The eggnog is in the fridge, the tree is trimmed and now it’s time to open the door to dozens of merrymaking holiday party guests.
Or… Maybe not.
The truth is, for many potential party-throwers, the idea of hosting a memorable night in December is as stress-inducing as a trip to the dentist’s chair. Even smaller soirees with a few friends can be nerve-racking. In one British study, 57 per cent of people said that throwing a dinner party was more stressful than their work commute, while a quarter said they’d rather sit through a job interview.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to create a fabulous holiday-ready home, no nail-biting required. Here are seven brilliant ideas tailor-made for entertaining in 2016.
Silver is back
Yes, maybe your best friend fills her home with apple and clove scented candles, fuzzy felted stockings and bowls full of pine cones, but if over-the-top Christmas is not your style, you’re in luck. While the traditional reds and greens are always in fashion, 2016 is all about sparkle. Think silver and gold, icy clear glass, and plenty of mirrors and candles. Tree ornaments like the Embossed Silvery Star, Shiny Branches Ornament and Filigree Tree Ornament are good examples.
This year’s new collection features items handcrafted from materials that are a good match for modern homes. It reflects contemporary design trends, says Alison Piel, Ten Thousand Villages Brand Marketing Manager. Metallics give the home a refined sparkle, but without the clutter.
“Christmas is a time to honour older traditions, but also make your own,” she explains.
A little sparkle goes a long way
It’s true. Unlike traditional Christmas décor that requires a lot of texture and layering, decorating with shimmer means putting out just a few well-chosen pieces that convey an air of tranquility.
For instance, the new Silver Frost Table Runner and some Highland Glass Stemware may be all you need to set a winter-worthy table. This year’s look is all about subtracting chaos, not adding to it.
What’s more, because every piece at Ten Thousand Villages is handcrafted, each one carries extra meaning, and should be a piece you’ll be able to use for years to come.
Renew and recycle looks
Still in love with last year’s Silver Snowflake Ornament or Glitter Foil Star Ornament? When setting up the house for guests and holiday entertaining, you don’t have to go out and buy everything brand new, as long as you stay within the right colour palette.
If you don’t have anything in your holiday box that fits the tone profile you’re aiming for, that’s okay. Go for the trendy “rustic chic” look instead. Match shimmery with greenery and wood, or place a few Golden Mosaic Trees beside a chair draped in the vintage throw you picked up last year.
The best news: Your wallet will thank you.
Let there be lights
The easiest way to get some bang for your holiday-entertaining buck? Light some candles and watch them glow. The Silver Star Hurricane Lanterns in multiple sizes add an instant dash of bold shine. Place them on a table set with our Mosaic Napkin Holders and the glow will bounce around the room. Perfect for anyone who celebrates solstice, winter entertaining or wants to add even more shine to their Hanukkah parties.
Party all winter long
Perhaps the greatest thing about decorating for the holidays with fair trade metallics is their versatility. Silver and gold do double duty for New Year’s Eve bashes too. Not to mention dinner parties all winter long. So stop daydreaming about your commute, or that job interview. Follow these tips and embrace the cheer of the season.