2011 Must-Have Holiday Entertaining Essentials

Start with the Food

Food is often the centerpiece of holiday gatherings, and the right accessories can elevate your presentation. It's not just about having plates and cups adorned with seasonal motifs; consider these additional touches to make your table truly festive:

• Decorative Runners and Napkin Holders: Each holiday can have its own themed table runner and napkin holders. For example, a Thanksgiving table might feature autumn leaves, while a Christmas table could have holly and pine wreaths.
• Buffet Style Warming Trays: If you're hosting a serve-yourself event, warming trays can keep food at the perfect temperature.
• Tiered Serving Trays: These are excellent for maximizing space and presenting a variety of treats.
• Themed Serving Bowls: Imagine serving dips in a bowl shaped like Santa's hat or a pumpkin for Halloween.
• Holiday-Themed Napkin Holders: These not only save space but also add a festive touch.

Holiday entertaining accessories can be both affordable and impactful, whether you choose to buy or rent them.

Accessorizing the Main Dinner

Adding holiday-specific accessories to your dining table can significantly enhance the festive spirit. Here are some ideas:

• Centerpieces: A Hanukkah Menorah or candles surrounded by seasonal fruits or vegetables can serve as a beautiful centerpiece. For Thanksgiving, consider small pumpkins, and for Christmas, holly or pine cones.
• Place Card Holders: Santa cap place card holders or ornaments that hold name cards can add a fun and personalized touch to your table setting.

Holiday Accessories as Gifts

Creating a memorable experience for your guests can extend beyond the dinner table. Consider setting up a station by the door with goodbye gifts:

• Children's Treat Buckets: For Thanksgiving, small pumpkin-shaped buckets filled with treats can be a hit with kids.
• Festive Treat Holders: For Christmas, treat holders shaped like elf shoes or Santa's red pants can serve as delightful and inexpensive take-home gifts.

The Holiday Season Timeline

The holiday season is a busy time for entertaining, with major celebrations occurring in quick succession. From Halloween to New Year's Day, most families will host multiple gatherings. Here's a quick overview:

Interesting Stats

• Holiday Spending: In 2011, the average American planned to spend $704 on holiday gifts and festivities (National Retail Federation).
• Food Waste: Approximately 200 million pounds of turkey are thrown away during Thanksgiving each year (NRDC).
• Christmas Trees: Around 25-30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. annually (National Christmas Tree Association).

Conclusion

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to plan how you'll entertain and what accessories you'll need to make your celebrations unforgettable. From themed table settings to thoughtful goodbye gifts, these essentials will help you create a festive and memorable holiday experience for your guests.

For more tips on holiday entertaining, check out Martha Stewart's Holiday Guide and Better Homes & Gardens' Holiday Ideas.

This article is designed to help you prepare for the upcoming holiday season with style and ease. By incorporating these tips and accessories, you'll ensure your gatherings are both festive and memorable.