Holiday Entertaining - The Inspired Room

10 Stylish Items for Holiday Entertaining

Sponsored by Ross Dress for Less

Opening your home for holiday entertaining is a special way to celebrate the season (as we talked about yesterday!). While a good old fashioned sit down dinner is wonderful, a buffet table is really fun to put together and makes it easy to have as many guests as you’d like! Whether you prefer sit down dinners or buffet lines, make the experience more memorable by setting your table with style.

You know me, making things look pretty and feel festive for my guests is half the fun of hosting an event. I love to collect lovely things that can inspire the decor and can make even the most simple food feel like a gourmet feast. But because we don’t have a lot of storage, I try to mostly collect serving pieces that will work in more than one season or type of event.

If you are new to entertaining or just haven’t collected what you might need to set up a pretty holiday table, today I’m offering my own list of 10 holiday entertaining serving pieces I’d recommend. If you think entertaining with style will be expensive, think again! I certainly don’t believe you have to spend a fortune to set up a classy holiday party. In fact, I found all of the pieces I’ll share today for around $100 at our local Ross Store last week. I always find stylish on-trend pieces at Ross, saving 20-60% on the same brands carried in department stores.

So what types of pieces would make a holiday table more special?

Here is my list of 10 items I’d include on my holiday entertaining wish list:

1. Tiered server

2. Marble cheese board

3. Wood bread cutting / serving board

4. Salad bowl

5. Salad server utensils

6. Assorted large spoons, forks, and knives

7. Votive holders for ambience

8. Linens (napkins, tablecloths, table runner)

9. Appetizer tray

10. Tableware (plates, flatware and glasses)

Can you believe that for only about $100 at Ross you can make a holiday table feel this festive and pretty?

I found the items listed and featured today at my local Ross store last week! Check out the latest items and budget-friendly decor at your local Ross store (find a Ross store near you at RossStores.com) as well as check out their latest styles on Facebook and Instagram.

What are your favorite tips for setting up a festive ambience for a party?

Simply Inspired Holidays: Opening Your Home

I have always had so much fun opening my home for holiday parties. In my 4700 square foot house back in Portland, we had parties for over 100 people and there was plenty of room for everyone. We set up serving tables in many rooms and seating areas everywhere. In my little houses, we just squished together a bit more.

It’s not the size or shape of your house (or whatever else stands in your way) that will make your party a success, but the warmth you offer by opening your door.

Do you ever wish you were the ‘type of person’ who felt confident hosting little holiday get-togethers?

I’m not always feeling like that type of person, but I do try to make an effort to do it anyway. And it’s always fun (once I make the commitment!).

Simply Inspired Holidays: Opening Your Home photo from our Thanksgiving tablescape last year

Do you ever let insecurities or imperfection prevent you from extending hospitality and hosting friends?

Sometimes I just get out of the habit of hospitality. I get tired or busy or distracted by other things. I often have a long list of fears and 101 reasons to not invite people over, but when I press through and do it anyway, I’m always glad I did.

I encourage you this season to worry less about making mistakes or imperfection or what anyone else will think, and open up your home for even one small get-together of friends or neighbors!

Practice makes it even easier to say yes the next time.