but help to encourage guests to move from one zone to the next as the evening progresses. As the sun goes down, the addition of some pretty lighting, like these lace lanterns from Anthropologie will bring the space to life.

Whilst it can be lovely to wheel out a stylish outdoor bar cart, it's not the only way to create a stylish drinks station. You can easily curate your own using a side table, dressed with an elegant tray and some summer cocktail essentials.

Alternatively, get creative and stack boxes or wooden crates at different levels to provide surfaces for cocktail garnishes, ice buckets, napkins and stirrers. Drape string lights around your bar area or suspend LED lanterns from low-hanging branches above for an ethereal look. You could even lead your guests from the dining table to the after-dinner drinks area by lighting the garden path.

Shop the Outdoor Evening Edit

Bringing It All Together: How to Create Flow and Cohesion

The key to successful zoning is in creating a cohesive look in terms of color palette, materials and finishes. If you combine a dining area with a rustic aesthetic with a living space that is colorful and contemporary, it will jar and feel thrown together as opposed to intentional. This cohesion is also important when it comes to the flow of your outdoor hosting spaces. Guests should be able to easily move from one space to another throughout the course of your event, from dinner to dusk, and visually defining hosting areas with clear pathways and visual connection will ensure that this happens naturally.

Ensure Visual Continuity With the Palette and Materials

Creating continuity isn't just about the connection of your outdoor spaces but also with the overall aesthetic of your home. In the above example, a minimalist yet comfortable palette of off-white, natural wood, and rattan connects the three hosting zones beautifully, whilst each still has its own clearly defined purpose.

Designer Gianpiero Gaglione explains: 'The garden wraps around this LA home, which is designed in an L-shaped configuration, allowing nearly every room to maintain a strong visual and physical connection to the outdoors. Large double doors throughout further blur the boundary between inside and out, creating a seamless flow across the property.'

'For the exterior spaces, we intentionally kept the palette cohesive, opting for crisp whites and fresh, understated tones throughout. A bar anchors one side of the garden alongside an adjacent dining area, whilst a firepit with relaxed lounge seating creates a more intimate gathering space nearby.'

Create Zones Without Rigid Separation

One of the most important things to remember with the 3-zone hosting concept is to ensure freedom to flow between areas easily and naturally. As well as creating soft borders with planting, another subtle visual trick is to use contrasting flooring surfaces to create differentiation. In the above example, slate flagstones demarcate the lounge area, whilst red brick paving indicates the move into the dining zone. This is a far more fluid solution than adding walls and physical structures, which could make your outdoor space feel smaller and more disjointed.

Designer Sally Wilkinson explains 'For this client's outdoor spaces, we wanted a clear distinction between the lounging and dining areas without making the terrace feel overly formal or disconnected. The shift in flooring material subtly defines each zone, while the consistent palette ensures the space to still feel cohesive and relaxed. We wanted the spaces to feel less prescribed and unfold more naturally within the setting.'

Make Zones Multi-Functional in Smaller Spaces

Even if you don't have an expansive outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to prepare a small backyard for summer hosting. One way to achieve this is by overlapping zones or giving them a multi-functional purpose.

Brittny Smith, Founder of Homesmith Design, says, 'You don’t need a large backyard to create a space that works for entertaining, you just need to be intentional about how each area functions. On this patio, the bar, dining, and lounge zones are layered so they can overlap. The bar works for drinks but also doubles as a casual dining area, while the lounge anchors the space for conversation. That flexibility allows the space to feel more generous than it actually is and keeps everything connected when you’re hosting.'

This free-flowing feeling is also achieved through subtle repetition of material, color and pattern, whilst the covered structure makes this a functional all-weather space.

Consider Seasonal Adaptability

As wonderful as it is to enjoy hosting outdoors when the weather is at its best, it's a shame not to be able to make use of your patio space all year round. Considering all-weather solutions is a good idea if you want to make your hosting zones as flexible as possible. To achieve this, you will naturally need some cover to keep the area dry, but other home comforts, such as heating and indoor-style lighting can help, too. And, by installing a blank structural canvas, you'll have the freedom to ring the changes with decor as the seasons come and go.

'Adding heaters and speakers to a canopy setup can completely change how the space feels and how often it gets used,' explains Pamela Lastiri, Founder and Principal of Pamela Lastiri Interior Design Studio. 'We intentionally kept our structure fairly restrained, so it could evolve. It’s much easier to rotate furniture, textiles, and styling seasonally than to commit to bold colors or patterns within the structure itself.'

A well-designed patio isn’t just beautiful – it’s thoughtfully zoned. By creating distinct yet connected areas for dining, lounging, and late-night gatherings, any outdoor space can feel elevated, functional, and effortlessly sociable. For more ideas on how to spruce up your patio, take a look at Editor, Jen Ebert's Very British Edit – a guide to creating a well-designed outdoor space for spring.

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Nothing says summer like a good old soiree, whether it's a formal alfresco dinner or an intimate early evening apéritif in the late sunshine, and beautiful thrifted treasures will help to bring a timeless, lived-in charm to your outdoor set-up – no matter the occasion.

Nailing summer outdoor dining ideas starts with investing in good-quality thrifted outdoor decor pieces. Don't get us wrong, there's plenty of chic new outdoor furniture and tableware to shop (I've had my eye on Serena & Lily's stylish Riveria dining set for quite some time), but nothing beats decorating with vintage when it comes to elevating your hosting game.

From luxurious silver platters to romantic table linens, we asked interior designers for their go-to thrifted picks to bring an outdoor get-together to life. 'When it comes to hosting summer gatherings, thrifted pieces are honestly where the magic happens because they give a tablescape that layered, collected-over-time feeling that brand-new items just can’t replicate,' explains interior designer Jennifer Hunter. 'It’s less about matching and more about building a tablescape.'

1. Outdoor Furniture

Vintage furniture is the first step towards an effortlessly chic backyard that feels just as considered as your home's interior. Whether it's a pair of rattan loungers to aid late-night conversations or a wrought-iron bistro set for brunch with friends, thrifted outdoor furniture is perfect for gardens in need of a little elegance.

Interior designer, Shani Core, sourced a second-hand dining set (pictured above). She explains, 'Here we took a high-low approach and found the vintage Brown Jordan dining set at a local Palm Beach resale shop. It was in terrible condition, so we had everything powder-coated in fresh white.'

Paired with vintage ceramics, colorful tableware, and fresh blooms, the look comes to life. 'The antique turquoise planter centerpiece was a thrifted find, and when combined with a fabulous floral arrangement and beautiful china, you would never know!' says Shani. 'When you start with a great quality foundation such as this vintage Brown Jordan dining set, it’s simple to style a beautiful summer table.'

2. Pitchers & Vases

It's not just outdoor seating that can make or break your outdoor dining area. 'Vintage pitchers are a favorite of mine during the summer months,' says hosting and vintage expert Rachel Leonard Kennedy. 'They’re beautiful for serving lemonade or iced tea, but they also double as casual floral arrangements filled with grocery store flowers or greenery clipped from the yard.'

Interior designer, Jennifer Hunter designed her dining table (pictured above) around one large centerpiece, scattering Summer table decor around a central floral arrangement. She explains, 'The goal is to make each piece feel as if it landed there naturally. I like to build table settings organically, starting with a central piece and letting everything evolve outward from there. I’ll anchor the table with something found, like a vintage pitcher, and often repurpose it as a vase filled with loose, seasonal stems.'

3. Tableware

'Some of the most charming hosting pieces are the ones with a little history behind them,' says Rachel. 'I almost always thrift serving platters, woven baskets, vintage glassware, linen napkins, candle holders, and small ceramic bowls when preparing for summer gatherings.'

'Vintage glassware mixed with simple everyday dishes creates that collected-over-time look that feels both elegant and relaxed,' adds Rachel. 'I especially love collecting mismatched pieces because they make guests feel relaxed. A perfectly uniform table can sometimes feel intimidating, but mixed textures and collected items create an atmosphere that says, “Come as you are.”

Jennifer's approach is similar. 'I layer in smaller pieces like candlesticks, little bowls, mismatched vessels, tucking them in rather than spacing them out too perfectly,' she says. 'It should feel collected, not arranged. I also like to pull in items from around my home to give the table a lived-in quality. It could be a small dish from the kitchen, a stack of plates, or an object that wasn’t originally meant for entertaining. Those unexpected elements are what make the table feel personal and a bit undone in the best way.'

4. Good Linen

Easy to overlook, you may be surprised to hear that thrift stores are often stocked with all sorts of outdoor table linens that make outdoor dining feel all the more special and inviting.

'I love layering woven textures with softer elements like linen napkins or slightly wrinkled tablecloths because it keeps the space feeling approachable,' says Jennifer. 'When styling thrifted hosting pieces, I focus less on perfection and more on creating a table that feels lived-in and welcoming. Summer gatherings should feel effortless, never overly staged.'

'For summer specifically, I tend to keep the color palette natural and sun-washed; creams, soft blues, faded greens, warm wood tones, and touches of citrus or fresh herbs scattered throughout the table,' says Rachel.

5. Bar Carts

Whether it's an ornate metal antique or a beachy wicker style, a beautiful bar cart can elevate your outdoor hosting set-up with an unexpected, luxurious feel – they're ideal for indoor-outdoor summer hosting.

'A rattan bar cart is the perfect vehicle for so many thrifted entertaining essentials,' explains Shani. Referring to the project above, she says, 'A vintage ice bucket holds champagne while a thrifted bowl holds citrus. The round upholstered ottoman on wheels was also a thrifted find.'

Smaller side tables and stools can double up as drinks stations, too. 'We set up a thrifted green garden stool as a side table to hold a cold drink, and we re-purposed a thrifted blue and white Murano glass carafe as a vase holding monstera leaves from the garden,' says Shani. 'I’m always on the lookout for garden stools to be used as extra seating or side tables, small planters or cups to hold cut citrus for drinks and herbs as shown on the ottoman, and any opportunity to bring a little color to a vibrant summer tablescape!'

Vintage-Inspired Essentials For Summer Hosting

'New items can sometimes feel overly coordinated or sterile, while vintage and secondhand finds bring warmth, texture, and character into a space,' says Rachel. 'They tell a story before the meal is even served. At the end of the day, the most beautiful summer gatherings aren’t the ones where everything matches perfectly. They’re the ones where people feel comfortable lingering a little longer at the table.'

Be sure to also explore our piece on the 7 things interior designers say you should always try to thrift.

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Interior designer Shea McGee is fluent in the language of rooms – the flow, light, and casually elevated styling that she’s known for as the co-founder of Studio McGee. Her new cookbook, then, is less of a departure than it first appears. In Around The Table: Tables and Traditions For Gathering, available on Amazon, McGee approaches food the way she approaches a living space: with an eye toward how it feels to be there, how people gather, linger, and, ideally, help themselves to seconds.

She begins her cookbook with a line that disarms: 'I am an interior designer, not a professionally trained chef.' It’s a teaser for her ultimate thesis: That the recipes are only one part of the offering, and the real subject is the moment they create.

'I’m not just thinking about flavors – I’m thinking about color, texture, height, composition, and how the whole scene comes together,' she says. The table, in her hands, becomes an extension of the room – another surface to layer, edit, and bring into balance. A platter of salmon scattered with citrus and herbs is treated with the same care as a console styled with books and objects. 'The table is just another room to me. And food is just another form of design.'

The book is organized by season, a structure that feels intuitive once you hear her describe it. 'My whole approach to gathering is shaped by how I’m experiencing the season,' she says. 'What produce is in season, what the light looks like outside, whether we're eating around the fire pit or out on the patio with the doors open.' To McGee, spring is light and bright, summer relaxed and a little improvisational, fall layered and candlelit, winter pared back to soup, bread, and closeness. It is a way of cooking that pays attention to mood as much as ingredients.

Late spring, which happens to be when her book was released this year, is her favorite time to host. 'After a long winter, we’re all coming out of our shells – there is a sense of possibility as everything comes to life,' she says. The menus, she insists, 'almost build themselves,' guided by fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and whatever looks good at the market that morning. There is a pleasing lack of overthinking in that approach, a confidence that the season will carry you.

Though her focus is always on beauty, her idea of the perfect spring party food is sneakily pragmatic. 'To me, the best party food is essentially a portable salad – it should look beautiful, taste interesting, and require almost no effort to eat,' she says. Skewers of blackberry and Gouda, smashed tzatziki cucumbers, whipped ricotta piped onto croissant crostini – each one designed to feel generous without demanding much from the host or the guest.

That ethos extends to the way she sets a table: Bring the outside in, use what you have, and let things be a little imperfect. A few bud vases with flowers clipped from the yard, rumpled linens, a woven element to break up the ceramics – small gestures that add up to something memorable.

There is, throughout the book, a sense that hospitality is less about performance and more about attention. McGee describes a last-minute visit from a friend with a kind of ease that feels aspirational in the best way: a board assembled from whatever is in the fridge, a quick crostini, conversation unfolding in the kitchen. 'Thoughtfulness, not perfection, is always the goal,' she says.

A designer writing a cookbook makes perfect sense when you consider the end goal of any gathering: Never the dish itself, but the room it creates around it.

Blackberry Gouda Skewers

'Color and texture are top of mind when creating a menu. These skewers have a contrast of dark and light hues with a pleasant, toasty crunch from coarse salt and walnuts. It’s essentially a portable salad, easy to eat and transport, whether I’m at the beach, hosting a barbecue, or sneaking a few into lunchboxes.'

Ingredients

• 1 pound peeled, seeded, and diced honeydew melon
• 5 ounces Gouda cheese
• 32 (4 3/4-inch) bamboo skewers
• 5 ounces spring mix
• 1 pint blackberries
• ½ cup walnuts
• Balsamic glaze, for serving
• Coarse grey French salt, for serving

Directions

1. Dice the honeydew into 1-inch cubes. Next, chop the Gouda into ½-inch cubes.

2. Assemble by layering a piece of honeydew, pinch of spring mix, cube of Gouda, blackberry, another pinch of spring mix, and another piece of honeydew on a skewer. Place in an airtight container or cover in plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Finely chop.

4. Stack the skewers in an airtight container for easy storage and transport. To serve, set the skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with the toasted walnuts and French salt. Alternatively, let guests dress the skewers on their own.

Tzatziki Cucumbers

'Thanks to a punchy dill vinaigrette and creamy yogurt base, these tzatziki-inspired cucumbers are cool, crunchy, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and simple prep, this dish delivers the refreshing bite of tzatziki in an engaging, deconstructed form.'

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ cup fresh dill, packed
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 lemon
• 2 English cucumbers
• ¾ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, make the vinaigrette by whisking together the oil, sesame seeds, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Chop the dill, grate or finely mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon. Add the dill, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the oil and whisk to combine.

2. Cut the cucumbers into thirds crosswise, then smash each piece with the side of the knife or a mallet. Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers and add them to the vinaigrette. Stir to combine.

3. Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt to the yogurt and stir to combine. Spread the yogurt over the bottom of a serving platter or shallow bowl. Spoon the cucumbers on top of the yogurt. Pour any remaining vinaigrette over the top and serve.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

'These crostini are a simple, elegant appetizer that feeds a crowd. Using croissants in place of a typical baguette yields a supremely buttery toast that delicately shatters beneath each bite of cloud-like ricotta. For a little extra color, finish with flaky salt and a sprinkle of dried edible flowers.'

Ingredients

• 3 ¾ cups (30 ounces) ricotta
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 to 4 large croissants
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Flaky salt, for serving
• Dried edible flowers, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add the ricotta, heavy cream, and salt. Whip on medium-high speed, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture will be light and fluffy.

2. Transfer the whipped ricotta to a piping bag or gallon storage bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and slice the croissants into ¼-inch slices, just like you would a loaf of bread, to yield about 10 slices per croissant. Nestle the slices onto a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer, using two sheets if needed.

4. Brush the croissants on both sides with the oil, then transfer to the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Flip the croissants, then bake for another 5 to 6 minutes until they are deeply toasted and crisp. Set aside to cool completely.

5. When ready to assemble, cut the tip of the bag to create a ¼-inch opening. Pipe the whipped ricotta onto each crostini in a squiggle motion, then sprinkle with flaky salt and dried flowers (if using). Serve immediately.

Menu of the Moment is a monthly Homes & Gardens feature which taps into a seasonal cookery mindset or food trend, with a selection of recipes inspired by the calendar or zeitgeist, and an interview with the cook, chef or recipe book author about the story behind them, and what brings them joy about cooking seasonally and for the moment.

The Opening Note

This week on The Very British Edit, I’m turning my attention to one of my favourite moments of the year: Easter – and, more specifically, what I’m shopping to make it feel special at home.

By the time Easter arrives, everything has shifted. The light lingers a little longer, the air feels softer, and the garden begins to stir back to life. It’s that gentle seasonal change that always inspires how I shop for the occasion.

I find myself drawn to pieces that reflect spring – fresh linens, simple ceramics, and those small details that quietly elevate an Easter table without feeling overdone. It’s less about following trends and more about choosing things that feel right for the season and the way you want to gather.

Hosting an Easter party has become something of a ritual for me, and I’ve learned that a few well-chosen pieces can completely shape the atmosphere. I always start with the Easter table. A beautiful tablecloth, a set of glassware you don’t use every day, or a new serving piece can instantly make things feel considered without any fuss. This is where I naturally lean into a few Easter decorating ideas – but in a way that feels subtle and lived-in rather than styled for show.

The same goes for the food. I tend to return to a small collection of Easter recipes (this grilled lamb with carrot pilaf is a personal favorite) – dishes that are seasonal, straightforward, and designed for sharing. Over time, I’ve found that having a handful of reliable favorites takes the pressure off and allows you to actually enjoy the day.

What I love most about Easter is how effortless it can feel when you get the balance right. It’s not about doing more, it’s about choosing well – shopping thoughtfully, cooking food that nourishes you, and creating memories with the people you love most of all.

In this week’s edit, I’ll be sharing exactly what I’m shopping this season to pull together an Easter home. It’s all about keeping things simple, seasonal, and genuinely enjoyable to host.

The Edit: Easter Decor

In the Spotlight: Burleigh

My adoration for the heritage pottery brand Burleigh has been passed down through generations. It was always there, woven into my family life. My parents had it, my grandparents, too, and so some of my earliest memories of a well-laid table are tied to those familiar pieces.

It’s one of those brands that stays with you. You grow up with it, and then, almost without thinking, you find yourself coming back to it for your own home.

Founded in 1851 in Stoke-on-Trent, Burleigh has been handcrafting earthenware for generations and still operates today from Middleport Pottery. That sense of continuity is part of what makes it so special. In a world that moves quickly, there’s something incredibly grounding about a brand that has stayed true to its roots – still using traditional techniques, still making each piece by hand, and still producing everything in the UK.

What I’ve always loved most is the craftsmanship. Burleigh’s signature tissue-transfer decorating is done entirely by hand, a slow and highly skilled process that gives each piece its own character. No two are ever completely identical, which only adds to their charm. Patterns like Blue Asiatic Pheasants feel timeless – instantly recognisable, but never overdone. They carry their history lightly, in a way that feels relevant rather than nostalgic.

Burleigh has never been about saving things for special occasions. It’s meant to be used. There’s a comfort in that – plates, cups, and teapots that are part of everyday life yet still make the table feel considered. That balance of practicality and beauty is something I’ve come to appreciate more and more over time.

It’s also been lovely to see Burleigh reach a wider audience in recent years. For a long time, it felt like a very British secret, something you mostly encountered here. Now, with its growing presence in the United States, it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves internationally – while still holding onto everything that makes it distinct.

At this time of year, especially, when the light shifts and we start to gather again, I find myself naturally reaching for it. A simple table, something homemade, a pot of tea shared slowly – Burleigh just fits into those moments so effortlessly.

That’s what keeps me coming back to it. It’s not about trends or reinvention. It’s about familiarity, craftsmanship, and pieces that carry meaning. The kind of things that quietly become part of your life – and, if you’re lucky, get passed down through it too.

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I’m focusing on a part of the home that’s easy to overlook, but makes all the difference, especially in spring: the entryway.

I’ve come to think of the entryway as more than just a practical spot. It sets the tone. A few small changes – a lighter touch with materials, a vase of something seasonal (daffodils, tulips, or lilies), a bit of space to let the light in – can completely change how it feels to walk through the door. Nothing complicated, just thoughtful.

What I like most is how simple it can be. You don’t need to redo everything. Just a few considered updates can make the whole house feel lighter, calmer, and more in tune with the season.

Next week, I’ll share how I refresh my own entryway for spring – the pieces I rely on and the small shifts that make it feel quietly put together and ready for the months ahead.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

Spring is in the air, and with Easter fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about seasonal styling ideas to set the scene for a magical Easter celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or having an intimate family gathering, introducing a few Easter-themed accessories and home updates is guaranteed to bring spring cheer and lift spirits after the long, cold winter.

There’s no need to spend a huge amount; just a couple of pieces can elevate your spring decor and breathe new life into your home. From a beautiful tablecloth and spring floral arrangements to pretty pastel candles and little decorative eggs dotted around shelves, these small spring decor ideas bring hope for sun-filled spring and summer days ahead.

Whether you’re looking for cute Easter finds or spring styling tips, we’ve rounded up an array of joyful Easter decor ideas to get you inspired.

From chic Easter table decoration ideas to fun Easter craft ideas to enjoy with the kids, with Easter decorating ideas, the pressure is off. Whether you embrace simple flower arrangements that can be foraged from your backyard or choose to create elaborate bunny napkins, these ideas are ever so simple and require minimal effort, craft know-how, and materials for instant impact.

'I like to approach Easter decorating as a real celebration of spring,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'There's no need to go overboard with eggs and bunnies everywhere to set a festive tone. Start with vases of fresh flowers and swap your throw pillows for "springy" ones in lighter colors and breezier materials,' she advises.

Easter Decor Ideas

1. Decorate an Easter Tree

Creating an Easter tree couldn’t be simpler. Sculptural branches – bare or flowering – and a decorative vessel are all you need, but if you’re foraging for branches, there are a few things to watch out for, says Jenna Wetmore, stylist, floral designer, and founder of New Jersey–based florist Unknownlands. ‘Bringing blooming branches inside adds spring drama to any room, but they can be short-lived. We look for flowering bushes or trees that bloom in spring, like forsythia, dogwood, cherry, quince, magnolia, mock orange, lilac, or redbud. Cut the branch at an angle – this increases the surface area that absorbs water.

‘For an Easter tree, I would use forsythia or pussy willow branches, because they have smaller blooms that still allow you to hang decorations. Something with large blossoms can make it difficult to hang decorations, although you can use ornament hooks. You’ll want to avoid hanging items on the last few inches of the branch, as it will bow under any weight.’

When selecting a vase for your Easter Tree, pay attention to the size of the neck – choose a wide neck for a large display, or opt for something with a narrow neck for a more compact arrangement; fewer branches work better here. ‘Strip the lower leaves and blooms from the bottom of the branch – it’s important to remove any foliage below the waterline, as it will cloud the water and shorten the life of the blooms,’ says Jenna. ‘Change the water every other day. Clean water helps the branches last longer.’ Alternatively, you could also use winter branches or faux stems.

2. Style an Easter Mantel Display

Mantel decor isn’t just for Christmas. Often forming the focal point of a living room, the mantel is a wonderful place to create seasonal displays throughout the year. This year, there are plenty of Easter-themed decorative ornaments available, from ceramic bunnies to spring chicks and decorative egg-shaped candles.

For something with a bit more longevity, consider a few simple flowers in bottles and pretty pastel tapers. Bows are also a big spring trend this year, and this velvet bow garland from Meri Meri is perfect hung from a mantel or above an Easter table. Alternatively, go the DIY route and tie ribbons around vintage candleholders.

‘We love bows, whatever the occasion! Our pastel bow velvet garland is a charming nod to spring that works beautifully for Easter and beyond. Style it with mixed pastel candles and fresh flowers to instantly transform your mantel and create a soft, uplifting focal point for the new season,’ says Emma Peacock, associate creative director at Meri Meri.

3. Paint Eggs for A Super Simple Easter Display

Hand-painted eggs can be a beautiful way to personalize your Easter decor – think delicate floral motifs, abstract brushstrokes, or even a monochrome palette for a more minimalist feel.

'Extend the palette to the Easter table and try using leftover paint or samples in the same palette to hand-finish decorative eggs,' suggests Benjamin Moore's Helen. 'Add some contemporary brush marks for a sense of texture and arrange them in a bed of moss for an elegant talking point over a celebratory lunch with loved ones.'

'The beauty of these ideas is that they take humble materials, such as hen eggs or flowers picked from the garden, and turn them into glorious decorative pieces,' says creator and stylist Sara Bird. 'They are objects you could make mindfully alone, or craft together with family and friends. And if you want, they'll last much longer than the Easter weekend to bring joyful style to your home.'

Or, simply pick up these Handpainted Eggs from McGee & Co.

4. Style Consoles and Coffee Tables

Creating little seasonal vignettes around the home is a great way to celebrate the coming of spring and will delight guests at every turn. ‘Easter decor doesn’t have to be limited to the dining table. Adding a small vignette on a console table or kitchen island – perhaps a bowl of speckled eggs, a floral arrangement, and a candle – creates charming moments that make the whole home feel ready for the season,’ says interior designer Nicole McFaden. If time is tight, focusing on the entryway console is a good place to start, giving guests a joyful welcome.

Begin by creating a focal point – this could be an Easter wreath hung centrally above the table, or a large floral arrangement. Choosing a simple faux foliage wreath or a dried wreath is a good option, as it can be restyled with different decorations and ribbons from season to season. Alternatively, try your hand at a DIY Easter wreath. Don’t forget that scent is as much a part of a welcome as visual delight, so light a fresh floral candle to really set the scene.

5. Style up an Easter Basket

Easter basket ideas are wonderful and practical for celebrating Easter with children – but they can be part of your Easter decor as well. You can transform a simple basket with preserved and dried flowers and plenty of ribbons to sit atop a table or sideboard.

Baskets are synonymous with Easter decor and make a lovely table decoration by using different real eggs – white duck and hen’s eggs, quails’ eggs, and Bluebell Aurancana eggs.

'It’s so simple to create a mini Easter vignette for a side table, hallway, or mantel,' suggests Gisela Graham. 'All you need is a pretty basket, either woven or wire, and a few decorations or flowers. To finish off the effect, some faux straw or moss for the base, or a ribbon around the handle, adds the perfect finishing touch.'

Dress Your Easter Table

6. Create Characterful Displays with Vintage-inspired Pieces

For Easter, there are plenty of pretty pre-loved pieces that can be used to create an uplifting spring table or styled displays. ‘Vintage table runners, embroidered napkins, or heirloom lace accents are perfect for spring,’ explains Cait Barker, co-founder of the online vintage store Bessette. ‘I’m always drawn to blue-and-white ceramics, mismatched vintage plates, and colorful patterned linen napkins.’

Where gold and brass accessories were popular for many years, silverware is now having a resurgence when it comes to entertaining, explains Cait Barker. ‘Customers are gravitating toward classic platters, petite footed bowls, servingware, and decorative trays that can transition from everyday styling to special occasions like Easter. Importantly, buyers are less intimidated by patina. A soft tarnish is now seen as character rather than flaw, and many shoppers appreciate the romance of “lived-in” silver.’

For those looking to decorate with the on-trend blue-and-white palette, silverware is the perfect complement for this classic pairing.

Of course, another way to decorate with vintage for Easter is with table linens. 'I have a lot of vintage plaids and florals that I’ll be using this Easter, but feel free to bring out of the pastels and layer them as much as possible,' suggests designer Emily Henderson. 'Pastels, florals, plaids – you want all the springy patterns for this lunch.'

Kathy Kuo agrees, adding: 'If you're planning on hosting an Easter brunch, I find that vintage glassware in pastel colors is a really chic touch that also feels decidedly springy.'

7. Get Creative with DIY Bunny Napkins

The best Easter tables aren't afraid to be a little nostalgic, reminiscent of the days when you might find a chocolate egg in place of your golden yolk. But there's certainly a way to do so while still remaining stylish.

'I love to lean into the soft, pastel colors of spring for Easter,' says designer Alexandra Kaehler who created the whimsical place setting above. 'Using an egg and napkin to make bunny ears is a fun nod to the holiday without it feeling too juvenile,' she suggests.

To make your napkin bunnies, simply lay the napkin flat and starting at one corner, tightly roll up the napkin corner-to-corner. Fold the roll in half, bringing the two ends to meet each other. Tie the roll with twine or ribbon partway up the folded end, leaving a slight gap in the middle for an egg (real or chocolate). Place your egg in the hole in the center of the napkin, slightly folding the ends out to form bunny ears.

8. Decorate the Easter Table with Seasonal Blooms

Whether it’s a hand-tied florist bouquet or a few humble stems plucked from the garden, fresh flowers and greenery will instantly enliven and elevate any space. For a table, low-level arrangements are best to prevent obstructing conversation. Of course, bud vases dotted along the table always work well. Alternatively, opt for a small central arrangement that can easily be moved when food arrives.

‘The longest-lasting cut flowers for spring are tulips and ranunculus. These seasonal beauties have a long vase life and come in a stunning array of colors, making them perfect for an Easter display,’ says Jenna Wetmore, stylist and floral designer. These days, florists are leaning into organic, loose arrangements, so feel free to play with different stem lengths and shapes; the key is not to overthink it.

Alternatively, if time is tight, ‘buy potted daffodils and herbs, and you can use them for your Easter centerpiece,’ says Rochelle Bloom of Bloom & Dilligier Interiors. ‘These can then be planted out in the garden afterward.’ Place them in terracotta pots or woven baskets for a rustic feel.

Palette-wise, ‘pastels for Easter are obvious, but classic. We don’t need to reinvent the color wheel here, just finesse it,’ adds Jenna. ‘My advice would be to choose one or two pastel shades and then mix in a bolder color. This will still feel soft but will give that little lift we all need after a long winter. Chartreuse is having a moment, so incorporating it into an Easter palette is a great move. Many trees bud and leaf out in early spring, making it a great option for adding vibrant green.’

9. Create a Pretty Place Setting

If you have time to spend making special Easter table decor ideas for guests to take home – or for you to recycle for the next holiday celebration, table wreath place settings can be really quite beautiful.

You can make an Easter wreath out of spring flowers, of course – we have a step-by-step for making a DIY spring wreath. However, if you want to get prepped ahead of the holiday, why not use dried flower arrangements that you can be repurposed for the rest of the spring and summer holidays.

10. Make Elegant Place Cards

Easter table place cards are such an easy idea and lovely to make to complement your settings. This one complements the vintage tablecloth and china perfectly. Using thin card, cut the shape, then fold in half.

Then either use a flower stamp, or if you want to, hand-draw the design from the tablecloth, write the name on, then punch a small hole on one side and carefully push a tiny flowerhead or two through.

11. Layer Plains and Patterns for an Effortlessly Stylish Easter Table

Feasting is at the heart of Easter celebrations, and putting extra care into styling the perfect Easter table decor will really set the scene for a spring celebration. Pastels are a styling staple for Easter, but this season, blue and white seem to be taking the lead. From plain textured linens to lace-edged designs, a beautiful white tablecloth is ideal for layering a fresh spring look.

Alternatively, blue-and-white gingham or even toile are great for adding a touch of pretty pattern. A timeless pairing, the beauty of blue and white is that it doesn’t just work for spring; it can be reused throughout the year. Here, Meri Meri has styled the table with vintage silver candelabras for a nostalgic feel, paired with pretty, on-trend painted candles.

‘For a fresh take on Easter tablescaping, embrace the trend for chintz and vintage floral patterns by layering with mixed prints, blue-and-white color pairings, and pretty, delicate blooms. It’s an effortless way to bring a touch of Marie Antoinette–inspired style to the table – a romantic look that continues to inspire interior trends this spring,’ says Emma Peacock, associate creative director at Meri Meri.

12. Be Playful

Keeping decor pared back and using what you have, alongside small finishing touches, can be really effective when creating some quick Easter decor. Making Easter place cards for guests, or simply adding sprigs of spring flowers to table settings, will instantly elevate the table. You could also add simple drawstring favor bags filled with chocolate eggs as a table gift, or try the fun bunny napkin folding trick. ‘Seasonal handcrafted accents like our Bloom and Easter Bunny napkin rings add a playful and festive touch to the traditional Easter table,’ says Kim Seybert, founder of the eponymous home store.

‘The overarching inspiration for this Easter tablescape was a bohemian, wanderlust vibe, complete with natural textures, fresh spring florals, and pops of pastel. A striking striped tablecloth serves both fashion and function, setting a chic foundation for the table.’

All it takes is a few hints of Easter bunny, some edible (or not) eggs, and a smattering of vintage pastels to makeover your home in time for Easter weekend. It's not big task, but you should get cracking.

I remember my mother treating the Easter table like a high-stakes production. Always a sunny occasion, underwritten by a surprisingly cold commitment to symmetry, stress, and dress codes for deviled eggs. But this year, IKEA’s festive fête is loosening the rules with a more eclectic approach, where nothing matches, but everything makes sense.

The streamlined, TJÄRLEK lineup blooms with unexpectedly table-ready pastels – among them, a perfectly imperfect set of multicolor mouthblown coupes, trays where bunnies frolic through tulips, and antique-inspired, hare-emblazoned paper napkins that may very well send your brain straight back to grannie’s linen drawer.

This is Easter decorating without the pressure, which also means no one is pretending anything here is headed for the laundry.

And while the egg shapes may be seasonal, the palette is not. Don’t miss IKEA’s broader spring decor drops on your hunt – namely the UPPLAGA series and MÖRFISK collection – which extend the story with cheerful florals and merrily mismatched dinnerware that carry these pastels well beyond a single sun-drenched Sunday.

Call it disorder du jour. Ahead, the hare fare to get you there.

Eclecticism isn’t the only IKEA trend on the table this season. Between the mismatched pastels, you’ll spot stylized storage and flashes of rebel pink offsetting softer, more organic forms.

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Here’s a family secret I didn’t learn until I was grown: my mother didn’t like red sauce. This is a woman who married into an Italian family in the 1950s (the first non-Italian to do so on my father’s side) and still cooked like her mother-in-law expected her to: She simmered tomato sauce at least once a week, fed a table full of hungry people, kept the traditions moving forward… and never once announced that she wasn’t crazy about the very thing we all considered sacred. When she finally admitted it, I laughed so hard I nearly fell over! Not because it was outrageous, but because it was so her: Cooking as a form of love.

The good news is, not every pasta dish in the Italian-American tradition involves the long-simmered Sunday Sauce. In fact, plenty of pasta nights in my family have been hurried affairs: I walk in the door, drop my bag, and put a pot of water on to boil before I’ve even decided what I’m making. When my two sons were teenagers, this was how I kept the household stitched together on weeknights. That’s the quiet genius of what I call 'sauced and tossed' pasta – the kind of dish where the noodles cook in a big pot while the sauce comes together in a shallow pan. Then everything meets at the last moment, glossy and delicious, like it was always meant to be that way.

The Sanctity of Italian Traditions

When I travel in Italy, I hear a lot of rules about how things must be done: guanciale, not bacon; this cheese, not that one; this shape of pasta, not that one. I respect tradition deeply – I’ve spent much of my life learning it and writing about it – but the Italian-American way comes with a particular kind of liberation. We made do. We had to. And out of that necessity came an instinct that I treasure: the assurance that there is almost always a meal within grasp in twenty minutes.

Take, for example, the classic 'midnight pasta' – spaghetti with garlic and olive oil – as proof. Aglio e olio is pantry cooking at its most elegant: garlic, olive oil, salt, heat, and noodles. That’s it. It’s also endlessly versatile with whatever you have on hand: chopped sun-dried tomatoes, capers, a shower of parsley, a squeeze of lemon. Old-timers from big Italian families remember it as a meatless Friday-night staple, sometimes made with anchovies – a briny, savory boost that turns simplicity into depth. It’s universal and it’s deeply personal, because it becomes your version the minute you make it.

And here’s the thing people forget: the quickest pasta dishes often require the most technique. Not chef-y technique, but the kind of technique that is born through years of tasting and repetition.

Three Rules for Perfect Pasta

My cardinal rule is to salt the water right before I drop the pasta. I do that for a simple reason: Because I never want to forget this step, and because I salt aggressively – 'salty like the sea,' as a cook I once worked with used to say. That salt is how flavor gets into a benign noodle – a good handful, not a timid pinch.

The second rule: Cook the pasta a little under, about two minutes before the package tells you it’s done. In 'sauced and tossed,' the pasta finishes in the sauce – and that final minute is where the alchemy happens. The noodles absorb flavor. The sauce thickens and clings. Everything fuses.

And yes, reserve pasta water. You don’t need it, but that starchy water creates a silkiness that coats noodles in a way plain water can’t. Italian-American cooking is filled with these so-called 'scraps' that are actually superpowers: bean liquid, mushroom-soaking liquid, the last spoonful of brine from a jar of peppers. No frugal housewife would waste them – and neither should you.

Making Food Taste Good With What you Have

This brings me to shopping, which I consider part of the pleasure. A well-stocked pantry is not about being precious. It’s about being prepared. I always keep a long noodle and a 'macaroni' shape on hand, plus canned tomatoes, tuna, anchovies, chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, and something in the allium family – onion or shallot. If you have those, you can improvise your way to dinner. Add a cup of peas from the freezer. Grate a carrot into a sauce. Roast peppers you forgot you had. And always think of acids as interchangeable: lemon juice, a splash of vinegar, the liquid from jarred peppers.

I also think it’s worth buying good dried pasta when you can. It’s marginally more expensive, but the difference is real. I like pasta made in Italy; De Cecco is a favorite. That said, affordability is a core part of the Italian-American legacy – making food taste good with what you have. I never want anyone to think they can’t cook because the premium brand isn’t in the cart.

The Art of Crafting Memorable Meals

Which brings me to my mother. After her red sauce confession, I built her a pasta that spoke her love language: lemons. I infuse cream with strips of lemon peel, use the juice to brighten the sauce, and then – in the most frugal, satisfying flourish – I drop those squeezed peels into the pasta water to perfume the noodles. Every part used. Nothing wasted.

When it comes time to serve, I try to make even the simplest pasta feel intentional. While the noodles cook, I set the pasta bowls near the stove to warm. I plate from the kitchen – not a big communal bowl – and then I bring garnishes to the table: black pepper, red pepper, salt, grated cheese, or (my favorite) golden breadcrumbs made from stale bread, toasted in olive oil and garlic. Sometimes I add lemon zest. Sometimes an anchovy. Sometimes a little cheese when there isn’t enough for a full shower. Crunch turns a fast dinner into something you remember.

A 'sauced and tossed' pasta is not just dinner. It’s a way of saying: I can feed you, right now, with what we have. And some nights, that’s the most loving thing you can offer.

Sauced and Tossed Pasta Recipes

These are three of my favorite recipes to cook for loved ones, from the 'sauced and tossed' chapter of my book Mother Sauce (Artisan Books, available at Amazon).

Creamy Lemon Spaghetti

You won’t find this recipe anywhere in the canon of classic Italian American pasta dishes. Instead, it honors my mother, Rose, the Canadian wife of my Italian father. Visiting the lemon groves of Ravello in the Campagna region of southern Italy was one of her cherished travel memories. I spent much of my adult cooking life trying to delight her, lemon-wise, with the same passion she used to bring our Italian legacy to our childhood dinner table.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

• 2 lemons, preferably Meyer lemons
• 1 pound (455 g) spaghetti or other long noodles
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 sprig fresh basil, plus basil leaves for garnish
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

• Use a vegetable peeler to peel the zest from the lemons in strips into a bowl and set aside. Squeeze 1/4 cup (60 ml) of juice from the lemons and reserve both the rinds and the juice.
• Fill a large pot with water, add the lemon rinds, and bring to a boil. Salt the water generously, add the spaghetti, and cook for 2 minutes shy of the package instructions; the noodles should be slightly soft with a firm chew to them. Scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of the pasta water and drain the spaghetti.
• Meanwhile, combine the cream, lemon zest, and basil in a saucepan large enough to hold the pasta and sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, pushing down on the zest with a spoon to release the oils, then remove and discard the zest and basil sprig.
• Slowly whisk the butter into the cream, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until fully emulsified (this is important to the final consistency of the sauce). Add the salt to the sauce, then whisk in ½ cup (120 ml) of the reserved pasta cooking water.
• Add the pasta, along with the cheese and lemon juice, and toss and turn the noodles to fully coat with the sauce and melt the cheese. If necessary, season to taste with more salt and/or stir in additional pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.
• Serve the pasta immediately in warm serving bowls with more grated cheese and black pepper on top.

Utica Riggies

The Chesterfield restaurant in downtown Utica claims to have invented Riggies; no doubt a cook there used ingredients on hand to create such a memorable concoction that a nickname (from the macaroni shape, rigatoni) was coined for it.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

• 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut onto bite-sized cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 sweet red pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1½-inch-wide (4 cm) strips
• 1 onion, chopped (1 cup/100 g)
• 4 small garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 3 pickled cherry peppers, chopped plus ¼ cup (60 ml) of the pepper brine
• 1 cup (240 ml) white wine
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• One 28-ounce (800 g) can whole tomatoes, pulsed to a puree
• 1 pound (455 g) rigatoni
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Romano cheese

Method

• Toss the chicken with a generous amount of salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in the olive oil. When it glistens, add the chicken, spreading the cubes out to avoid crowding the pan, and sear until golden on all sides, about 6 minutes.
• Remove the chicken to a plate. Add the pepper strips, onions, and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly golden, about 4 minutes.
• Return the chicken (with any juices) to the pan and add the cherry peppers, then pour in the brine and wine to deglaze the pan and cook, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom, until the liquid is slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir in the cream and tomatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt the water, add the pasta, and cook for 2 minutes shy of the package instructions; the pasta should be slightly soft with a firm chew to it.
• Scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of the cooking water and drain the pasta. Add the reserved cooking water to the sauce, along with the drained pasta, and stir in the grated cheese.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring, for a minute or two, to coat the noodles and finish cooking them in the sauce. Serve hot.
• VAR IATION: Thinly sliced sausages, browned in a skillet until cooked through, can be swapped for the chicken. Some versions of Utica Riggies also include sliced mushrooms, added to the skillet at the same time as the red peppers.

Pasta Alla Norma

The combination of fried and sautéed eggplant brings maximum oomph to this sauce. Its flavors pop when the two distinctly different cooking methods coalesce. The eggplant’s essential taste is sealed within the fried disks with their crispy, caramelized coating, while the spongy, porous texture of the cubed eggplant allows it to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients it is cooked with. The result makes the most of the eggplant’s potential.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

• 1 medium Italian eggplant
• ¾ cup (180 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (425 g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh basil, plus basil leaves for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1 pound (455 g) macaroni, such as rigatoni, penne, or radiatore
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (170 g) grated ricotta salata or 1 cup (100 g) Romano cheese

Method

• Cut 15 to 20 thin slices from the narrow end of the eggplant. Cut the rest into ½-inch (1.25 cm) cubes. Pour half the olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it’s glistening. Add the eggplant slices and fry, turning once, until a deep golden color on both sides, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Remove the slices to paper towels or a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of the salt on both sides. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and heat until glistening. Add the cubed eggplant and sauté until lightly golden and soft, about 7 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute, without browning it. Add the tomatoes, basil sprigs, pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and simmer for 10 minutes; add the vinegar in the last couple minutes of cooking.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water, add the pasta, and boil until 2 minutes shy of the package instructions; the pasta should be slightly soft with a firm chew to it.
• Scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of the cooking water and drain the pasta. Stir the reserved pasta water and the Parmesan into the sauce. Add the pasta to the pan, stir well, and cook for a few minutes to coat the pasta in the sauce.
• Top each serving with some of the fried eggplant, ricotta salata and basil leaves.

A Cook's Legacy is our six-part series with award-winning cookbook author, Lucinda Scala Quinn, exploring the family, food, and cultural memory that inspired her latest cookbook, Mother Sauce, through her beloved culinary voice.

One-Pan Wisdom

When I was a little girl, my grandmother’s lasagna felt like an event before it even hit the table. You smelled it first – hours of slow heat building in the house, curling up the stairs, threading its way into every room. And then you saw it: a pan so heavy it seemed to require ceremony. But the real thrill – the part I still remember as vividly as anything – was the treasure hunt hidden inside each slice.

My grandmother tucked mini meatballs into the layers like little jewels. I would take my fork and quietly excavate, eyes flicking to my brothers’ plates to see if they’d been luckier than me. Did he get two? Did I only get one? It was pure childhood math, performed with total seriousness.

That memory is one reason I dedicated an entire chapter in my book Mother Sauce: Italian American Family Recipes and the Story of the Women Who Created Them (Artisan Books) to what I call 'Layered and Baked. To me, these dishes embody the unmistakable allure of home cooking.

Sure, sautéed onions smell wonderful, but they’re a quick flash of perfume. The oven is different. The oven is a slow build: the kind of scent that you can smell in an apartment building the moment you step off the elevator. It’s pervasive in the best way, like the house is quietly telling you, come in, stay a while.

That aroma became a sort of homing device for me when my boys turned into teenagers – the age when they start orbiting away from you, pulled by the promise of independence and pizza with friends. I noticed that even when they were halfway out the door, a long-cooking dish had a way of stopping them in their tracks. 'See you later,' they’d say – then pause. 'Wait… when is that going to be ready?'

The Delicious Precursor to Casseroles

It’s funny to me that we talk about casseroles as this very American mid-century idea –the bubbling dish, the apron, the oven door shut with a hip. But Italian American kitchens had their own version long before the 1960s put a name to it. Baked ziti and lasagna are, in many ways, the precursors to the American casserole: make-ahead meals that feed a crowd, travel well, reheat beautifully, and stretch ingredients into something greater than the sum of their parts.

And this way of cooking goes back even further. In Italy, when cucina povera was at the forefront because resources were limited and ingenuity was essential, not every home had an oven. Families would assemble dishes and take them to a communal oven, often at a bakery. I always say it was like a car wash: people coming in and out with their pans, queued up to get their baking done. That communal practice cemented something lasting: layered dishes as a practical, communal, deeply human way to cook.

Kitchen Shortcuts That Have Stood the Test of Time

After years of working on my brand Mad Hungry in Martha Stewart’s test kitchen, I became ruthless about steps and ingredients that don’t pull their weight. Home cooking isn’t restaurant cooking. In a restaurant, every cutlet has to be perfect, one at a time, on demand. At home, a meal needs to be delicious and fit into your life.

That’s why I’m always delighted to realize my Italian American ancestors were doing this kind of smart editing long before I gave it a name. Take the recipe for Chicken Parmesan, which I adapted from my grandmother’s. So many recipes insist on the full 'standard breading procedure' (dredge in flour, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs) – an assembly line that can make sense for a standalone cutlet, but becomes excessive when the cutlet is going to be baked under Sunday Sauce and cheese.

In my family, the women simply mixed the breadcrumbs with cheese and seasoning and pressed it directly into the cutlet. Straight to the point. Less mess and same satisfying result.

Modernising Traditional Methods

The Italian Oven Fries in this selection are also deceptively simple, and they come straight from the brilliance of another woman in my family: my mother.

My mother was not Italian; she was Scotch-English on one side of her life, and then married into a very Italian household where, in those days, you were expected to cook like your Italian mother-in-law did. She was also an artist, and she had the creativity to take traditional Italian flavors and translate them into a modern, practical form.

She took the seasoning spirit of baked artichokes – Romano, garlic, herbs – and applied it to potatoes. She used the oven instead of frying because she was feeding a crowd and trying to live her life. Those fries became iconic in our family, the kind of thing you forget until you make them again, and everyone loses their mind.

My mom and I went head-to-head for years about the 'dried Italian seasoning.' I’m not a fan of most pre-mixed herb blend – I’d rather list herbs individually in my recipes. But she loved that old-school grocery store mix – a very 1960s staple – and eventually, she won.

Lasagne With Mini Meatballs

And the famous Lasagna with Mini Meatballs from my childhood? Those little meatballs are labor-intensive – there’s no way around it – but they’re also the entire reason the dish lives so vividly in my mind. I like to cook them in sauce, so they stay tender and porous, almost 'naked,' so they can absorb and meld with everything else.

What all of the layered and baked dishes in my book have in common is the magic that happens in the oven. In a well-made lasagna, or chicken Parmesan, or a layered vegetable bake, liquids mingle and then evaporate. Sugars concentrate. Edges caramelize. The top becomes crisp, the middle stays soft and yielding, and the bottom turns crunchy in the most glorious way. Nothing is one-note. It’s bubbling, and melting, and rising, and crisping all at once. It’s the kind of food you never forget.

Ingredients (serves 12)

• For the tomato sauce:
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Two 28-ounce (800 g) cans whole tomatoes, lightly pulsed in a blender
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 sprigs fresh basil (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the meatballs (See recipe on Lucinda's Sunday Sauce column, and roll into about ½ inch in diameter)
• 1 pound (455 g) dried lasagna noodles
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1¼ cups (285 g) ricotta cheese, drained if not thick
• 1 pound (455 g) mozzarella, grated
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method

• For the tomato sauce:
• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil.
• Add the garlic and pepper flakes and stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just long enough to release the garlic’s fragrance and transform it slightly from its raw state; don’t let it cook to golden.
• Raise the heat to high and stir in the tomatoes and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the basil sprig, if using, then remove it before serving. Swirl in the butter
• For the meatballs (See recipe on Lucinda's Sunday Sauce column, and roll into about ½ inch in diameter)
• For the lasagne:
• Bring the tomato sauce to a boil in a large pot. One by one, stir the raw meatballs into the sauce and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously (you will have to cook the noodles in batches unless you have an extra-large pot). Fill a large bowl with cold water and stir in a glug of olive oil.
• If using dried noodles, cook according to the package instructions and transfer to the bowl of water. Remove the noodles from the cold water and pat dry. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, separated by parchment paper or plastic wrap.
• Combine the ricotta, ½ cup (225 g) of the grated mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, the parsley, egg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and stir together.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• To assemble the lasagna, spread 1 cup (245 g) of the tomato sauce over the bottom of an oiled 9-by-13-inch (23 by 33 cm) baking dish. Overlap one quarter of the noodles over the sauce to cover the pan bottom.
• Spread a third of the cooked meatballs over the noodles and spoon over another 1 cup (225 g) sauce. Overlap another quarter of the noodles on top. Dollop all the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles and flatten it with the back of a spoon to make an even layer. Overlap another quarter of noodles on top.
• Spread over the second third of meatballs and 1 cup (225 g) sauce. Cover with the remaining noodles. Pour 2 cups (450 g) of the sauce to cover. Scatter the remaining meatballs on top. Scatter the remaining mozzarella over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbling all over and lightly golden on top. Let rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with plenty of grated cheese and the remaining tomato sauce at the table.

A Cook's Legacy is our six-part series with award-winning cookbook author, Lucinda Scala Quinn, exploring the family, food, and cultural memory that inspired her latest cookbook, Mother Sauce, through her beloved culinary voice.

When winter really takes hold, we crave warming dishes that comfort and nourish from within. These soup recipes are bold, fragrant, and delicious, whether you're cooking for one or a crowd, plus they're perfect to make in batches.

Fennel and Bean Soup

Delicate and fragrant, this fennel and bean soup recipe is the lightest supper, while the cannellini beans add structure and creaminess. Serve with some crispy, grilled sourdough and lashings of melted butter.

Chicken Noodle Soup with Gingered Broth

A hefty hit of ginger and lemongrass packs a zesty punch in this light chicken noodle soup, which is wonderfully soothing if you're feeling in need of a boost during the long winter months. You can pre-prep the broth and freeze to save time if you're batch cooking, too.

Pumpkin and Apple Soup

Hearty and satisfying, this flavorful pumpkin and apple soup is served with a crisp hazelnut brittle for a welcome crunch. You'll make this from fall through spring.

Thai Butternut Squash Soup

With gently warming Asian spices and creamy coconut milk, this elegant Thai butternut squash soup is smooth, and simple yet bursting with flavor. Top with restaurant-style garnishes for a final flourish.

Winter Veg and Spelt Soup

This minestrone-style winter veg and spelt soup is positively packed with goodness from seasonal vegetables and iron-packed kale to grains and pulses for an easy, yet filling and flavorsome supper.

Four Allium Soup

For an indulgent twist on French onion soup, try this version, which calls for not one but four alliums – onions, shallots, leeks and garlic – and is topped with crusty bread and melted Manchego cheese. Rustic and delicious.

Going on a health-kick for the New Year? Try skipping the gluten and serving up these soups with some freshly baked gluten-free bread courtesy of mindful baker Aran Goyoaga.

The attention you give the alliums – a full house of sweet onions, shallots, leeks and garlic in this case – as they slowly soften and caramelize is the key to this comforting, richly flavored twist on one of the most classic soup recipes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 3 tbsp (40g) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1⅓ lb (600g) sweet onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced (the OXO Good Grips Mandoline from Amazon is perfect for the job)
• 10½ oz (300g) banana shallots, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 leeks, trimmed and thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp superfine sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (250ml) dry white wine
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) hot fresh beef stock or broth
• 4 slices French bread
• 3½ oz (100g) Manchego cheese, finely grated
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Method

• Melt the butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed lidded saucepan (our Cookware Editor loves the Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro). Add the onions, shallots, and leeks with a pinch of salt, partially cover, and cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very soft and barely colored.
• Sprinkle with the superfine sugar and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated and the onions and leeks begin to caramelize to a rich, golden color. You may need to slightly increase the heat to encourage this; they should be extremely sweet and tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for 5 minutes more.
• Add the flour, stirring well. Increase the heat and gradually add the wine and stock, stirring as you go. Bring to a boil, partially cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Season to taste.
• To serve, toast the bread lightly on both sides under the broiler. Divide the soup between heatproof bowls (like these classic French onion soup bowls) and place a slice of toast on top of each. Sprinkle with the grated cheese and half the thyme, then broil until melted and bubbling. Scatter over the remaining thyme and serve, taking care as the bowls will be very hot.

Keep up the rustic French theme and serve this delicious soup with Gluten-free baker, Aran Goyoaga's Rosemary Fougasse.

This is one of the most versatile soup recipes. To make a vegetarian version, simply leave out the bacon and serve with a Parmesan-style vegetarian cheese. You could also replace the salsa verde with store-bought fresh pesto, if you prefer (ensuring it's made with vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese), too, if you are cooking for non-meat eaters.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 6 slices smoked bacon, diced (omit for vegetarians)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1¾ cups (600 ml) vegetable stock, plus more if needed
• ⅔ cup (120g) pearled spelt
• 5 ounces (150g) lacinato kale), shredded
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ cups/14-oz can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1½ cups/14-oz can (400g) cranberry beans, drained
• For the Salsa Verde
• 2 tablespoons salted capers, rinsed
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• Large bunch flat-leaf parsley, stems removed
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 7 tablespoons (100ml) extra-virgin olive oil

Method

• In one of the best Dutch ovens or saucepan, gently sauté the garlic, celery, carrot, parsnip, onion and bacon (if using) in the olive oil for 10 minutes, keeping the heat low and stirring until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cranberry beans and spelt, followed by the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 25 minutes, until the beans begin to break down and thicken the soup.
• Stir in the kale and simmer for 5 minutes, adding more stock or water if the soup seems too thick. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
• To make the salsa verde, finely chop or blend the capers, garlic, and parsley together (the Braun Multiquick 9 was highly rated for its value and versatility by our Kitchen Appliances editor in our best blenders guide). Transfer to a bowl, add the red wine vinegar and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, then stir in the olive oil to make a thick sauce.
• Serve the soup in deep bowls (like these Kaloh stoneware bowls from West Elm), with the salsa verde (or pesto) spooned over the top.

For another hearty veg-based soup, try our pumpkin and apple soup recipe, which is served with hazelnut brittle for added bite.

The toppings make this one of our favorite soup recipes for hosting, but you can pick which ones you use. Crispy fried shallots are available in Asian shops and some grocery stores, but you can either omit or fry your own if you can’t find them.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 1 lb 7 oz (650 g) peeled, deseeded and diced butternut squash
• 2 tbsp groundnut or sunflower oil
• 4 small Thai shallots or 2 normal shallots, sliced
• Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely sliced
• 2 lemongrass sticks, trimmed and sliced
• 2 red chillies
  • 1 deseeded and roughly chopped
  • 1 finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1⅔ cups (400 ml) light coconut milk
• 1⅔ cups (400 ml) vegetable stock
• Light soy sauce, to taste
• Ground black pepper
• Lime juice, to taste
• To serve
  • Handful cashews, toasted and crushed
  • Small handful coriander sprigs
  • 2 tbsp crispy fried shallots

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Toss the squash with the oil, shallots, ginger, lemongrass, roughly chopped chilli and garlic cloves in a roasting tin (like this Hexclad non-stick roasting pan from Amazon which is one of our Cookware Editor's best roasting pan picks). Cover tightly with foil and roast for 1 hour, until very tender.
• Tip half of the squash mixture into one of the best blenders with the coconut milk and blitz until very smooth. Pour into a large saucepan.
• Blitz the remaining squash mixture with the vegetable stock. Add this to the first batch in the pan and stir well.
• Put the pan over a low heat and gently bring to the boil, stirring often. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, then season to taste with soy sauce, black pepper and lime juice.
• Divide the soup between warmed bowls (these Mori matte black soup bowls from CB2 will make the vibrant orange soup the star) and scatter with the toasted cashews, coriander sprigs, sliced chilli and crispy fried shallots (if using) just before eating.

If you like soups with Asian flavours, try this zingy Chicken and Noodle Soup with a Gingered Broth. It's a lighter but equally flavorful option.

At this time of year, hearty soup recipes come into their own. This will keep covered in the fridge for a few days, so is a welcome standby when you don’t have the time or the inclination to cook.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

• Half a small pumpkin or butternut squash, about (about 1½ lb or 700g), peeled and roughly chopped into 2-inch (5 cm) chunks
• 2 red onions, peeled and quartered
• 4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped into small chunks (use a tool like this OXO Good Grips apple corer from Amazon)
• 3 sticks celery, chopped into small chunks
• 6 cloves garlic
• Olive oil, to drizzle
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Leaves of ½ medium bunch thyme
• 4¼ cups (1 litre) good-quality chicken stock
• For the brittle
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup (200 g) superfine sugar
• ½ cup (50g) hazelnuts, crushed
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• 2 tsp sea salt

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Put the pumpkin in one of the best roasting pans with the onions, apples, and celery. Bash the garlic cloves in their skins and add to the tin. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the brittle. In a large dry frying pan, toast the fennel seeds for 30 seconds, then roughly bash with a pestle and mortar (like this Priority Chef pestle and mortar from Amazon) . Lightly oil a large sheet of baking paper and set aside.
• Put the sugar and 2 tbsp water in the frying pan over a medium heat. Stay with the pan while it bubbles and swirl it around now and then. After about 10 minutes, the sugar will start to turn into a thick golden caramel.
• Once this happens, tip it onto the oiled paper. Sprinkle over the fennel seeds, hazelnuts, chilli and sea salt, and set aside to harden.
• After the vegetables have roasted for 20 minutes, toss them together well and add the thyme leaves. Return to the oven to roast for a further 20 minutes.
• Once the vegetables are cooked and golden, transfer to a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the stock and blend with a hand blender until smooth and heated through.
• Smash the brittle and serve the soup with pieces of brittle on top.

Looking for more comforting dishes to ward off the winter chill? Try these slow cooker ideas, and read our guide to getting ahead with meal prepping.

A soothing, simple, and quick soup recipe that makes a wonderfully warming supper on a chilly evening or for when you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2½ pints or 6 cups (1.4 litres) good chicken stock, preferably fresh
• 2½ inch (6cm) piece ginger root, peeled and sliced into fine matchsticks
• 3 sticks lemongrass, trimmed and finely sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced into coins or matchsticks
• 1 red chilli, finely sliced
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce, plus extra to serve
• 2 tsp oyster sauce
• 3 nests fine egg noodles
• 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• TO SERVE
• Handful of bean sprouts
• 1 lime, sliced into wedges

Method

• In a large saucepan, simmer the stock, half the ginger and half the lemongrass for 20 minutes.
• Add the remaining ginger and lemongrass, the carrot and chilli, and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Season with the sugar, soy sauce and oyster sauce. Add the noodles and simmer for 1 minute, then add the chicken and poach gently for 3 minutes or so, until the noodles and chicken are cooked.
• Ladle into bowls and serve with bean sprouts, lime wedges and soy sauce, to season to taste at the table.

If you like fragrant broths like this, try this fennel and cannellini bean soup recipe, with soft herbs – perfect served with crispy grilled sourdough.

In this monthly Homes & Gardens feature, discover curated collections of seasonal recipes you’ll want to cook right now, alongside inspiration from culinary pros on finding joy in the kitchen – whether you’re cooking from scratch, feeding your family, or hosting a crowd.

From cozy winter soups and stews to fresh, vibrant summer dishes, plus celebratory menus for holidays and special occasions, Menu of the Moment has you covered all year long.

You’ll also find thoughtful insights and practical advice from home cooks, chefs, and cookbook authors who share a passion for food in all its forms – embracing cooking for the moment, from mindful gluten-free baking and delectable al fresco supper to creative fridge-foraging for easy family dinners.

Valentine's Day calls for romance turned all the way up, with candlelight, rich colour, and a sense of indulgence. This year, the mood leans Parisian, think ornate details, playful hearts, and a full-throttle maximalist approach to love.

If you are looking for new ways to decorate for valentines day, Anthropologie has just unveiled a collection that leans fully into that romantic French fantasy. From decorative accents to tabletop pieces, it is all about layered textures, whimsical motifs, and a slightly theatrical feel.

As with any highly anticipated drop, the key is to shop early before the most covetable pieces sell out. Whether you are planning a statement tablescape or subtle seasonal updates, getting in now means you can secure the designs that will set the tone for a truly memorable celebration.

Standout Pieces From The Anthropologie Valentine’s Day Collection

What makes this collection particularly compelling is its sense of escapism. It taps into the idea of turning the everyday into something a little more dramatic, using colour, pattern, and ornamentation to create spaces that feel playful and immersive.

If you love whimsical decor, then naturally these will get your pulse racing, especially if you are drawn to maximalist colour and home decor that inspires rather than bores.

There is a confidence to the designs that encourages a more expressive approach to decorating, inviting you to enjoy the season rather than simply nodding to it.

During the winter months, when the air is crisp and the days shorter, Aran Goyoaga retreats to her kitchen. The baker, photographer, and James Beard–nominated author has long been known for her soulful, poetic approach to gluten-free baking. Her new book, The Art of Gluten-Free Bread (Amazon), is exactly what is needed for the New Year and season of slow rituals.

The Evolution of a Family Baking Tradition

'This is the book I wish I had fifteen years ago when I stopped eating gluten,' she says. 'It’s the culmination of years of testing, learning, and refining.' Goyoaga grew up in the Basque Country in Northern Spain, where her grandparents owned a bakery and lived in the flat above the shop, so she spent her after-school hours doing homework surrounded by brioche and shortbreads. So, it’s no surprise that, when Goyoaga turned to baking to widen her own gluten-free options, she was determined to reimagine gluten-free baking as an evolution of her family traditions, not a compromise.

Celebrating a World Beyond Wheat

'The biggest misconception,' she explains, 'is that gluten-free bread has to be dense or flavorless or made with filler ingredients. It doesn’t have to be that way.' Instead, she approaches each recipe with balance and intention, blending whole grains and light starches to create structure and depth. 'People forget that wheat flour itself is mostly starch,' she says. 'In gluten-free baking, it’s about finding the right balance between whole grains and starches to achieve the texture you want.'

What emerges is a collection of loaves that are as nourishing as they are beautiful –breads that celebrate the vast world beyond wheat. 'Flours like sorghum, millet, brown rice, teff, and buckwheat each have their own character and aroma,' Goyoaga explains. 'When you bake with these, you’re expanding your palate.' Many of the breads in her book, she adds, are higher in nutrients and fiber than traditional loaves – and often easier to make. 'Because gluten-free doughs don’t rely on kneading, you simply mix, ferment, and bake. There’s something very freeing about that.'

Baking Fosters Connection

In The Art of Gluten-Free Bread, and in her on-demand gluten-free baking classes, Goyoaga goes beyond bread and explores an entire world of baking. It extends to classic cookies, buns, crackers, and all the comforting essentials you’d expect to find in a well-stocked bakery, like the one she grew up above – perfect to make as a nourishing and thoughtful gift for a gluten-free friend.

For Goyoaga, fall and winter are the natural seasons for baking. 'I’m a homebody,' she says. 'I look forward to this time – lighting the best candles, cozying up with blankets, making a fire, and filling the house with the smell of bread.' The act of baking itself becomes its own reward: 'Working with your hands, nurturing a starter, or sharing a loaf with a neighbor are grounding, creative acts. They bring you back to yourself and foster connection. There’s a deep sense of gratitude in that.'

Embrace the Pared-Back Process

Her pared-back philosophy extends beyond ingredients to the tools she keeps in her kitchen. 'I don’t like clutter, and I find it wasteful to fill a kitchen with single-use tools,' she says (learn how to declutter a kitchen in 5 simple steps). 'I’d rather invest in a few well-made pieces that last a lifetime – a great chef’s knife, (our Kitchen editor is a fan of the HexClad knives), a sturdy metal loaf pan, the best stand mixer, a heavy cake pan, a good rolling pin.' For her, the point isn’t just minimalism – it’s awareness. 'When you pare back, you learn what really matters. You understand why you’re using a tool, what it’s made of, and how it serves you.'

There’s also a quiet mindfulness to her process, a pace that feels increasingly rare. 'Baking is absolutely an antidote to the pace of modern life,' Goyoaga reflects. 'It asks you to slow down, to focus, to use your hands. In a world that’s so fast and digital, baking gives us a chance to make something real, beautiful, nourishing – and to share it.'

Let Practice Become Ritual

For those new to gluten-free baking, her advice is simple: start with intention. 'Read the introductions to my books,' she says. 'Learn the flours, use a kitchen scale, follow the recipes exactly at first. Repetition leads to intuition. The more you bake, the more you’ll understand how the dough should look and feel.'

In other words: let practice become ritual, and ritual become joy. 'Bread is emotional,' she says softly. 'It connects us to family, to community, to memory. Being able to bake a loaf that feels and tastes like bread again can be incredibly moving.'

Olive and Rosemary Fougasses

Grabbing a loaf of olive fougasse – a crispy and chewy bread in the shape of a grain of wheat, originally from Provence – was always on the top of the to-do list anytime we traveled across the border to France when I was a kid. A loaf doesn’t quite describe this bread; it’s more like a light olive oil–tinged stalk. The best way to eat it is to break off pieces, finishing the whole thing while silently walking along cobblestone streets – this is how I remember it.

The bread has a crispy crust with a chewy bite and nice air pockets and is a close cousin to focaccia. The most important thing for achieving a crispy exterior is to preheat your oven for a good half hour or even longer. Give the oven a chance to get really hot by preheating it to 500°F (260°C), then lowering it to 450°F (230°C) when the bread goes in. You can even skip the sheet pan and bake the bread directly on a pizza stone.

Ingredients (makes 2 large fougasses)

• 2 teaspoons (8 g) active dry yeast
• 475 grams water, heated to 105°F (41°C)
• 12 grams granulated sugar
• 20 grams psyllium husk powder
• 150 grams tapioca starch 150 grams potato starch 150 grams sorghum flour, plus more for dusting
• Leaves from 2 rosemary sprigs, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons (8 g) kosher salt 25 grams extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 70 grams pitted Kalamata or green olives, chopped
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling Freshly ground black pepper, for sprinkling
• 15 grams sesame seeds

Method

• Make the yeast-psyllium mixture. Sprinkle the yeast into a medium bowl. Add the water and sugar and whisk until dissolved. Let the mixture sit until frothy, about 10 minutes. Whisk in the psyllium vigorously until smooth. Let it gel for 5 minutes.
• Make the dough. In a stand mixer, stir together the tapioca starch, potato starch, sorghum flour, rosemary, salt, and yeast-psyllium mixture. Snap on the dough hook and begin mixing on medium speed. Add the olive oil and continue mixing until you have a smooth dough. It will look dry initially, but it should come together in 2 to 3 minutes. Add the olives and mix until they are thoroughly spread through the dough. The dough should feel moist and a little sticky but hold together nicely.
• Proof the dough. Brush a large bowl with some olive oil and transfer the dough into it. Turn the dough around to coat in oil and shape into a ball. Cover the bowl and let it ferment until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
• Preheat the oven. Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
• Shape the fougasses. Lightly dust a work surface with some sorghum flour. Transfer the dough to the surface. Using your fingertips, press down on the dough to gently stretch it into a round that is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 mm to 1.3 cm) thick. You can use a rolling pin if preferred, but be careful not to tear the dough. Using a bench knife or knife, vertically cut the dough in half. You should have two half-moons. Place one piece of dough on a sheet pan and the other on a second pan. Cut a center slash in the middle of each half-moon without cutting through the ends, then cut three slashes on each side. Gently pull apart the slashes so there is a nice opening in between. Again, be careful not to tear the dough. If you simply cut the slash but don’t separate the dough enough, it will end up baking together and not give you a nice opening in the fougasse. The dough can easily tear because it doesn’t have a lot of elasticity, so work gently.
• Bake the fougasses. Loosely cover one pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate it while you bake the other. Brush the top of the fougasse with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt, black pepper, and half of the sesame seeds. Place the pan in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Brush the second fougasse with olive oil, sprinkle with flaky salt, black pepper, and the remaining sesame seeds and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
• Cool the fougasses. Slide the fougasse loaves onto wire racks to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into them. They are best eaten the same day.

Rosemary Focaccia

My favorite focaccia has a very thin, slightly crispy, golden crust with a soft open crumb. This is achieved with a high-hydration dough that includes a lot of olive oil and millet flour to give the dough that golden color. This focaccia works really well for sandwiches when you cut it in half horizontally; a combination of mortadella, arugula, and almond aioli is my favorite.

If you have ever worked with gluten-containing focaccia dough, you might expect this dough to be very bubbly and might even be tempted to aggressively dimple the dough with your fingers before it goes in the oven. This dough will not create those large air pockets, so try to be gentle with the dimpling. I don’t recommend adding any heavy toppings like a bunch of tomatoes, because they can weigh down the dough while baking and compress the crumb.

If you don’t have a 9-inch (23 cm) square pan, you can use a 9-by-13-inch (23 by 33 cm) pan, but only stretch the dough to a 9-inch (23 cm) square.

Ingredients (makes one 9-inch focaccia)

• FOR THE SPONGE
• 175 grams sorghum flour 45 grams millet flour
• 10 grams active dry yeast 280 grams water, heated to 105°F (41°C)
• FOR THE DOUGH
• 170 grams water, at room temperature
• 35 grams extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 10 grams apple cider vinegar 20 grams psyllium husk powder
• 160 grams tapioca starch 90 grams potato starch
• 15 grams granulated sugar
• 21/2 teaspoons (10 g) kosher salt
• FOR TOPPING
• Fresh rosemary leaves Fresh thyme leaves
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling Freshly ground black pepper

Method

• Make the sponge. In a medium bowl, stir together the sorghum flour, millet flour, and yeast. Pour in the water and whisk until smooth. Cover with a kitchen towel and proof until the sponge rises up creating a dome and it has a mousse-like texture, about 45 minutes.
• Make the dough. Add the water, olive oil, and vinegar to the bowl with the sponge and whisk together. Whisk in the psyllium and let it gel for 5 minutes. In a stand mixer, stir together the tapioca starch, potato starch, sugar, and salt. Add the gelled sponge mixture. Snap on the dough hook and mix on medium speed until the dough comes together and is smooth, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead it a few times to smooth out the surface.
• Proof the dough. Drizzle the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) square pan with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the dough inside the pan and flatten it with your hands until it nearly reaches the edges and is about ¾ inch (2 cm) deep. Using your fingers, dimple the surface of the dough, making deep indentations. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and proof until nearly doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven. Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Top and bake the focaccia. Drizzle the top of the focaccia with more olive oil. Gently dimple the top of the focaccia with your fingertips. Sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, flaky salt, and black pepper. Bake the focaccia for 45 to 50 minutes, until the surface is a deep golden brown. If the surface becomes too dark after 35 minutes, tent it with aluminum foil. Drizzle the focaccia with a bit of olive oil for extra shine when it comes out of the oven.
• Cool the focaccia. Let the focaccia cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then slide it onto a wire rack to cool completely before cutting. It is best eaten the same day.
• VARIATION: Focaccia Crackers
• Thinly slice any leftover focaccia. Arrange the slices on a sheet pan in a single layer. Bake at 300°F (150°C) until dry and crispy, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store the focaccia crackers in an airtight container for up to a week. Serve with dips and cheeses.

Menu of the Moment is a monthly Homes & Gardens feature which taps into a seasonal cookery mindset or food trend, with a selection of recipes inspired by the calendar or zeitgeist, and an interview with the cook, chef or recipe book author about the story behind them, and what brings them joy about cooking seasonally and for the moment.

Now that the festive season is behind us and the decorations have been packed away, I always feel a quiet urge to reset. For me, January should be less about full-blown resolutions and more about rest and recalibration. After the rush of December, I want the new year to start gently with slower mornings, earlier nights, and small comforts that support everyday wellbeing

I find this is the perfect time to refresh your home for the new year by focusing on pieces that elevate daily rituals. Thoughtful homeware can instantly change how a space feels, whether that is through softer textures, warmer lighting, or objects that simply make you pause and enjoy the moment a little more.

I have just bought myself the Matilda Velvet Quilt from Rowen & Wren, which I have had my eyes on for some time. Now that the temperatures are dropping and my digits are freezing, it feels like the perfect time to indulge. Speaking of good sleep, I also just ordered myself the Lumie Sunrise Alarm that everyone is talking about. Here is my edit of the best bits to spoil yourself with this month.

A restful start to the year also means prioritising good sleep and the routines that support it. January is the ideal time to slow things down by focusing on nourishing food, earlier nights and a bedroom that feels calm and comforting. Simple homeware upgrades like softer lighting, cosy layers and pieces that encourage winding down can make evenings feel more restorative and help set a healthier rhythm for the months ahead.

Traditionally, in the UK, the period after Twelfth Night and the end of the festive season was seen as a time for rest and reflection. In the past, households would slow down after weeks of preparation, feasting and celebrations, taking stock of the year ahead rather than launching straight into new projects or strict regimes. It was a chance to restore energy, enjoy simple comforts and spend quieter moments at home. Embracing that same spirit today, we can focus on gentle routines, nourishing food and small home luxuries that encourage wellbeing, rather than rushing into a full‑on January overhaul.

As we settle into the new year, it feels important to carry that same sense of calm and gentle restoration with us. Choosing small home luxuries can make everyday life feel more intentional and comforting.

Christmas is over for another year, and now, as we settle into the start of January, it’s time to start thinking about packing away the festive touches. But there’s still a chance to give your collection a little refresh.

The January sales are the perfect opportunity to update your Christmas decor. From delicate baubles and striking ornaments to larger essentials like faux trees and wreaths, it’s an ideal moment to replace worn items or add new pieces that will bring joy for years to come.

If scrolling through endless listings feels overwhelming, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a curated selection of standout festive designs, so you can make your 2026 Christmas decor truly shine.

Christmas Decor Deals Quick links

Below, our quicklinks will send you straight to some of our favorite retailers who currently have plenty of decent discounts on chic seasonal decor.

• Amazon: Lots of good lighting deals for indoor and outdoors
• Anthropologie: 'Extra' 50% off in the End of Season Sale
• Balsam Hill: Enjoy discounts on trees and more
• Habitat: Up to 50% off sitewide, including Christmas tree decorations, festive tableware, and Christmas hosting essentials
• H&M: Discounts on decorations, as well as cozy bedding sets and more
• Heal’s: Up to 30% off in the extended Boxing Day Sale
• Pottery Barn: Up to 40% off all Christmas decor, Christmas stockings, Christmas ornaments, and festive lighting
• Rowen and Wren: Reductions on their entire Christmas range, including decorations and gift wrap
• Selfridges: Up to 60% off Christmas tree ornaments
• The White Company: Up to 60% off Christmas tree decorations, wreaths, and tabletop decor

Shop The Deals

Best Christmas Tree Deals

Best Christmas Wreath Deals

Best Christmas Garland Deals

Best Christmas Tree Decor Deals

Whether you’re replacing well-loved favourites or planning a fresh festive look, the after Christmas sales offer a thoughtful way to invest in Christmas decor you’ll enjoy for years to come. A little planning now means next Christmas can feel effortless, beautifully considered and ready to enjoy from the moment the decorations come out.

Every year when I am battling through tangled decorations and tattered tinsel, I promise myself I'll be more organized next year. This year, I have finally decided to break the cycle.

Instead of stuffing everything back into storage now that Christmas is over, I'm only keeping half of my festive decor for 2026. The rest – the tired tinsel, mismatched ornaments, and decor that no longer spark joy – are going. No guilt or second-guessing.

Professional organizers have given their stamp of approval to my post-Christmas decluttering method and reveal why keeping less will, in fact, bring more joy next year.

Why I’m Only Keeping Half My Christmas Decor This Year

It is generally recommended that everyone follow some post-Christmas decluttering rules each year to help remove broken items, duplicates, or pieces that they didn't enjoy this season.

However, I have decided to take it a step further and keep only the bare minimum, and for two key reasons.

Firstly, I typically decorate alone each Christmas season, making it a mammoth task that often ends in frustration and a sore back, no matter how much I try to romanticize the experience.

Secondly, I live in a small storage-less home, so all of my decorations have to be stashed in extra-large bags from The Container Store to be stored in my parents' house (a 40-minute drive away) from one December to the next. So, the less I have, the better.

This doesn't mean that I am gutting my collection down to minimalist Christmas decor ideas by any stretch. Next year, I will continue to use traditional colors and fun Christmas lighting to make my home cozy for the Holiday Season.

However, I am going to cut down how many rooms I decorate to only the shared living spaces (do I really need a tree in my home office, after all?), and be ruthless when decluttering, using the one-emotion decluttering method to toss out any decor that doesn't immediately make me feel festive joy when I pull it down to store away.

According to professional organizers, this approach to decluttering festive decorations while organizing Christmas decorations for storage is ideal for people like me who are desperate to decorate for Christmas without feeling overwhelmed year after year.

Brittany De la Fuente, designer and organizer with Saint Louis Closet Co., explains, 'Decluttering isn’t about getting rid of the magic; it’s about making room for it. A curated collection of holiday decor creates a calmer, more joyful decorating experience every season

'The end of the holiday season is the perfect time to declutter your decor because everything is still fresh in your mind; what you used, what you didn’t, and what’s no longer your style.

'By sorting and donating as you pack away, you’ll save yourself time and stress next year. When you open your bins [such as the Holiday Storage Totes from The Container Store] next December, you’ll find only the things you actually use neatly organized, labeled, and easy to access. It also helps reduce the need for extra storage, freeing up valuable space in your home for year-round use.'

One thing that helped me to cut down maybe piles and reduce clutter was to remember that Christmas is not in the items I hang in my home, but in the activities I do and the time I spend with my family and friends. Yes, a good tree and warm white Christmas lights from Walmart strung along the fireplace help set the atmosphere, but they are not the essential ingredient in creating cozy memories.

For example, when I host friends, it isn't the decorations I remember; it is the food we cook together and the games we play. The decor doesn't factor in.

Stripping Back Your Collection

If you need a little more guidance when deciding what to declutter, especially when with sentimental items, professional organizer Danica Carson, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, suggests asking yourself the following questions:

1. Is it in good shape? Are there cracks or tears, or missing pieces? If yes, maybe now is the time to donate or recycle it. If it’s something that can be repaired, you should do so before putting it away. Don’t make more work for yourself next year by kicking the can down the road on repairs.
2. Do I still like this? Seems like an obvious question, but sometimes we become so used to decor pieces that we go blind to them.
3. Will it still be good next year? Some things simply don’t last in storage when exposed to extreme temperatures that occur in attics and garages. For example, my son made this adorable ghost a few years ago, and I put it in storage for the following year. When I went to get it out, I found that parts had melted and the entire thing had become misshapen. I was sad to see it go, but there’s no sense in keeping decor that you can’t use again.
4. Is it meaningful? Sometimes, we keep things that are broken or not our style because they remind us of a special person or time. I would never encourage people to give up something that brought them joy or peace. Just be sure to store those pieces together in their own bin for their protection.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Really want to cut stress from the post-holiday period? Brush up on the most efficient way to take down Christmas decor to make this year's tidy and next year's decorations ten times simpler.

My favorite week of the year is the ‘lost days’ in between Christmas and New Year, where you never really know what day it is, no matter how often you are reminded. It’s a time for lazing about, reading, napping, and basically doing not much at all. I enjoy being a homebody around this time, and I very easily get into the rhythm of wake, walk, read, nap, maybe cook, and then wonder what I’m going to do for New Year’s Eve. (No, I still don’t know, but it will involve Champagne and some stylish New Year's Eve decor ideas).

Time to Pause and Reset

I avoid hardcore New Year’s resolutions – any unrealistic expectations of fitness, diet, goals all go out the window in a fit of rebellion the minute we hit the last week of January, so no juice-a-thons for me. I’d rather use this time as a pause, a week to consider the year to come and start my new weekly Moleskine diary (Amazon) (I’m old school). I consider how I’d like to evolve, and I try to add one clean-up chore (too many are overwhelming). This year I’m considering either purging the wardrobe (how many holey misshapen tee-shirts can you have?!) or organizing the garage – I’m leaning toward the latter.

Switch to Lighter Dishes

Foodwise, after the gorging of the holiday season, I’m happy to return to simple, good-ish-for-you dishes. I never begin a diet in January, but I do crave a lighter touch. It’s easier to lean into that while I’m in Australia post-holiday (see my last column on my rules for a relaxing Christmas wherever you are) – having fled the snowy, windy North Fork and NYC – because it’s summer and the food is so fresh, with lots of Mediterranean and Asian influences. When I’m back in colder climates for January and February, that lighter touch shows up as cozy comfort food done gently: hearty vegetable-based soups and broths, bright winter salads, simple tomato-based curries bursting with flavor, roast meats, and chilis.

This is also when I start batch-cooking again – simply doubling everything and freezing it. This style of cooking gets me through most of the winter months. I love comfort food, but at this stage, my gut just isn’t happy with super-rich dishes anymore, so I save those for dinner parties or restaurant treats. Simple vegetable dishes, especially with Middle Eastern or Persian flavours, lift my mood the most.

A Favorite Recipe, Many Ways

One of these recipes that has sustained me for years is Ottolenghi's Hot Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Cold Yoghurt from the cookbook Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi (Amazon). I’ve cooked this so often that my friends think I invented it, and I’m always asked to share it. It's heavy in my rotation because it’s all the good things: A main dish that’s quick to prep, uses just one pan, and is layered with those OMG-its-so-good gutsy flavours you just want more of. The magic of this dish is in the serving, when the bursting, charred, hot tomatoes contrast with the cold yogurt. I have adapted this recipe in so many ways, but I always double the base tomato recipe. Load up sheet pans, cook, cool and freeze flat in Zip Lock bags or plastic containers for later. I’ve also turned it into a base for baked eggs for breakfast, into soups and stews, but sometimes I just have it on toast as a snack.

Hot Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Cold Yogurt (serves 4-6)

I know this recipe by heart, and adapt it in many ways. Sometimes I add a teaspoon of fennel seeds or a grating of fresh ginger, always thyme sprigs, and I add the grated zest lemon directly into the pan rather than the yogurt. Sometimes I just roast the tomatoes for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and a little browned, other times I do as Ottolenghi does, and broil / grill for five to eight minutes to blister the skins.

I serve it as a main course for a mezze style appetiser with pita or sometimes as a side – it is great with grilled beef, roast lamb, pan-roasted chicken thighs, and a green salad.

• Heat oven to 400°F / 200°C. Toss 500g cherry tomatoes with 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ,1 tablespoon each cumin and fennel seeds, 3–4 garlic cloves flattened with the back of a knife and sliced finely.
• Add a strip of peeled lemon zest and finely grate the remainder and add to the dish with thyme and oregano sprigs, a pinch of chili flakes to taste, a pinch of sugar and season with sea salt, and a good grind of black pepper..
• Roast 20–25 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned. For blistered skins, grill/broil for an additional 5–8 minutes.
• Spread plain full-fat Greek yogurt (about 1 cup/240 ml) on a chilled serving dish and spoon the hot tomatoes and juices over the cold yogurt, scatter with fresh oregano leaves, a few extra lemon strips, and drizzle with olive oil.

Kitchen Must-Haves For the New Year

For many of my friends, a New Year’s 'resolution' looks less like a complete life overhaul and more like a thoughtful kitchen refresh – specifically, clearing out tired plastics and cooking with better, longer-lasting utensils made from non-toxic materials. If you’re thinking about resetting your kitchen this year, these are a few must-have pieces I truly can’t cook without. They’re the kinds of everyday essentials that make meals feel better from the start, replacing disposable or questionable tools with things designed to last.

With that, I hope yours is the celebration you want it to be. I'll be soaking up the sun in Australia with family and friends. Looking forward to a new year of eating, dining, gardening, and homebodying. Follow along for more food, style, and other adventures @Anna_Last on Insta and more in my newsletter Bread & Gravy. Cheers!

At Anna's Table is a biweekly column and modern guide to Savoir-Faire, in which Homes & Gardens' Editorial Director, Anna Last, shares a glimpse into the mindset of the moment, as well as what she's doing in her kitchen and bringing to the table with the best of the season's produce.

New Year’s Eve decorating is all about setting the mood. Whether you’re toasting midnight with a tight-knit circle or hosting a full-blown soiree, the way your home looks and feels plays a starring role in how the night unfolds.

Come the 31st, your Christmas decor has likely done its job, but New Year’s Eve calls for a different energy. I'm talking a little sleeker, a little sparklier, and unapologetically celebratory. With just a few thoughtful swaps and styling tweaks, festive coziness can be transformed into something more refined and party-ready without too much effort.

From statement tablescaping to mood-setting lighting and polished entryway moments, we’ve rounded up 10 stylish New Year’s Eve decor ideas to help you welcome the year ahead in style.

Stylish Ideas for Decorating Your Home this New Year's Eve

Decorating for New Year’s Eve doesn’t need to be complicated, even in the midst of the Christmas rush. Start by thinking about how you’ll be celebrating – a relaxed gathering, a sit-down dinner, or a cocktail evening – and let that set the tone for your decor.

A formal meal calls for elevated table styling and considered details, while a full-blown party is your cue to lean into atmosphere and impact. From there, it’s simply about choosing a few standout moments that make the night feel special. Here are a few ideas.

1. Repurpose Your Christmas Decor

As Christmas draws to a close, New Year’s Eve offers the perfect opportunity to rework what you already have rather than starting from scratch. The key is to keep the warmth and familiarity of your Christmas decor, while subtly shifting the mood to feel more party-ready.

'Decorating for New Year’s Eve is all about extending the warmth and atmosphere of Christmas while introducing subtle elements that signal celebration and new beginnings,' Birdie Fortescue advises. 'With this approach, you can refresh your space without fully transitioning away from the holiday spirit, reusing Christmas decorations in creative ways.'

Dial back overtly festive motifs, and put away your snowmen, reindeer, and nutcrackers, and focus instead on candles, greenery, and twinkling light to help create a more grown-up feel.

2. Elevate Your Hosting with a Home Bar

For anyone who enjoys entertaining, a home bar instantly elevates the evening and becomes a stylish focal point. If you don’t have a permanent bar setup, a portable bar cart or a carefully styled console table can work just as well, creating a dedicated spot for drinks that feels both practical and celebratory.

'Gather together champagne glasses, balloon glasses, whisky tumblers, martini glasses, tongues, a measuring cup, cocktail sticks,' says Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune. 'You'll also need premium spirits and mixers, a large ice bucket, small bowls of sliced lemon, orange, and grapefruit, olives, napkins, and fresh rosemary.'

This Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia 5pc Bar Set is stylish and budget-friendly to get you started.

'You can prop a mirror against the wall to create a reflection which helps the bar look impressively stocked,' Simon adds. To make it look fit for a celebration, dot about plenty of candles and style up the tabletop with bowls of ornaments, potted cyclamen or bulbs, and bunches of fresh eucalyptus.

3. Soft Lighting is a Must

Soft, atmospheric lighting is key to creating a magical New Year’s Eve, whether you’re hosting a glitzy dinner or a relaxed celebration. Candles bring warmth and intimacy, helping to transition the festive energy of Christmas.

'New Year is a very twinkly time falling as it does between Christmas and Epiphany, so keep the festive magic going with lots of cream/white tea lights in clear glass holders clustered at the center of your table,' says Sarah Davies-Bennion, senior designer at Kate Guinness. 'The secret is a mix of different shapes and sizes and plenty. This will give a feeling of abundance and warmth appropriate for the New Year, but will also be an antidote to the riot of color that was Christmas.'

'Think drama and romantic candles – that’s New Year’s this year,' adds designer Alexis Vitale, Vitale Design Group. 'Layer in the drama with candles, oversized bowls, large vases, and florals that are sculptural – though keep the pieces minimal for a bigger impact.'

Interior designer Emma Deterding of Kelling Designs adds that combining real wax and battery-powered LED candles, like Pottery Barn's Flameless Wax Pillar Candles, is a simple way to add atmosphere, with both types blending seamlessly and being reusable year after year.

4. Decorate Your Entryway

Your entryway is the first glimpse guests get of your New Year’s Eve celebration, so it’s worth giving it a little extra attention. A thoughtfully styled entrance immediately sets the tone for the evening and signals that something special is happening inside.

If your Christmas garlands or wreaths are still looking fresh, they can be repurposed for New Year’s with just a few tweaks. Swap out ornaments for glittery accents, tie in gold or silver bows, and drape greenery along staircases or console tables to create a festive yet refined look. These small updates instantly refresh existing decorations without the need for a full overhaul.

For the entry table, layering in a decorated tablecloth, like the elestial Embroidered Linen Tablecloth from Terrain seen above, a vase of seasonal flowers or foliage, and some twinkling fairy lights adds immediate impact. Combined with paper stars or streamers, these playful decor elements create a warm, welcoming display that feels celebratory the moment guests walk in.

5. Elevate Cocktail Hour with Ribbons

Cocktail hour is the perfect moment to add small, stylish touches that make your celebration feel elevated.

One of the simplest and chicest DIYs is to try ribbons tied around glassware. Satin, velvet, or metallic ribbons instantly transform ordinary flutes and coupes into something playful and on-trend, adding a subtle nod to the occasion without overwhelming your tablescape or bar cart decor. McGee & Co.'s 3/8" Velvet Ribbon with Woven Edge is a chic and subtly festive option.

This approach works for any drink – whether you're serving champagne or cocktails –and encourages guests to feel the sense of occasion from the very first sip, and create a very Instagrammable moment while you're at it.

Designer Bethany Adams adds: 'Besides the obvious champagne toast, martinis are THE drink to serve at your party. Whip up a batch for easy self-serving, and then take it up a notch by laying out a garnishments bar – olives of all kinds, twists, you name it! Keep the champagne on ice, slip into your fanciest loungewear, and bid 2025 adieu.'

6. Refresh Your Christmas Foliage

The New Year is a time to look forward to the year ahead, and there's nothing like fresh, fragrant greenery to breathe new life into the home and help put a spring in your step. You can either look to create fresh new arrangements or update your existing displays with paler hues and delicate greenery.

'Soon spring will be in the air, and there’s nothing like seeing the first flowers of the season after a long, cold winter. When I think of New Year's celebrations, glittering gold decorations come to mind. Amid sparkling confetti and gold accessories, add a bouquet of flowers to your entryway and other tabletops around your house for an elegant, organic touch that grounds the scheme,' says florist Ronny Colbie.

'For your New Year's display, consider a collection of mink roses and fragrant tuberose, with touches of pampas grass and burnt beech foliage, or even simpler – a full bunch of white hydrangeas in a gold vase.’

7. Bring in Red and Pink Tones

For a New Year’s table that feels festive but distinct from traditional Christmas colors, consider leaning into tones of reds and pinks. These warm, celebratory shades bring energy and sophistication, especially when paired with metallics like gold or brass for a little extra sparkle.

'I love decorating with reds and pinks throughout the festive season, and New Year’s Eve is the perfect moment to lean into that sense of warmth,' says Tori Murphy. 'For New Year’s Eve gatherings, layering textures with a linen tablecloth and tying the color scheme together through smaller details is a simple way to add texture to the table and create a cohesive, celebratory look.'

Just a few deep red accents can nod to the holiday season without feeling overtly Christmassy. Build the scheme by mixing and matching napkins (William Sonoma's Signature Linen Napkins come in an array of tones), table linens, and glassware in amber and soft pinks with neutrals and metallics.

8. Keep Your Tablescaping Fresh and Simple

Alternatively, if you prefer a calmer, more understated look after the richness of reds and pinks, a simple, fresh tablescape can feel equally celebratory. New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to embrace neutral tones, allowing your table to feel elegant and relaxed without feeling over-styled.

After the frenzy of Christmas, we often crave calm at the New Year. 'For a beautiful New Year table, there's no need to go all out,' says Ottalie Stride, creative director of interior design studio Albion Nord. By keeping the styling simple, your New Year's table becomes a backdrop for conversation, drinks, and celebrating.

'The use of simple, white or off-white linens on the table contrasted with a festive bouquet, deep greens from the garden, and brass or silver accents in candlesticks and cutlery is all you need,' Ottalie advises. Adding touches of brass or ochre alongside the neutrals can bring warmth and subtle glamour, too, elevating the table while keeping it refined and dignified.

Crate & Barrel's Emmett Antique Brass Taper Candle Holders will make a stylish addition for NYE and beyond.

9. Hang Some Paper Decorations

Paper decorations are a simple way to inject instant fun and style into your setup. A cluster of hanging paper decorations and garlands can transform an empty corner into a photo-worthy backdrop or create a striking focal point for your table or entry.

Using a mix of sizes, shapes, and colors, staggered diagonally, gives depth and visual interest, making your space feel playful yet intentional. These Command Small Wire Toggle Hooks are perfect for stress-free hanging.

'Our go-to decoration to instantly transform your home into a party paradise is paper decorations. From stars to pinwheels and paper honeycomb balls, these decorations can be taped to the wall or stacked on the floor next to your drinks cart, sofa, or mantelpiece,' says Lucy St George, co-founder of Rockett St George.

'You can't go wrong with gold, which catches the light in any photo and looks great against both white and monochrome. In addition, paper decorations can be stored away and brought back out to create a showstopping background for any other celebrations throughout the year!'

10. Set Up a Festive Backdrop

Picture-ready backdrops are fast becoming a party must-have. Not only do they bring a sense of fun to gatherings and put guests at ease, but they also make wonderful wall decor for setting the scene and making your snaps stand out.

'Backdrops are one of the easiest but most effective party decorations, not only are they affordable, but they will fit into almost any space, no matter what size,' says Jess Martin, decoration expert at Ginger Ray. 'Capture memories in front of a foil star backdrop, fringe curtain, or even a balloon arch, which are super simple to put up, but guaranteed to create an Instagrammable moment.'

For a fun circus-themed New Year backdrop, why not create a ribbon curtain with lengths of colorful ribbons? They are super simple to create and will really make an impact, especially when paired with LED light-up star decorations.

Simply tie lengths of ribbon along a piece of string and hang from a height in the stairwell. You can tie it to a banister or, if there isn't anything to attach it to, you could try using command hooks attached to the wall.

Shop Chic New Year's Decorations

With a few easy tweaks, your home will be transformed from a Christmas grotto into a warm, celebratory, and stylish backdrop for New Year memories that last well beyond midnight.

By the end of our festivities, most people are exhausted and very ready for Christmas decorations to be stored away. As such, ornaments, lights, wreaths, and other festive trinkets can often end up in crowded bins, tangled or bashing together.

Not only can this damage delicate items, but it also makes decorating next year more difficult, too.

Our ultimate guide on storing Christmas decorations easily and without damage delves into stress-free storage ideas for every type of festive decor, whether you live in a cozy apartment with limited space or a spacious house with multiple options.

The Ultimate Guide to Storing Christmas Decorations

Before you start taking down all of your Christmas decor ideas, it helps to have some essential kit ready to make the process easier and prevent a stop-and-start approach that can lead to disorganization:

• A small parts organizer: Available at Walmart, this can help to corral small essentials such as reusable clips, batteries, spare lightbulbs, twist ties, and so on, ready for easy use again next year.
• A small screwdriver set: Also from Walmart, a small screwdriver can come in handy to help remove batteries from items before storage to prevent battery leaks in storage.
• Gardening gloves: From Amazon, a set of gloves can help when taking down real-foliage decor, such as holly, without nicking your skin.
• Drywall repair kit: Available from Amazon, it can help you patch up any accidental damage caused by your decorations.
• A label maker: Such as the DYMO label maker from Walmart, is ideal for labeling boxes by room for easy decorating next year.
• Heavy-duty trash bags: Available from Amazon. This is useful to keep on hand for any decorations that are ready to be trashed, recycled or, if in good enough condition, donated. There's no point storing items you have grown weary of and are unlikely to use again.

Picking Storage Solutions

Laura Price, professional home organizer and owner of The Home Organization, says, 'Taking down the decorations is not always the most enjoyable task, but it’s a chance to restore and refresh your home so it’s ready for the new year.'

Having some storage products professional organizers can't live without is a key part of this, helping to protect your decor from damage and keep your

'Don’t just pull your decorations down in a frenzy, be methodical,' Laura urges. 'Group items together, such as lights, baubles, and tinsel, and find suitable protective packaging for them. Also, make sure you label what’s what, so putting up the decorations next year isn’t an unnecessary hardship.'

The Niimbot Label Maker, from Walmart, is ideal for this, connecting to your phone for easy labeling.

With that in mind, it is best to stock up on the following:

Storing Christmas Trees

For those who have an artificial Christmas tree, it's essential to preserve its quality while ensuring it is easy to store and move – all of which comes down to what your artificial tree is stored in.

1. Use the right container

If you have ever tried to wrestle a faux Christmas tree back into the box it came in, then you will know how it is almost impossible. To save yourself some time and energy, Amélie strongly recommends investing in a specialized Christmas tree bag, such as this from Amazon.

‘They are sturdy, have large handles and wheels, so it is easier to maneuver your tree in and out of storage each year,’ she explains. 'The hooks also allow you to hang it on the wall if you don't want it on the floor. I love a bag because not only does it keep the whole thing contained (so you don't have to go looking for half your tree if you're missing pieces), but it also keeps out dust and the elements.’

If you opt for a storage box, ensure the box is clean, dry, and adequately sized to fit the tree's components without excessive bending. Opt for a durable plastic storage box with a sealable lid to protect the tree from any damage and to keep out moisture, bugs, and dust.

Faux trees, garlands, and wreaths are prone to mold and mildew when stored in areas of the home that are not climate-controlled and can become a hazard, smell musty, or both.

2. Always take your tree apart before storing

To make your home organizing simpler, it helps to take your Christmas tree apart before storing it away, Amélie continues.

‘Before storing an artificial tree, make sure to take it apart (it is often in three sections) and fold down the branches before storing it in the bag, pole ends toward the middle. This helps keep the bag in good condition and will ensure that the branches aren't bent next year.’

Never put a tree away with the ornaments still on, as you risk damaging both your tree and your decorations. Cleaning an artificial Christmas tree is also a good idea to prolong its lifespan.

3. Keep trees out of basements and attics

Although attics and basements are some of the most common places to store a Christmas tree in the off-season, these are some of the spaces you should never use for home storage if you want your tree to last you for years to come, professional organizers warn.

Lauren Saltman, home organizer and founder of Living. Simplified. explains, ‘Although it's tempting to store a Christmas tree in the attic, basement, or garage, unfortunately, these are not optimal areas due to pests, temperature changes, and moisture, all of which can damage your faux Christmas tree.

‘If possible, find space in a closet within your home, preferably on a top shelf,’ Lauren suggests, making under-the-stairs organization a great place to start when looking for a new home for your tree.

That being said, if you really have nowhere else to store your tree, some accommodations can be made to protect your tree in unfavorable storage spots, assures Amélie.

‘As long as it's in a sturdy bag like the one I mentioned, it is protected just fine. Just note that this is not always the case with trees that have white limbs or fake snow, but for a green tree, I haven't seen any issues. The most important thing is to store the bag in a way that it won't come into contact with water or direct sunlight; having a bag also helps protect the tree against dust or insects that might want to nest in it.’

Storing Christmas Decorations

1. Group by Use

Ashley La Fond, founder of home organization company Of Space & Mind, says, 'Store decor based on how you use them, rather than by type. So if you decorate your front porch with specific lights and decor, then keep those together. The same goes for trees – rather than storing all ornaments together, separate them by how and where they are used to make decorating faster and easier.'

If you keep different decorations for Christmas or Hanukkah, make sure it's clear. ‘Separate and store decorations by holiday so you can pull out only what you need rather than digging through bins,’ recommends La Fond.

2. Label Everything

Grouping will hold less value without an efficient labeling system in place. Interior designer, Kishani Perera says, 'One thing super organized people always do is label, label, label!

'Every box and container having a detailed and itemized list of all its contents saves hours in the future when trying to dig up your holiday gear. If your items are stored in various places, as may be necessary in a small space, one master list detailing the whereabouts of your various items would be of enormous aid.'

Use all manner of labeling and listing to give yourself clarity when it comes to decorating again next year. For added gusto, La Fond recommends storage that you can see into, without disruption. ‘Use clear bins with labels so you can see what you have and find what you want,' she recommends. Simple adhesive labels, at Amazon, will do the job just fine.

3. Keep Lights Wrapped Up

Christmas lighting ideas are by far some of the most irritating pieces to store and decorate with. They always get tangled in the box, despite being perfectly fine when we put them away.

Creator of PURE Design, Ami McKay suggests, ‘Try not to tangle your lights! Wrap them around a piece of cardboard stacked in bins or you can use storage reels in cases, available at The Container Store.’

Kienzle recommends separating these into individual bags, too. 'Each string of lights should be stored separately in a gallon-size Ziploc bag (which are great for many uses around the home). Wrap each string around a piece of cardboard to keep it from tangling before putting it in a bag.'

4. Consider Humidity

One of the most important things people who are good at storing Christmas decorations always do is pay attention to humidity levels and improve ventilation in their homes to keep decor safe from damage.

Kim Corey, professional home organizer and founder of Finely Sorted Organizing, says, 'Many out-of-the-way places one would store holiday items may not be up to snuff as far as moisture level goes. Using moisture-absorbing pouches, available at Amazon, with airtight bins can help preserve your favorite homemade and store-bought holiday decor.'

Kim also reminds us that we should be using plastic bins and never cardboard for long-term storage, especially in attics and basements. She wants, 'There may be pests lurking that are looking for new bedding material. Unsecured cardboard boxes look like a jackpot to them. Using a sturdy plastic airtight bin will avoid this damage. You want it to be good and sturdy, as cheaper bins can buckle under the weight of stacking and cause damage to the contents you want to preserve.

'Finally, ensure the area you store your decorations is easy to access and, most importantly, is clean. A clean, simple spot will make decorating easier and safer year on year, especially in multi-generational households.'

5. Use Uniform Bins

Whether you use clear or opaque bins, Caroline Roberts, professional organzier and owner of This Simplified Island, shares, 'I recommend that you use one kind of bin for everything so you can mix, match, and move things around more easily.

'Clear bins are perfect for looking and seeing what’s inside. You can find ones with wheels that are easy to move around, like these clear bins at The Container Store. The downside is that being able to see all of the items inside can make the space look cluttered. If your storage is in an attic or other rarely seen area, then it doesn’t matter if the area seems a little messy due to bins.

'If you store your Christmas décor in the garage or bedroom closet, the cohesive look of opaque bins will look nicer. You’ll just have to be extra careful to label thoroughly since you won’t be able to see inside without opening the lid.'

6. Declutter as You Go

One of the best storage tips any professional organizer will give you is to declutter your belongings as you pack them away. This saves time in the future and space in your storage areas, as well as trimming down your collection and reducing decorating overwhelm next year.

Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly Professional Organizing, 'Keep decluttering in mind when setting up and when taking down decorations. If you're purchasing new items, consider following the one-in-one-out rule and let go of something old in exchange for bringing in something new. This way, your decorations stay at a constant level and never overflow the space you have to store them in.'

7. Pack out Wreaths to Keep Their Shape

If you have faux Christmas garlands and Christmas wreaths then packing them away properly can help extend their life span and keep them as Christmas centerpieces for years to come. Luckily, there are two ways to do this.

Jamie Hord says, 'Wreath storage is a must. Everyone has experienced a squished wreath, and it's no fun trying to get it back to life. You most likely end up getting a new one, wasting your time and money. Use these round bins [from The Container Store] to keep your wreaths in tip-top shape.'

Alternatively, you can pack like objects together into storage to help keep them in shape, for example, store them with other bulky items like faux garlands.

For long or very bulky garlands, consider storing them straight in a tree storage bag with a long plank of wood to keep the bag flat and level, stopping the garland from bending and breaking in storage.

8. Pack Items Heaviest to Lightest

When finding homes for your decorations, be it organizing under the stairs, in the attic, or in the basement, it is best to avoid stacking things on top of one another unless they are in sturdy, hard-shell boxes, such as the highly rated Sterilite storage boxes, available at Amazon.

Using strong shelves to separate items, with the heaviest items at the bottom and lighter items at the top, will not only make your shelves more stable but will also make putting items back and getting them out safer for you.

If you do not have shelves and need to stack items, always stack the larger, heavier items at the bottom, avoiding putting items on top of storage bags with trees and garlands in them lest you squash them. If possible, store these upright against a wall so they are not flattened by their own weight, either.

9. Deal With the Tree Last

Once your ornaments are safely tucked away, you can get rid of your real Christmas tree and finally start to reclaim your home's footprint.

Cut The Clutter's Marie Bateson recommends, 'If you have a real Christmas tree, make a note of your local collection dates for trees. You may need to book this in advance and make a small payment, but it is worth it to avoid the needle-filled boot of the car and the queue at the recycling center. Book it for the day you will take the decorations down, if possible, but if it isn’t, put them outside where they can be collected, as they often don’t mind if they get wet.

'If it is an artificial tree and you have the box, dismantle it and when it’s safely packed, tape the box to make it secure, dust-free, and easier to carry – or you could get a tree bag to make it even easier,' she adds.

Jamie continues, 'Most people store Christmas trees in the basement, attic, or garage so it's important to cover them well to avoid any pests.

'Depending on what size tree you have, there are different products that can protect your tree for the years to come.' Tools such as the Zevo flying insect trap, from Walmart, can help to keep your decor safe, especially alongside natural cedar blocks, from Amazon.

10. Be Smart With Storage in Small Spaces

If you live in a small storageless home or an apartment, storage for seasonal items can be tricky, particularly if you're considering ways to store glittery holiday decorations to limit cleaning at the same time.

Since holiday decorations typically only surface once a year, Cynthia Kienzle, Founder of The Clutter Whisperer of NYC, recommends storing them out of the space if available as an option. Some might be fortunate enough to have a storage cage in the basement of an apartment building. If not, you could consider keeping items off-site at a friend's or family member's home, or in another secure, temperature-controlled location.

You will also want to make sure that your chosen boxes, bags, and the like, work together, as well as with the space you are using.

Containers should fit snugly onto bookshelves or seamlessly in with closet storage. Cynthia continues, 'If at the top of a closet, the containers should fit on the shelves with little overhang. They can be deep or shallow, depending on the contents and height between shelves.'

It goes without saying that for a neat and curated finish, you will want to keep decorations behind closed doors where possible.

Meet the Experts

With the last traces of Christmas back in safe storage, try out some fun decluttering methods to help you reset the rest of your home for the new year.

Christmas is fast approaching, and with just a week to go, you might be imagining yourself relaxing with a glass of mulled wine, confident that everything is ticked off your list. But is it really? Even Delia Smith, the iconic British cook, reminds us in her Christmas cookbooks that it’s often the little non-food essentials – the easily overlooked items for the home – that make all the difference when hosting.

When it comes to Christmas hosting, it’s easy to forget the small details that keep everything running smoothly. Do you have enough napkins and napkin rings so guests aren’t reaching for kitchen roll? Spare place cards? Or a simple set of matching candlesticks to make your table feel effortlessly polished? A few thoughtful purchases now will ensure you’re ready for guests, without any last-minute scrambling or awkward improvisation.

One of the most commonly overlooked essentials is batteries. If you’re not sure you have enough, I’d recommend ordering two large packs of batteries from Amazon now – you can never have too many. To make things even easier, here’s a handy list of last-minute buys you can add to your basket today and have delivered straight to your door before Christmas.

Forgotten Christmas Essentials That Save the Day Every Year

Drinking glasses often run short when guests arrive, leaving you scrambling for spare tumblers or wine glasses. A quick solution is to have an extra set of bistro-style drinking glasses, such as this Tumbler Set on Amazon, on hand – they’re practical and always look smart.

Placemats and table runners are another easy detail to overlook, yet they can instantly transform a table from chaotic to carefully curated. Don’t forget serving utensils, either – a missing ladle or cheese knife can turn a simple buffet into a minor disaster. Stocking up on these often-forgotten essentials now will keep your Christmas hosting running smoothly and save you from any last-minute panics.

By now, your list of last-minute buys should be looking a little more complete, but there are always a few more overlooked essentials that make Christmas hosting run smoothly. Make sure you have plenty of thick bin bags to avoid the dreaded overflowing recycling on Boxing Day, and enough ice trays to keep drinks flowing without frantic freezer raids. Spare tea towels, extra chopping boards and a few rolls of kitchen paper are surprisingly handy when unexpected spills happen, while a set of small serving bowls or platters will save you from scrambling when everyone wants a second helping.

Do not forget corkscrews, bottle openers and trivets to protect your surfaces, and despite my aforementioned disdain of kitchen roll at the dining table, ensure you buy plenty of the stuff for the kitchen (Regina Blitz from Amazon is the very best kitchen roll). By thinking ahead and ticking off these often forgotten items, you can enjoy hosting with confidence, knowing your home is fully prepared for a stress-free, festive Christmas.

With the holiday nearly upon us, we're all thinking of ways to elevate our hosting game this year. From planning your Christmas day menu to your Christmas table decor ideas, the countdown is on. If your home will take center stage for hosting a large group of family and friends, or you're opting for a more intimate gathering this year, ensure that you're organized for the days ahead with this expert advice. Here's how to have a very merry (and well-planned) Christmas.

Create an Inviting Atmosphere

Creating a sense of warmth and ambiance for the festivities with ensure everyone feels, calm, merry and ready to enjoy the holiday as well as creating a welcoming home-from-home for your guests. 'Holiday hosting should feel as warm and memorable as the gathering itself,' says interior designer Erica McLain, founder of McLain by Design Interiors. 'I like to think of my space as an experience that starts from the moment guests walk in the door.'

1. Make Your Entrance Feel Welcoming

Don't forget to think about your front door when hosting guests this festive season. Since it's the first interaction guests will have upon entering your home, adorning it with a festive Christmas wreath creates a welcoming entrance that says 'come on in.'

'Don't miss the opportunity to make an impression right from the start,' says Jenny Weiss, founder and director at Hill House Interiors. 'Greet your guests with a festive flourish – a beautiful wreath hung on the front door is the perfect way to set the tone for your styling.'

'Wreaths can be personalized to suit every taste, from a traditional mix of cinnamon and orange slices with lush foliage to an exuberant display of layered baubles and ribbons – anything is possible. The smell of pine and mistletoe is key to bring that scent of Christmas throughout, hence why we love to integrate foliage, right from the entry. Our top tip is to weave twinkling lights throughout the wreath; battery-operated lights are easy to use and add a magical touch.' Festive Doormats (like this fun Let's Get Spritzed doormat from Anthropologie) and slippers for guests to put on when they arrive will all add to the welcoming atmosphere.

2. Create a Cozy Feel With Lighting

When hosting guests during the holidays, lighting is key. Ambient lighting creates a relaxed and intimate feel. 'Lighting acts as an effortless, atmospheric backdrop to hosting and should be a core consideration in your festive season planning,' says Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville. 'Small changes can make maximum impact – look to change bulbs to warmer tones with lower Kelvins in order to nurture seasonal wellbeing.'

'Setting the mood rests entirely on the lighting you choose,' agrees interior designer Matthew Williamson. 'Forget about using one main lighting source in favor of illuminating a few lamps around a kitchen for a more interesting, flattering lighting scheme.'

'If there is ever a time to experiment with lighting, it’s the holidays,' says suggests Denver-based interior designer Nadia Watts. 'Simply adding a strand of white twinkle lights (like these Battery Operated Fairy String Lights from Walmart) can make your entire space feel more festive. Dim your overhead lights and focus on layered lighting. Add candles, luminaires, and strands of holiday lights in unexpected places.'

3. Add Candles for Ambiance

When hosting throughout the holiday season, candles are one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a cozy and welcoming feel for your guests. Whether that's with taper candles (like these Christmas taper candles from Target) on your dining table or pillar candles in the living room, candles are the finishing touch to ensure a welcoming home.

'Candlesticks are a stylish and budget-friendly way to enhance your holiday decor,' says Interior designer Darla Bankston May, founder of Houston-based Bankston May Associates. 'They bring a touch of elegance and warmth to your space, making them perfect for decorating table settings or mantels. With endless color options, you can select candlesticks that align with your style and decor, adding a festive flair to your home.'

4. Consider Fragrance

A smaller detail that won't fail to create a welcoming vibe is to use seasonal home fragrances. Whether using the best candles or reed diffusers, opting for seasonal scents of spices or pine will ensure your home feels festive from the moment guests walk through the door.

'Something subtle and natural like a cinnamon, cedarwood, or balsam fir can make the space feel even more inviting and cozy without overpowering the senses,' says Erica McLain. 'The goal is to create a space where people feel truly at home, surrounded by beauty that feels effortless and comforting.' Try the Pottery Barn Fireside Cinnamon Scent Collection, which includes candles, tealights, diffusers and potpourri.

5. Set up a Self-Service Bar

Don't forget the welcoming drink for when your guests first arrive – a festive cocktail or hot toddy is a lovely idea to invite them in from the cold with. But once everyone is settled in, it's nice to have a self-serve bar cart or even a mini fridge, which guests can help themselves to and it will save you the job of bartending, too. When it comes to cocktail hour, a kind guest might even pour you a drink to enjoy in the kitchen while you're food prepping.

You may also want to invest in some luxe cocktail essentials, from nick and nora glasses to tumblers, and cocktail shakers to bar tools. 'When the holidays roll around, I always like to make sure that my bar cart and drinks cabinet are fully stocked, not only with a variety of spirits, wines, and garnishes but also with a plethora of glassware,' explains interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'It's so nice to be able to use the proper glass for specific cocktails and wines, and it really does add to the overall festive mood of a gathering when guests can delight in how beautiful your coupe glasses or cut-glass tumblers are.'

Get Your Kitchen Holiday Ready

No room works harder when it comes to hosting season than the kitchen. But as well as the food prepping, the kitchen is often a hub for hosting, too. There are some easy Christmas kitchen countertop decor ideas you can try to give the room a sense of occasion. The kitchen is often a sociable space during the holidays, so it's important to make it feel inviting, but also to ensure that it works practically while you're busy cooking and your guests don't feel 'in the way'.

6. Make Sure You Have Enough Kitchen Essentials

'A well-stocked armory of essentials, easily accessible, can transform hosting from a daunting task to a gracious art.' is how designer Artem Kropovinsky so eloquently puts it. The last thing you want to be doing when hosting is washing up, so ensure you have enough of the best cookware, like roasting pans to accomodate your meet and veg, as well as utensils, to make everything as easy and as seamless as possible.

The same goes for dinnerware. Think about the maximum amount of people you usually host and ensure you have enough plates, bowls, glasses, cups, cutlery, and so on. It may be useful to stock your hosting closet with some good basics (such as this Corelle Dinnerware set in winter frost from Target, which is microwave and dishwasher safe), to cover all bases so you don't run out.

7. Consider How You Use the Space

You'll want to ensure you can move as easily as possible around your kitchen while your guests are in there, too. 'Carving out clear zones for the culinary dance of prepping, cooking, and cleaning can compose a harmonious rhythm,' says Artem. 'Generous seating and surface realms beckon guests to alight, mingle, and partake in the culinary narrative.'

Tempt guests to certain areas that you know will be out of the way, but feel like they are part of the action. And don't just stick to one space, as guests will congregate in one part of the kitchen, which could become awkward. Have a bar set up in one section of the kitchen, and dot food around the rest.

The kitchen island may feel like the perfect space to have guests gather, and you could actually turn it into a curated hosting space for a charcuterie spread, like Designer Bryan Graybill.

8. Choose Serveware That Doubles as Decor

'When preparing to host for the holiday season, I like to first make sure my kitchen is stocked up on rustic wooden serving boards (like this carved edge round wood board from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target), glassware, decanters, and barware, and plenty of scented candles. I also like to place a large stone or ceramic vase of seasonal greenery or foliage on my countertop to add an air of festivity,' advises designer Kathy Kuo.

Having serveware that does the job and looks lovely is something I also rely on when getting my kitchen ready for hosting. Aesthetically pleasing platters, boards, and glasses can do so much of the work for you. Plus, as Kathy suggests, you can make them part of a display that will instantly give your kitchen a relaxed, festive feel.

Plan the Food Prep

You might have your Christmas Day menu sorted, but to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible on the day, it's important to put in some groundwork. The experts have shared their advice on everything from making sure you don't run out of key ingredients, to keeping things simple, and clever shortcuts to help you along the way.

9. Check Your Supplies

Don't forget the chef prep secrets for holiday meals, to ensure your ingredients are fully stocked and prepared ahead of time, as you don't want to run out of an essential ingredient at a crucial point or when the stores are closed for the holidays.

'Always be sure to go through your panty before you do any shopping, so you’re not buying duplicates of items,' advises Mackenzie Mitchel, Founder At Home With Mackenzie. 'It’s also a good idea to organize your pantry in advance – that way you can find everything you need easily and check the dates of items. There have been several times when I thought I had an ingredient only to realize it had expired, and I had to go back out.'

10. Stick to What you Know

'The biggest mistake I see from hosts is overcomplicating things; the goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection,' says Sakshi Khurana of the luxury home lifestyle brand, dumæ. 'Pare down the menu, let your pieces speak, and focus on creating warmth for your guests. At the end of the day, the best host is one who is confident, having fun, and feeling good in the space they’re entertaining in – because that’s when your guests truly feel at home.'

The same applies to the menu, according to etiquette expert, Maryanne Parker 'One of the most important tips for hosting a successful holiday gathering is this: never experiment with a new recipe on the day of your lunch or dinner party. Even the best home cooks can have a mishap, and the holiday table is not the place to take that risk,' she says.

Chef Dennis Littley agrees: 'Be smart with your menu,' he advises. 'Pick two show-stoppers. For example, a glazed ham and potato gratin, and keep the other dishes simple. Roasted vegetables, a green salad, or a very basic, but well-seasoned side can round out the table without overwhelming you.'

12. Keep Things Cool

With so much extra food to store, from Christmas canapes to desserts and cheeses, organizing your refrigerator can become a game of Jenga. Not to mention all those extra drinks you'll need to keep cool. That's when you need to think outside the box – quite literally.

'Pre-packed coolers are a hosting powerhouse and free up precious refrigerator space,' says Atlanta-based entertaining expert and party planner, Sandy Dostal. 'Fill one with beverages – beer, soda, bottled water, canned cocktails – for quick grab-and-go service. Use another for chilled side dishes, desserts, garnishes, or condiments. And always dedicate one cooler solely to ice – trust me, it becomes liquid gold once beverages start flowing.'

Another idea is to invest in a mini fridge that is stylish enough to be kept in the living room, so guests can help themselves to cold drinks (they might even offer to re-stock it for you when it's running low.)

13. Take Strategic Shortcuts

There's nothing wrong with making life a little easier on yourself when the pressure is on, and there are plenty of kitchen shortcuts that will help save you time and stress.

Mackenzie Mitchel suggests 'Make and freeze pie dough in the dish (wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil) ahead of time – this will store for up to three months.'

Better still, Executive Chef at the Waldorf Astoria, Beverley Hills, Peleg Miron gives you permission to buy elements of your meal in. Not everything has to be made from scratch. 'High-quality store-bought crusts or gravies can elevate efficiency without compromising flavor,' he says.

And, if you're cooking turkey for Christmas day, Mark Jeffers, Culinary Director, Fifth Group Restaurants, suggests a great time saver. 'Spatchcock Your Turkey: Remove the backbone and flatten the bird for even cooking, crispy skin, and freed-up oven space.'

Letting yourself off from doing everything perfectly from scratch is the first step towards feeling more relaxed on the day. If the pros do it, so can you.

14. Nail Your Timings

Managing the cooking times can be one of the trickiest parts of Christmas meal prep, and despite best efforts, it doesn't always go to plan. But you can buy yourself some breathing space.

'Decide what can be made ahead. Cold desserts, chilled apps, doughs, roasted veg and certain mains keep well and save time,' suggests Chef Chrissy Camba, Head Chef at Tovala.'Time your reheats and plan which dishes require the same oven temperatures, in advance, and when each item should go in. Putting the schedule to paper keeps everything moving.'

And, for an absolute failsafe, Karina, Founder of food and lifestyle blog, Goodley Living says 'always plan an extra 30 minutes to an hour buffer if you’re roasting a dish. It tastes better when it’s had time to sit anyway, and it will help to ease peace-of-mind should something be unexpectedly undercooked and you need a little longer.'

Practical Ways to Keep Things Calm and Organized

With a lot more people in the house comes a lot more noise, movement, and stuff. It's important to clear space, so your guests have enough room to stow away their belongings. And don't be afraid to get your guests involved with helpful tasks – the chances are they will be happy to oblige, and it will help you keep things ticking along calmly. Here's how to ensure you keep the chaos to a minimum and the day going smoothly.

15. Do a Dry Run

Even if you've planned out your Christmas table decor ideas to a tee, when it comes to the day, you will want to avoid any unexpected hiccups, so lay everything out in advance to check it all works together and looks as you expected.

'The first thing I do before hosting anything is to pull out every platter I plan to use and do a quick dry run,' says Whitney English, organization expert and author of Organize First, Decorate Second: How to Go From Clutter to Creativity. 'If it’s family-style, I set the dishes right on the table to make sure everything fits – serving pieces, glassware, flatware, all of it. If it’s buffet-style, I mock up the whole spread on the sideboard, down to the serving spoons and trivets. It saves me from the last-minute scramble.'

16. Make Space for Coats, Boots & Bags

Chances are your guests will arrive togged up for the chilly weather, which means bulky coats, chunky boots, hats, scarves, and the rest. It may sound obvious, but making sure you have somewhere to store them is essential to keep your entryway or cloakroom clear and organized. Your entryway may be perfectly organized all year long, but bring on a holiday, or a last-minute family gathering, and it can easily be thrown out of sorts.

Sandy Dostal says 'multiple coat trees are a hosting hack I swear by. Dedicate one to coats, and another to handbags. It keeps your home organized during the event and makes it easy for guests to retrieve their belongings when it’s time to head home.'

Making sure there's somewhere to store shoes, such as a large basket (like this water hyacinth basket from the Container Store), which can look stylish as well as being practical, is a good idea too, for keeping your carpets clean and your entrance uncluttered.

17. Stow Unnecessary Items Away

With more people in the house, there will inevitably be accidents and breakages, but you can avoid that happening by storing away your precious items and anything unnecessary before your guests arrive. One idea is to put them in the boxes that you took your Christmas decorations out of, so they can be wrapped in the same padding, and there's no chance of forgetting where you stored them as you'll do the swap again when the decs come down.

Barbara Brock, professional organizer, home stager, andowner of Barbara Brock Inc., says, 'have an empty tub handy to put unnecessary items, then remove items and put them all in a closet to be edited later.'

Conversely, Maggie Kelly, founder of Organizing CU suggests storing the pieces you need for the festive period in a hosting bin. 'I store all of the dishware, utensils, and other holiday items I only use for the week of Christmas in one easy location.' This also allows you to clearly see what you have and what you might need to stock up on when everything is all in one place.

18. Ask for a Helping Hand

Asking for help as the host can feel a little daunting, and some are quite stubbornly against it. However, saying 'yes' to a kind friend or relative who wants to help you, whether that's laying the table, making an appetizer, or even washing up, can make all the difference.

'Get your guests involved. Assign small, meaningful roles like pouring drinks, arranging a cheese board, or warming rolls,' says Chef Dennis Littley. 'This not only eases your burden but makes people feel part of the celebration.'

19. Plan Ahead for the Cleanup

Amid all the excitement of the day itself, the last thing you'll want to think about is the cleanup, but making your home feel like your own again after the holidays will be worth a little forward planning to make the process so much less arduous – your future self will thank you.

'Make a list of everyday essentials to stock up on – items that often get overlooked but are always needed, says Sandy Dostal, 'think garbage bags, hand soap, dish detergent, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, foil, a plunger, zip-top bags. Store them all in one central spot so any willing volunteers don't have to hunt down supplies.'

Want to know more about how the hosting pros get ahead? Read our Ultimate Christmas Prep Countdown to help you to stay calm and composed on the day.

By this time in December, you’ve likely already adorned the tree, picked out the perfect gifts, and are now turning your attention to the final preparations for the big day. As many of us begin to focus on setting the festive table, there’s something irresistibly charming about tableware that evokes the warmth of childhood Christmases.

Despite the abundance of modern options available, nostalgic designs – whether patterned plates or delicate glassware – bring a comforting sense of familiarity to the table. This season, shoppers are gravitating towards pieces that feel both timeless and playful, creating a dining experience that’s as visually captivating as it is inviting.

Christmas decorating is all about the details, and the table often serves as the centrepiece of festive gatherings. Layering vintage-inspired china with coordinating glassware and whimsical serving pieces instantly elevates the setting. These nostalgic designs provide a perfect way to blend traditional charm with contemporary flair.

What makes this trend especially meaningful is its ability to combine sentiment with style. Whether it's a set of plates adorned with holly and berries, tumblers featuring festive motifs, or serving bowls that feel as though they’ve been passed down through generations, each piece adds a unique personality and warmth to the table.

Long-forgotten plates, tumblers, and serving bowls that once quietly gathered dust in cupboards are now stepping into the festive spotlight. Tableware from Christmases past – once dismissed as old-fashioned or consigned to the history books – is enjoying a triumphant return. Nostalgic Christmas pieces are riding the wave of the nostalgia-core trend, which has been shaping interiors, fashion, and lifestyle choices across the UK. This season, shoppers are drawn to familiar patterns, playful motifs, and heirloom-inspired designs that evoke warmth, comfort, and joy.

Christmas decorating has never felt so fun – or so sentimental. If you’re hosting this year and want your table to feel classic, cosy, and infused with festive charm, these are the pieces to invest in. Layer vintage-inspired plates with modern glassware, tactile linens, and whimsical serving pieces to create a tablescape that is both stylish and inviting. Every setting tells a story, sparks conversation, and gives guests that heartwarming sense of holiday nostalgia.

Shop Nostalgic Christmas Tableware

For anyone hoping to make this festive season truly memorable, investing in nostalgic Christmas tableware is about more than just plates and tumblers. It’s a chance to curate a table that feels thoughtful, charming, and personal. By mixing and matching pieces with different patterns, textures, and colours, you can create a layered, lived-in look that feels effortless yet deliberate. Even a small selection of heirloom-inspired items can elevate your table setting, adding a touch of theatricality and festive delight for guests of all ages.

Step into Lauren Sullivan's home at any time of year, and it feels warm and welcoming – but over the holidays, that cozy, inviting sense is tenfold. Her transitional style effortlessly mixes her love of vintage with the more ‘modern European’ aesthetic she’s known for.

When we toured Lauren's Tennessee home back in the summer, we knew we would need to revisit this beautiful space for the holidays. Red ribbons add pops of color among the neutral scheme, luscious garlands adorn the mantels and staircases, and mini wreaths sit among family heirlooms. The home feels effortlessly festive, charming, and nostalgic, yet with a touch of elegance.

‘My approach to holiday decorating is rooted in nostalgia and simplicity,’ explains Lauren. ‘I like layering greenery, candlelight, and a single unifying detail to create a festive home that still feels calm and collected.’

Here, the founder of design studio Well x Design shares her five key holiday decorating tips for recreating her timeless scheme.

1. Choose One Signature Detail and Repeat It Throughout

'For me, it was red ribbon. Repeating a single detail throughout the house creates an immediate sense of cohesion. I carried the same rich red ribbon throughout – mixing satin and velvet for subtle variation – from the mantel and chandelier to the pass-through tree and even the greenhouse. It’s simple but impactful, and it keeps the decor feeling intentional rather than busy.'

2. Elevate the Everyday with Natural Greenery

'I love working with materials like foraged branches, dried citrus, or simple textiles—things that feel textural and grounded. Even something like a sculptural bowl of pinecones or chestnuts can nod to the season in a way that feels elegant and a bit unexpected. Fresh (or very natural-looking) greenery instantly softens architectural lines and adds dimension. I draped long cedar garlands across the mantel and staircase, and used smaller wreaths on dining chairs and shelves. The key is letting the greenery fall a bit naturally – not too stiff or perfect – so it brings movement and life into each room.'

3. Layer Lighting for Warmth and Atmosphere

'The foundation of our decor is warm, layered lighting: taper candles, tree lights, and soft interior fixtures working together. The Christmas tree in the entry sets the tone for the whole house – thousands of tiny lights create a glow you can see from almost every space. Candlelight on the dining table and mantel brings depth and gently draws the eye to smaller vignettes.'

4. Add Holiday Touches to Pieces You Already Love

'Instead of replacing a lot of decor, I prefer to accent what’s already there. A simple wreath on the range hood, ribbon tied to existing sconces, or a bit of greenery added to a favorite console or shelf. These small touches layer beautifully without overwhelming the space. They keep the holiday spirit present while still allowing the architecture and collected pieces to shine.'

5. Embrace Nostalgia in a Quiet, Intentional Way

'A timeless holiday look doesn’t rely on trends; it’s built on pieces that feel familiar and meaningful. Tree candles, classic greenery, red ribbons, and traditional silhouettes all nod to the past without feeling dated. I love creating moments that feel warm and nostalgic, but still edited and refined.'

Shop the Look

Lauren's tips are simple but effective, as all good Christmas decorating should be. Her approach is all about adding warmth, nostalgia, and effortless elegance to your holiday scheme, nothing too complicated, just a sprinkling of festivity that still works with the style of your home.

The secret to successful Christmas hosting is preparation, so choose dishes that need minimal last-minute work and schedule in some time a day or two before the party. This menu is ideal, and would easily serve eight.

Cook the ham in advance, so you only need to glaze it; if you have freezer space, make a clutch of baked alaskas the day before and keep frozen until needed; bake the Gorgonzola biscuits a few hours ahead, so they need only be topped with extra cheese and quince paste just before serving.

In fact, you’ll find that all of the recipes can be at least partly made in advance, so you’ll be free on the night to indulge in the sloe gin and pomegranate sparklers.

Gorgonzola Crackers with Quince Chutney and Chicory

A flavor-packed but light savory morsel is exactly what is needed as a Christmas day appetizer and these Gorgonzola Crackers with Quince Chutney and Chicory are the perfect bite-sized treats. You could serve them earlier as canapes or plate them up before the main meal.

Beet, Potato and Taleggio Gratin

This Beet, Potato and Taleggio Gratin is like three sides in one, incorporating your potato, seasonal beets and creamy indulgent cheese with crispy breadcrumbs on top. Serve up in generous scoops.

Spiced Red Cabbage with Warm Winter Spices, Juniper and Bay

A festive classic – everyone needs a go-to red cabbage recipe for Christmas, and this one with winter spices, red currant jelly, and red wine vinegar is a failsafe option, which can be prepped in advance.

Christmas Ham with Chilli and Marmalade Glaze

A Christmas ham is the centerpiece around which your Christmas meal is based and this marmalade and chilli glazed ham is a sticky, spicy showstopper. Plus it will make wonderful leftovers as cold cuts for Boxing Day.

Roast Carrot, Mushroom and Chestnut Puff Pies

Vegetarians can often be an afterthought but these Roast Carrot, Mushroom and Chestnut Puff Pies are so delicious that even the meat-eaters will want to try them – just be sure to make enough so there are plenty to go around.

Chocolate Cherry Bombe Alaskas

These decadent Chocolate Cherry Bombe Alaskas will bring real wow-factor to your Christmas Day menu, with a moist chocolate cake, cherry compote, and ice cream center, and soft, blow-torched meringue topping.

Sloe Gin Pomegranate Sparklers

For a festive twist on the classic bellini you can't beat these sloe gin cocktails. With Prosecco and pomegranate seeds they are such a gorgeous color and make a sparkling aperitif to kick off your Christmas day menu.

Welcome guests with this simple sloe gin cocktail; to be honest, any concoction with sparkling wine feels special. This recipe adds sloe gin and fresh pomegranates to Prosecco for a very seasonal tipple that's the perfect start to your Christmas day menu.

Sloe Gin Pomegranate Sparklers

Ingredients (makes 16 or 2 rounds for 8)

• 1 cup (250ml) sloe gin, chilled
• 1 cup (250ml) pomegranate juice, chilled
• 3 tbsp pomegranate arils/seeds
• 1 x 25oz (750 ml) bottle Prosecco or Champagne, chilled

Method

• Put a dash of sloe gin, a dash of pomegranate juice, and a few pomegranate arils into each of eight Champagne glasses (like these Nattie Champagne glasses from Crate & Barrel)
• Slowly top up with Prosecco or Champagne.
• Repeat for a second round.

For more of a winter warmer for Christmas Eve or later in the day, try this whiskey and spice hot toddy – it's a cozy and festive sip for a chilly afternoon.

Even if you have no intention of making these chocolate cherry bombe alaskas for your Christmas day menu (magnificent and surprisingly easy, though they are), don’t pass the chocolate cake base by. It’s such a light, fudgy cake, perfect with ice cream and chocolate sauce or iced as a birthday cake. If you can’t find morello or sour cherries in syrup, don’t worry, black will do.

Chocolate Cherry Bombe Alaskas

Ingredients

• For the cake
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup + 2 tbsp (60g) 70% cocoa powder (60g)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup (190g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (190g) packed dark brown sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup (125ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp chocolate extract or brandy
• 9 tbsp (125g) unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ tsp salt
• 8 scoops white chocolate or vanilla ice cream
• For the cherry compote
• 12 oz jar (340g) morello or sour cherries in syrup or 14 oz can (400g) black cherries in light syrup
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise with seeds scraped out
• For the meringue
• 4 egg whites
• ⅔ cup (140g) granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups (140g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp cocoa powder, for dusting

Method

• Pre-heat the oven to 375°F and line a 8 x 12 inch cake pan (like this Nordicware Aluminum cake pan from Amazon) with non-stick baking paper.
• Sift the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl (these Pyrex colored mixing bowls from Amazon have handy lids). Stir in the sugars, mixing everything together evenly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and chocolate extract or brandy together briefly.
• Place the cubed butter and salt in a saucepan with 1 cup (240ml) water. Set over a medium heat and remove the pan as soon as the water boils. Pour into the dry mixture and begin to stir in with a spatula or large metal spoon, pour in the egg mixture and fold everything together thoroughly.
• Pour into the tin and bake for 25–30 minutes, until risen and springy. Turn out and peel the paper away then leave to cool.
• Meanwhile, put the cherries and their syrup in a saucepan with the sugar and vanilla bean and seeds. Bring to the boil and simmer briskly, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes, until the liquid is thick and syrupy. Set aside to cool. Remove the vanilla bean.
• Pre-heat the oven to 430°F. Using a plain round cutter (these biscuit cutters from Amazon are ideal), stamp out 2 ½ inch diameter circles of cake (the remaining cake scraps can be frozen and defrosted to serve with ice cream when needed). Space the cake discs out on a baking tray and top each with a spoonful of cherry compote.
• Using an electric whisk (we like this KitchenAid Hand Whisk from Macy's) – handheld or free-standing – whip the egg whites, salt and granulated sugar together until holding stiff peaks. Sift the powdered sugar over and continue to whisk for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is very stiff and has a shine to it. Put a scoop of ice cream on top of each cherried cake disc. Using a palette knife (like these frosting cake knives from Amazon), smooth an even coating of meringue over each stack, right down to the baking sheet, making sure there are no gaps at all. The Alaskas can be frozen for up to 24 hours at this point and baked straight from the freezer.
• When you are ready to serve, put the Alaskas in the oven for about 3 minutes, until just browning on top. Alternatively, you can use a powerful blowtorch (like this mini kitchen blow torch from Amazon) to brown the meringue all over. Serve immediately, scooping them onto serving plates with a fish slice. Dust lightly with cocoa powder at the table using a small sieve.

For a different dessert option that's chocolate-free, try Clodagh McKenna's Butterscotch Mousse with Cardamon Biscuits, which is a beautifully creamy and lightly spiced dish.

Hosting Lessons Learned

It's the race to the end of the year, and I’m feeling it. I’ve put the garden in the North Fork to bed, the barn is shut down, and the countdown is on to days in the sun. It’s been freezing in New York, and this year I am heading back to my hometown, Sydney, Australia, for Christmas. It’s my annual voyage, and it always involves prepping to host a house full of people, a big seafood feast, a Kris Kringle present swap, Champagne with crackers and bon bons, possibly a swim in the ocean, some backyard cricket and, of course, a Christmas ham. I will likely make a massive Eton Mess for dessert, which I’ll get the kids to help me with (smashing meringues is very satisfying). And I will eat ham on toast the day after (and the day after that) with all the condiments.

This year, as my siblings and I were planning the holiday feast via group text, I realized we have, unconsciously developed a rhythm for entertaining with a house full of people over the years. Yes, there is still often chaos, but it feels semi-organized, thanks to a few unspoken habits we have developed, as a way to get through holiday hosting (or any hosting), in the most elegant way possible.

The Warmest of Welcomes

If people are staying overnight and coming in late the evening before, I’ll have some cheese and crackers, (I love Murray's Monthly Cheese Club for discovering new and interesting cheeses – a subscription makes a wonderful gift for food lovers, too), a charcuterie spread, or a soup on the stove. Something a little hearty if travel has been far. And obviously some delicious wine. Sometimes the quiet before the chaos is one of the loveliest moments with a smaller group before all arrive.

Room to Unwind

Good hosts know the magic is in the details, especially when it comes to where guests will be sleeping. My mum always has fresh flowers next to the guest bedside tables. Other simple but sometimes forgotten touches are guest towels in the bathroom, a beautifully made bed, space cleared to hang clothes (no one wants to ask for a hanger or fight for space amongst the old coats).

And especially for late-night arrivals and weary travellers, don’t forget a water carafe by the bedside (like this Joss & Main Delaria 2-Piece Carafe and Cup Set) and a lamp turned on at dusk or a candle lit to a lovely glow. Diptyque's Feu de Bois (Bloomingdale's) is perfect, as it has a warm and woody aroma that captures notes of smoky warmth with Lapsang Tea notes to create a unique, slightly mysterious scent that's lovely for cosy spaces.

Morning Meal for a Crowd

Breakfast is personal (Designer Bryan Graybill has some nice ideas for his breakfast ritual), and I use that as a way to treat it casually, especially on Christmas with a full house and a big dinner or activity that day. I set up a breakfast bar the night before in a spot slightly off to the side for people to help themselves: Coffee cups, plates, toaster, condiments, and a spot for pastries, bread, or bagels, and cut fresh fruit (in Australia this time of year it's mangos, cherries, and passionfruit). Sometimes I’ll add a bowl of boiled eggs, some ham, a jar of granola, and a note for where to find what (yogurt, milk, coffee, tea). Freshly heated croissants are always a treat and the easiest on Christmas day (I like Williams Sonoma's Croissants)

While breakfast is happening, I get the serving platters (I'm loving this ribbon serving tray from Atelier Saucier), glasses, and the other table business for dinner out. I may or may not have set the table before – that’s always a good job for the kids.

All-Day Snacking

After breakfast we begin our present-opening ceremony and I set out something moreish that will take us through the rest of the day til the main event: a platter of smoked salmon, sourdough bread, capers, lemon, horseradish sour cream and Champagne served on a silver tray (these decorative trays from Zara Home are ideal). It makes a great brunch, is easy to throw together, and carries everyone through to the main event later in the day. I also do this at any time of the year for weekend guests before we head out for other adventures.

The Big Feast

While our seafood menu of shrimp and oysters feels quintessentially Australian, I maintain it can be applied to any celebration, no matter the time of year or where. It looks dramatic and generous, and there is an ease to it that takes out some of the heavy cooking fuss. Of course, not everyone in the family loves seafood, so we include ham and some delicious sides (always roast or smashed potatoes, greens beans and possibly an Ottolenghi-inspired salad). Each item has its own platter and is placed down the center of the table for the full visual feast effect. What I like about serving seafood in this way is that it can be made in advance for the most part and can be as simple or as complex as we choose to make it. That said, in the cooler part of the hemisphere, where cozy really is called-for, roast beef is a great celebratory dish to prepare in advance, too.

The Group Comes Together

None of this can be done alone, of course, so together my siblings and I loosely decide in advance who is doing what. Someone is assigned to buy and shuck the oysters and de-vein the shrimp, I sometimes make an Italian style seafood salad and my brother might make Singapore Chilli crab. Each year we mix it up. I've cooked calamari on the the grill or in the pan just till it curls, then add a splash of good vinegar. I’ve made an octopus stew with red wine and potatoes, minted shrimp, mussels in white wine, tomato and saffron spiked with fennel. There is always a lot of sourdough with European butter. Salad and sides are divvied up closer to the time (my sister is very good at this), and last year my brother-in-law mastered margaritas, which managed to derail some of the master-cheffing going on. Shockingly, we almost forgot the oysters.

Sweets

For Christmas, it's often some kind of meringue recipe. Often a pavlova, though I've done a Torta di Verona – a rich gluttony of a dessert made with mascarpone, blue berries and Marsaka and Amaretto-soaked Pan d’Oro topped with sugared almonds. One year, we just bought drumstick icecreams – always a hit. And sometimes I will do my Killer Eton Mess served in the largest footed glass bowl I can find. I buy or make massive meringues and then have the kids help me assemble – each is given a job to crush meringues, whip cream or, for the littlest, layer on the strawberries and raspberries. The secret is to keep the meringue pieces large, make the raspberry coulis in advance (I’ve also used store-bought puree or curd) and serve with some lemon cream to cut through all that sweetness. It’s such a drama-queen of a dessert and perfect in its imperfection.

Killer Eton Mess (serves 10-12)

• Macerate the fruit: Slice 1½–2 lbs strawberries and toss with 3-4 tbsp sugar and 2-3 tbsp St-Germain. Set aside until juicy. Add ½ cup pomegranate seeds if using.
• Make the lemon cream: Whip 1¼ quarts heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and the juice of ½-1 lemon until stiff peaks form - taste as you go for the right balance.
• Break up 6–8 large meringues (homemade or store-bought), or use a pavlova broken into big, rugged pieces — you’ll need about 6–8 cups in total.
• In a large glass bowl, layer raspberry coulis, lemon cream, meringue pieces, and the macerated strawberries with their juices. Repeat to the top.
• Let it stand for 10 minutes so the meringue softens slightly, then serve generous spoonfuls straight from the bowl.

Hosting, Guesting & Gifting

The holidays sometimes involve more guest-ing than hosting for me – mainly because I am either flying back to Aus or having an orphan Christmas here in the US. Either way, I am often staying with family or friends vs. hosting myself. I love to host – I take pleasure in knowing people are happy and comfortable, setting the scene, adding the little touches to make it special. I love the anticipation of getting ready, but admit to feeling sometimes rather relieved (selfishly) to not be in the hot seat during the holidays. Because of this, I also take my role as a guest seriously, too. To be a good guest is a gift in itself (and gets you invited back). Obvious tips are; not overstaying your welcome, being the right kind of helpful, giving space to the host when needed and bringing something thoughtful and personal as a hostess gift.

Last-Minute Gifting

There are some people who give amazing gifts. They have a gift for the gift and plan it for months, manage to wrap it beautifully, and it's the most thoughtful and delightful moment. I am not that person. I love giving, and I love receiving (to the point my family hide mine up to the day under the tree), but it's usually a last-minute rush. My gifting love language is food. I either make it or find some gorgeous ingredient for ever-generous hosts.

That said, it's not for everyone, so make sure you know your host. I don’t think everyone appreciated my handmade pate or red wine-poached prunes last year. But if they do like to cook, a gorgeous bottle of extra virgin olive oil and a good Sherry vinegar are always appreciated (my go-to is Flamingo Estate's Olive Oil and Fuyu Persimmon Vinegar). When in doubt, a scented candle (Zara Home's set of scented candlestick candles makes me smile – it's so clever) or some lovely bathroom soap is always right (when in doubt, I always give Aesop and the Party in the Greenhouse set is a gorgeous gift).

Napkins, platters, and other table decor, is lovely, but make sure you feel confident with the recipient's taste (white linen napkins, like these embroidered linen cocktail napkins from Zara Home – I might buy them for myself, in fact) are the safest bet, and you can never have too many). Try to avoid flowers without a vase, wine (unless asked), or things they might feel they need to serve then and there. I try to keep it to something they can tuck away and enjoy themselves.

My Personal Selection of Gorgeous Gifts for Hosts & Guests

My recipe for at Eton Mess is the perfect allegory for how to be a good host over the holidays: I know it can be a lot of work to make everything seem effortless, and the holidays can often add another layer of pressure, so plan something that looks better broken and a little messy and have a bit of fun while you’re at it. Wherever you are in this world, may it be merry and bright. Happy Holidays to all and to all a good bite!

At Anna's Table is a biweekly column and modern guide to Savoir-Faire, in which Homes & Gardens' Editorial Director, Anna Last, shares a glimpse into the mindset of the moment, as well as what she's doing in her kitchen and bringing to the table with the best of the season's produce.

The placement of your Christmas tree is always a topic for debate, whether you opt for putting it by a window to twinkle out on the street, a cozy corner, or at the bottom of a sweeping staircase.

But as our Feng Shui pros reveal, there's one very specific place you should be placing your tree for wealth in 2026 – whether you're yet to buy, or will need to move yours. Here, they explain why this Feng Shui Christmas tree placement is so important.

Where to Put Your Christmas Tree for Wealth and Wellbeing in 2026

As Suzanne Butler from Harmonizing Energies Feng Shui explains, 'When people think Christmas tree placement, they’re usually worried about aesthetics, power points, or where the dog or cat can’t knock it over.'

But, in terms of Feng Shui, the tree isn't just about decorations. Instead, she highlights, 'It's an activation device for the festive season and the year ahead. Where you place that symbol of the season can either pour luck into your home, or quietly siphon it away.'

For that reason, the very best place to put your Christmas tree in 2025 is in the South and Southeast areas of your living room ideas, 'to pack a double punch going into 2026,' says Suzanne. But why, exactly?

Well, while this may seem unnecessary, or even a little extra, with a little know-how, it makes perfect sense. Most specifically, it's because in Feng Shui, the Southeast governs Wealth and Prosperity, which is why Feng Shui wealth corners exist.

'A Christmas tree is a powerful Wood element feature, and in this sector, Wood is the star of the show,' advises Suzanne. 'When you place your tree here, you’re essentially feeding the area that governs financial flow. Think of it as fertilising the “money corner” with sparkle, intention, and upward Wood energy.

'Bring more green and blue colours into this area to support the space, and keep the traditional red to a minimum,' when thinking up your Christmas tree ideas. 'It’s the ultimate sign of abundance with all the gifts you place below.'

It's not just wealth, either, as the South also relates to fame and reputation, meaning how visible you are in the world and the recognition you receive for your work, which you may know if you're clued up on Feng Shui energy mapping.

Max McKenzie, a double-qualified Feng Shui practitioner, member of the International Feng Shui Guild, and home healer at Yinteriors, adds, 'This area aligns with the Fire element, and Wood naturally feeds Fire. A tree placed here can help “fuel” that sense of being seen, appreciated, and rewarded – all of which can positively influence finances.'

As Suzanne says, 'Imagine being offered a new opportunity over the festive season, just because of where you placed your tree!' Here, she advises, you can also go mad with all the red decorations you may like, sticking to Feng Shui Christmas decorating rules, as it will support the area.

'Put simply: Placing your tree in the South or Southeast is like setting your home’s money engine to “turbo” while giving your reputation the equivalent of a red-carpet spotlight,' she continues.

Why You Should Avoid the North (No Matter How Cute It Looks There)

Feng Shui consultant Suzanne also has strong feelings about placing the tree in the North of your home. 'The North sector of a home is connected to the Water element, which governs career and life path,' she says. 'Water is powerful, but it’s picky about what you mix into it.

'Your Christmas tree is a strong Wood element. In the elemental cycle, Wood drains Water. Place your tree in the North, and you tip the balance into a conflict that can show up as:

• Money leaking instead of growing: 'This could look like the oven ceasing to work whilst you are cooking the duck fat potatoes' for your Christmas party recipes.
• Career setbacks or stagnation: 'A retrenchment on Christmas Eve is not ideal.'
• Feeling directionless or overwhelmed: 'A lack of desire to head back to the office on December 27.'

Essentially, warns Suzanne, 'It’s basically the Feng Shui equivalent of pouring soil into your swimming pool. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.'

And, more generally, adds Max, when it comes to keeping Feng Shui energy flowing in winter and creating good Feng Shui in your home, a large tree placed in the North of your living room can create a symbolic imbalance, potentially disrupting the smooth flow of career energy.

'In short, the North benefits from openness and movement,' she explains. 'Introducing a dense, heavy object like a Christmas tree can create a sense of obstruction in a place where flow is important.'

Why a Blocked Tree Makes for a Difficult Christmas

Even in the perfect gua, a poorly placed tree can change or sabotage the energy of your home, leaving you needing to fix your home's traffic flow, which becomes even more of an issue if your tree blocks walkways or doorways, and disrupts Qi.

This blocked Qi, Suzanne advises, can cause stress, irritability, stagnation, and unexpected delays or obstacles in life.

'Your tree should feel like an invitation, not an obstacle course,' she says. 'If you’re having to sidestep it like you’re dodging a startled reindeer, the Qi is definitely struggling, and no one wants to sit in the doorway to open their gifts.

'In essence, your tree will go where there is space, but there are plenty of things you can do to enhance your prosperity and luck for the season by way of decorating to support your home's natural energetic blueprint.'

It's also important to keep in mind, reassures Max, that a Christmas tree is only in place for a few weeks each year, so it's important not to worry if space limitations make it difficult, or impossible, to swerve the places you should always avoid putting a Christmas tree and position it perfectly.

'Enjoy your tree wherever it fits best, and simply restore balance once it comes down,' she says. 'If you want to intentionally boost good fortune for 2026, try a jade plant or three pieces of lucky bamboo in the Southeast to support prosperity, or red flowers in the South to strengthen confidence, recognition, and positive visibility.'

These, explains Max, are small touches that can help refresh the energy of your home long after the decorations are packed away come January.