Casual Holiday Entertaining Tips

You'll be the hostess with the mostest thanks to these tips
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Pottery Barn. I received product and compensation for this post, however all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Jojotastic going.

When you live in a tiny apartment like me, holiday entertaining can feel daunting. I know the conundrum well: you want to invite over your favorite people for cocktails and small bites, but you feel limited by space. Today I partnered with Pottery Barn to share some casual entertaining tips for the perfect coffee table cocktail party.

casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn

Holiday Entertaining Tips I Love

To keep things casual, I chose to keep my gathering small and centered around my coffee table. I updated my sofa with a cozy faux sheepskin throw, then added some really sweet holiday pillows. I swapped out my vintage painting for a sparkly garland to make things extra festive, too.

casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn

When it comes to entertaining, two of my favorite elements are the twinkly glow of candles and fresh greenery and flowers. I created a casual centerpiece of sorts with two dramatic mercury glass pillar holders. I used natural twine to tie bits of wildflowers and berry branches onto the pillar holders for more of a bohemian vibe. I also filled a double old-fashioned glass with juniper branches — the smell of pine was so perfect! Also, don’t be afraid to pull inspiration from your kitchen. At the last minute, I decided to add a few pears for an unexpected garnish.

casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn

I covered my coffee table in a festive table runner and layered on plaid napkins for a pattern-full twist. I also added a bit more twinkle with star-shaped mercury glass votive holders. Don’t you just love the way mercury glass sparkles?

casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn
casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn

Another important party element? Booze! In this case, I served up some prosecco. I opted to use double old-fashioned glasses so my coffee table party felt more casual. To make the cut glass tumblers feel even more special, I used a bit of metallic ric rac to tie on a berried branch and deep burgundy flower. This is the perfect twist to make prosecco extra special.

casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn
casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn

The next part is the best — sit back, relax, and enjoy some sips with your guests!To host your own casual coffee table party, here are some of my top picks from Pottery Barn:

casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn

Of course, these two couldn’t help but get in on the festive action!

casual holiday entertaining tips  #PBwithatwist @potterybarn

Photography by Ashley Batz 

Behind The Blog

Joanna Hawley-McBride is a Pacific Northwest-based social media strategist, content creator, and former textile designer. Joanna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on Joanna’s work-in-progress cabin, finding the best pair of underwear through #UnderwearThesis, and empowering women to explore nature — all in her signature unfiltered style. Her work has been featured in Domino, CNBC, and Eating Well.

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3 Comments

  1. 12.15.14
    Nancy said:

    I love how you decorate! I want to come over for a chit chat and bubbly! :)

    • 12.17.14
      Joanna said:

      that would be lovely!

    • 11.17.17
      joanna said:

      thank you so much! that would be so much fun :)