One of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual dinner party that my husband Adam and I host for friends the weekend before Christmas. It’s a tradition we all look forward to, and I cook up a feast—usually some version of my sweet and spicy glazed short ribs, pesto Parmesan potatoes, and my holiday jewels kale salad. We drink champagne by the fire and soak up one more great night of conversation before the year comes to a close.
It always reminds me how much I love hosting intimate dinner parties at home. Cozy nights with our closest friends around the table is my happy place, and sharing food and great conversation during this season forges deep connections.
As the founder of Casa Zuma, a home goods brand with beautiful pieces for the table, it comes as no surprise that I’m passionate about setting a holiday dinner table with place cards, greenery, and candlelight. Handmade ceramic dishes, wood serving boards, and recycled glassware from Casa Zuma always make an appearance, and this year, a stunning evergreen garland takes center stage. Read on for how I’m decking the halls for this year’s dinner party—including my tips on keeping it simple but special so you can enjoy the party as much as your guests!
Create a sense of Hygge
Throughout all of my design work, I’m inspired by the Danish concept of hygge, which describes a sense of coziness and comfort at home. Twinkling candlelight, natural materials, kraft paper gifts, and bowls of pinecones create this sense of warmth on the table, especially against a minimalist backdrop of textured neutrals. My inspiration for a tabletop usually starts with a single element, for this one it’s the evergreen branches and birch bark candles I’m using throughout the table create a Scandinavian woodland vibe.
Embrace imperfections
Throughout most of the year, I embrace the natural look of our unfinished teak dining table. But for a dinner party, I like to dress up the table with our linen table throw from Casa Zuma that doesn’t fully cover the table—it’s nice to let the beauty of the natural wood show a bit. Don’t stress about getting every last wrinkle out—the beauty of linen is that it’s casually rumpled.
Think beyond the floral centerpiece
My friend Elle Worsham owns Gracious Garlands, and her team creates the most beautiful evergreen garlands to hang on the mantel. This year, instead of a floral centerpiece, I’m laying one of the garlands simply down the center of the table. It adds lush texture and acts as a sort of “runner” that doesn’t block conversation the way that a taller floral centerpiece would. Plus, it lasts for weeks, which means that I get to enjoy it throughout the entire holiday season (not just on party night!)
Cast a warm glow
Candlelight is the quickest, most affordable way to give any gathering a magical glow.
When adding tall, sculptural elements like candlesticks to the table, I like to keep things a bit asymmetrical—and for added twinkle I’ll tuck a few votives in the greenery.
Raise a glass
I set this year’s holiday table with our Playa Dinnerware from Casa Zuma. I love that these handmade ceramic plates feel elevated for a dinner party, but they’re also rustic and durable enough to use every night for our casual weeknight dinners. I am not a fan of having “good china” that’s only used for special occasions—I prefer to enjoy my most beautiful things all year long.
A place for everyone
Taking a few minutes to handwrite simple place cards is one of those simple touches that really elevates a table and makes it feel special occasion-worthy. I used simple rectangles of recycled paper, handwrote each guest’s name, and then tucked in a sprig of cedar and a dried orange slice. Don’t worry about perfect penmanship—the imperfect nature of these cards is what makes them feel personal and special.