Transform Your Dining Room for the Perfect Holiday Gathering

The leaves are changing, animals are preparing for hibernation, and the weather is beginning to cool. It’s time for soup, cider, and celebration. It may feel like fall has just begun, but believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner.

You might also find yourself in the position of holiday host. Although it is a special delight to have family and friends gather in one place, it can also be a little stressful. But never fear! We have plenty of holiday hosting tips and tricks to ease the strain of guests on your household, and to ensure you have the most festive and fun holiday family gathering.

The heart of the holiday – and the home – is food. Think about the meals you share with family every year during this time. Which dish is the unspoken favorite? How many decades has that recipe been passed down? Food connects us all, and where we eat it is just as important as who we share it with. That means the dining room, the place where we gather to trade stories over a meal, is the backbone of the home.

What do you want your dining room to reflect? Maybe you’re looking for a space that triggers the sound of crunching leaves and the smell of freshly popped kettle corn. Or perhaps you would rather aim for something more “merry and bright”. Maybe you simply want something timeless, a space where your family will love to connect during any occasion for years to come. It can be a little intimidating to know where to begin. Let’s go through some ideas to get you thinking about your perfect dining space for hosting for the holidays.

Take a Seat

Let’s talk seating! During the holidays, the table is the mainstay. Many of us reserve the dining room for special occasions and may eat in the kitchen or living room during the week. But the dining room deserves just as much care and attention as the rest of your home.

Because you may not use your dining room every day, it’s possible you don’t have the seating arrangement necessary for a larger group of people. Consider a dining set like this one. It’s chic without sacrificing comfort. Or if you want something that stands out more, a 7-piece set like this one makes a statement without being overbearing. Still looking for more space? A table with a leaf will solve any capacity conundrums.

If you love your current table, and just need more spots to sit, think about adding a bench. This will let more people to squeeze in, with the added bonus of extra storage.

We think you’ll agree that the most important thing is making sure your guests are comfortable. Go for seating solutions that match your style and budget, but make sure they’re also meeting your holiday hosting needs.

You Are What You Eat (Off of)

Having extra mouths to feed means you also need additional dinnerware to serve mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Luckily, you don’t have to spring for expensive china to make an impact. You can achieve elegance and durability without breaking the bank. For instance, check out this 45-piece flatware set. It comes with every piece you need to serve guests, and plus, it’s affordable! Stainless steel is strong and easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about Cousin Marco accidentally bending your fork tongs, or Aunt Diane putting a knife in the dishwasher that should be washed by hand.

You’ve got flatware covered. What about dinnerware? This is where you can let your style sing. Go for something classic with this stoneware set, or choose something that feels a bit more upscale, like this porcelain set. Think about what your guests might be eating and how it will be served, as well as the space you have available for storage, and who will be stuck on dishes duty afterward. The right set of dinnerware helps to create a seamless experience.

Chic Storage – Buffets & Sideboards

Now that you have your new dinnerware situated, you may realize you don’t have a great place to store it. No worries! Buffets and sideboards are timeless options that have multiple uses. They are not only holiday essentials, but everyday essentials. They look great, they can be used for serving or displaying, and they offer extra storage that you might not otherwise have. Check out this accent cabinet. It’s simple, and it effortlessly elevates the rest of the room. Or if you want something that pops a little more, this colorful 4-door sideboard is a great option for you. There’s plenty of room for dishes, card decks, placemats, and more. These pieces will keep holiday hosting essentials within reach, so you can entertain your guests without needing to leave to dig through the storage room or closet. 

Décor & More

When thinking about planning a holiday party, do you have a specific ambience in mind? Small décor items and lighting choices can do a lot of heavy lifting in a room. Whether you’re going for bold and bedazzled or understated and classy, the smallest details can tie it all together.

Take this wreath set. Although wreaths are generally used as door décor, this set of 3 could be used to create the perfect tablescape. They’re pretty on their own, but they can also be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Next, let’s set the mood via lighting. Floor lamps are a simple way to elevate a room and create just the right atmosphere. This metal floor lamp, for example, has a gold finish that is reminiscent of holidays gone by. It stands out, but not so much that it’s the focal point of the whole space. Or if you want something simpler, check out this walnut floor lamp. Its classic look of brass and rich wood never goes out of style. In addition to a lamp, make sure you get lightbulbs that are just the right color to establish the feel you want.

Now you have the décor and lighting down pat, but you need that last missing puzzle piece. Snag an area rug! A rug can add an extra element of home to an otherwise bland room.