Advice
By: Ally Gravemade
Your Christmas Hosting Checklist: Everything You Need for a Stress-Free Holiday Home
Your guide to effortless holiday hosting
Christmas hosting should feel joyful, welcoming and effortless — not overwhelming. Whether you're hosting a casual long lunch, a festive dinner party or a relaxed morning of gift-opening, the right preparation can transform your home into a space that feels calm, organised and beautifully curated. This season, we’ve created the ultimate Christmas hosting checklist to help you style, plan and entertain with complete ease.
1. Start With Your Dining Foundation
Your dining setup is the centre of holiday gatherings, so begin with the pieces that matter most. A sturdy dining table with generous surface space sets the tone for the entire day — our Mango Creek Extension Table is a perfect timeless choice when your guest list grows, and you need effortless flexibility.
Seating plays a huge role in how your home feels, so look for chairs that balance comfort with beautiful form. Styles like the Demi Dining Chair bring a refined, contemporary edge with soft cushioning that keeps guests relaxed through long lunches. If you prefer a gentler, more organic silhouette, the Malfa Dining Chair offers rounded curves and a warm, inviting presence that instantly softens the space.
Mixing textures — timber frames paired with upholstered seats — adds immediate depth and warmth to your dining area, creating a setting that feels thoughtful, elevated and ready for every festive moment.
2. Create an Effortless Tablescape
A beautiful tablescape is the quickest way to elevate your holiday hosting. Start with a neutral linen foundation like our Stripe Table Runner, a soft taupe essential that adds quiet texture and instantly grounds your setting. From there, build layers of warmth with ceramics and serveware — the Studio Latte Cup and pieces from the Francis Ceramic Collection bring a curated, handcrafted feel that pairs effortlessly with glassware and soft metallic accents.
To introduce depth and a modern Australian edge, incorporate sculptural statement pieces. The Gaia Footed Bowl, Uma Plinth, and Selma Vase add organic form and tactile interest, creating a beautifully balanced mix of curves, stone textures and natural tones. If you want to lean into the festive mood, our tealight collection — including the charming Deer Candle Holder and Christmas House Candle Holder — adds an inviting glow without overwhelming the table.
Centrepieces should remain simple yet impactful: a sculptural vase, a cluster of candles or a low arrangement of seasonal foliage. Keep everything at a conversational height so the setting feels relaxed, connected and effortlessly elevated — the way holiday dining should be.
3. Focus on Ambient Lighting
Lighting shapes the mood, especially during evening hosting. Warm, diffused light instantly shifts the atmosphere, creating a sense of calm as guests settle in. Instead of relying on harsh overhead light, bring softness into the room with layered lighting. Table lamps placed on consoles, buffets or sideboards help create a gentle glow, while a statement lamp like the Priya range — available in both floor and table options — adds sculptural warmth and elevates any corner with its refined presence.
Candles remain a Christmas essential. Mix pillar candles with tea lights to create a layered, flickering glow that feels intimate and festive without overwhelming the space. When combined with the ambient warmth of additional lamps, the effect is effortless: a welcoming, beautifully lit home that feels calm, considered and ready for holiday gatherings.
4. Prepare Your Living Space for Guests
Your living room becomes a natural gathering point, so ensure the space feels comfortable and welcoming. Start with soft furnishings: cushions, throws and textural rug layers add warmth and make the room feel lived-in.
If you're expecting guests throughout the day, consider the flow of your space. Side tables for resting drinks, a coffee table with curated décor, and ample seating all help keep everyone relaxed and engaged. Nest tables are also a great addition, giving you flexible extra surfaces when guests arrive.
5. Create a Welcoming — and Functional — First Impression
Set the tone from the moment guests arrive by styling your entryway with festive touches: a seasonal scent, a sculptural vase or a statement bowl on your console instantly signals warmth. Keep practical hosting essentials close by too — spare seating, extra glassware, napkins and coasters — and let a buffet or sideboard double as both storage and a serving zone to keep the day running smoothly.
Hosting at Christmas doesn’t need to be stressful. With a few thoughtful styling choices and practical touches, your home can feel warm, organised and beautifully festive. The goal is simple — create an environment where your guests feel comfortable, relaxed and truly welcomed. When your spaces are considered and the details are intentional, you can focus less on the logistics and more on the moments that matter. From shared meals to slow conversations and laughter that lingers long after the day ends, a well-prepared home becomes the backdrop for memories your family and friends will cherish. Ultimately, Christmas hosting isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating a space that feels easy, inviting and full of heart.
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