Thank you Crate & Barrel for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Crate & Barrel, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.
I’m a longtime fan of Crate and Barrel. Over the years I’ve collected bakeware, cookware, serveware and small pieces that make everyday life easier and elevate holiday entertaining. When the opportunity came to work with them, I was excited—Crate and Barrel really is a go-to resource for hosting and seasonal styling.
Below I share practical entertaining tips, favorite products I reach for, and the kinds of recipes I’ll be serving at our annual holiday gathering. These ideas focus on simple, stylish presentation and food that’s easy to prepare ahead so you can spend more time with guests.
Start with cheese. A well-curated cheese board feels festive and requires very little hands-on time. Offer a mix of textures and flavors—two hard cheeses like Manchego and aged cheddar, and two soft options like a triple-cream brie and a blue. Surround the cheeses with crackers, toasted almonds, dried fruit or fresh fruit, and a few pieces of dark chocolate for balance. Using a dedicated cheese board, an acacia wedge server, or a simple platter turns it into an inviting focal point.
Appetizer plates and small bowls help guests sample lots of flavors. Choose a few ramekins or nosh bowls for dips, olives, and nuts. If you like serving individual desserts or small bites, tiny bowls or mini ramekins keep portions tidy and attractive.
Make a couple of signature cocktails ahead of time and chill them so guests can help themselves when they arrive. I’ll be serving a batch of Meyer lemon mojitos at our party this year, and I like to pour them into stemless glasses with a subtle holiday motif. Set out a small tray with garnishes—fresh citrus, mint sprigs, or cinnamon sticks—so guests can personalize their drinks.
Candles and small glass hurricanes add warmth and ambiance. Metallic accents like silver or gold votives bring a little sparkle without overwhelming the table. Simple seasonal details—an embroidered dish towel or a mistletoe-themed napkin—go a long way toward a festive look.
I love comfort food and vegetables, and I like pieces that move easily from oven to table. Everyday bakeware that looks good enough to serve from saves space and makes setup easier. For mains and sides I often prepare garlic-and-olive-oil sautéed green beans, a three-cheese mac and cheese, and rich scalloped potatoes. Cookware that doubles as serveware is efficient and attractive for family-style service.
Dessert is essential. I like to offer a mix of bars, cookies and small bites so guests can graze—chocolate chip pecan pie bars, brown butter toffee cookies, and dark chocolate-dipped shortbread are favorites. Cake stands and pretty platters are perfect for displaying sweets, and bakeware that doubles as a serving dish is practical when counter space is limited.
Small themed pieces—seasonal mugs, snowflake plates, or coasters—bring charm to the table and create a cohesive look without being overdone. If you find a collection you love, mixing everyday neutral pieces with one or two colorful holiday accents will feel both festive and timeless.
Finally, remember the hosting basics: prep as much as you can in advance, keep serving pieces accessible, and designate a drink station so guests can help themselves. Little touches—fresh herbs for garnish, neat labels for dishes that contain nuts or dairy, and warm mugs for hot cocoa or cider—make guests feel cared for.
I hope these tips help you plan a relaxed, beautiful holiday gathering. What are your go-to entertaining tricks? I’d love to hear them.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Crate and Barrel. Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Little Kitchen so I can continue sharing recipes and entertaining ideas. I only feature products I use and trust, and I share my honest opinions.