Holly Jolly Holiday Entertaining

‘Tis the season for all things merry, bright, and joyful! After the challenges we’ve all faced this year, this holiday season calls for an extra dose of specialness. Maybe this meant that you decorated early? We sure did! To help round out the holiday festivities, we’ve gathered some of our favorite tips for holiday entertaining, table setting inspiration, and an easy recipe that pleases any crowd.

Our Holiday Tips

Utilize What You Already Have
If you feel like your wallet is already being stretched from all your gift shopping, fear not! If you read our Halloween or Thanksgiving blog, you know that we love to incorporate different elements from our home into decorations. Most of the time this involves antique silver or ribbon, but the sky’s the limit! Use this same principle when it comes to your holiday entertaining, and you’ll be all set to go.

Select a Theme
While it isn’t necessary, having a theme for your decorations certainly makes things easier. Whether it’s a color scheme, a certain concept, or something gathered from your inspiration, deciding on a theme can make the decorating process easier to tackle. As you’ll see in Designer Deb’s Christmas table setting, she used Scandinavian inspiration. With whimsical plates and added greenery and candles, the table is truly #NothingOrdinary.

Roasted Fennel Salad
This roasted fennel salad is always a crowd pleaser and couldn’t be any easier! Add it to your menu for one last dose of greens before indulging in the cookies. While this recipe is meant for only four people, it’s easy to multiple as needed.

Photo Courtesy of Tracy Anderson

Ingredients:

• 2-3 Tbsp of coconut oi
• 2-3 Fennel bulbs
• 2-3 Tbsp of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bed of arugula
• ½ can of quartered artichokes
• 2-3 Tbsp of lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp of dried thyme
• 1 Tbsp of dried basil
• 2-3 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat lightly with coconut oil.
   Wash and trim fennel bulbs, slicing vertically. Spread sliced fennel and artichokes across the baking sheet, and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then bake until the edges start to brown (30-35 minutes).
2. Remove from the oven, and slice thinner if desired.
3. Serve on a bed of arugula, and squeeze lemon juice on top. Add thyme, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Enjoy!

Deck The Halls
The best way to guarantee a positive party atmosphere is to create a space that feels special. With so many different ways to add holiday cheer to your rooms, experiment with what makes you happiest. Maybe you decide to mix different metals, colors, and materials? As long as it puts a smile on your face, you can do no wrong. For more holiday decorating tips, read our blog on cheerful decorations.

Table Setting Ideas

For more table setting ideas, follow Designer Deb’s blog, Deb V’s Designs and Home.

If you’re still on the hunt for last minute gifts, take a look at the Karr Bick approved gift guide.