Hosting during the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re working with a small dining room, a cozy breakfast nook, or a fully decorated hosting space, the magic always comes from the details — warm lighting, inviting textures, thoughtful place settings, and layers that feel timeless and nostalgic.
Here are my favorite holiday hosting tips to help you create a dining room that feels welcoming, beautiful, and totally stress-free.
Table of Contents
1. Start With Warm, Low Lighting
The quickest way to make your dining room feel festive and cozy is by adjusting the lighting. Instead of overheads, lean on:
- Lamps on sideboards or buffets
- Battery-operated taper candles
- A dimmed chandelier
- Soft accent lighting
Warm lighting instantly makes the whole evening feel intimate and elevated — even before the food hits the table.
2. Layer Your Table Textures
A beautiful holiday table doesn’t need to be complicated. I always start with simple, layered textures:
- A linen or cotton tablecloth
- A runner in a rich holiday color (burgundy, forest green, navy)
- Simple stoneware dishes
- Cloth napkins with a ribbon or ornament
This layered look feels nostalgic, collected, and effortlessly elegant — very “Home With Em” energy.
3. Add Natural Greenery
Fresh or faux greenery instantly brings life into the room. Try:
- A garland draped down the center of the table
- Small evergreen clippings tucked into napkin rings
- A bowl of citrus (clementines!) for a warm, old-world touch
Greenery fills the space without clutter and brings that classic Christmas warmth.
4. Keep Centerpieces Low and Simple
Guests should be able to see each other — especially when it’s a cozy gathering. I recommend:
- Low candles
- A short arrangement of greenery or florals
- Mini trees or brass bells scattered down the runner
Nothing too tall or fussy. Simple is so much more charming.
5. Mix Old and New
A dining room always feels warmest when the decor looks collected over time. Mix:
- Vintage candlesticks
- New stoneware
- Handmade place cards
- Heirloom glasses or thrifted finds
This creates a nostalgic, lived-in holiday style that feels personal and welcoming.
6. Add a Cozy Moment Outside the Table
Your dining room isn’t just the table — it’s the whole experience. Add:
- A small lamp on a sideboard
- A bowl of pinecones or ornaments
- A tray with mulled cider or hot cocoa
- A mini tree in the corner
These touches extend the atmosphere and make the room feel fully styled without clutter.
7. Prepare a No-Stress Table Ahead of Time
My biggest hosting tip: set the table the night before.
Lighting the candles and turning on soft music 20 minutes before guests arrive creates a calm, magical vibe that everyone feels as soon as they walk in.
8. Let Go of Perfection
Your home doesn’t need to look showroom-perfect to feel festive and inviting. A slightly wrinkled tablecloth, mismatched glasses, or uneven ribbon makes the room feel real, lived-in, and cozy.
Remember: hosting is about creating a warm atmosphere, not perfection.
Shop My Holiday Dining Room Picks
I’ve linked all of my favorite dining room hosting pieces in my LTK collection and Amazon Storefront — from stoneware sets to table runners, candlesticks, glassware, and seasonal greenery.
Browse everything below and build your own nostalgic, cozy holiday table.
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