Have a holiday dining event coming up at your Bay Area home? Get a head start on décor and setup with these 5 holiday dining room tips!
1. Make Ample Seating a Priority
Before we get to décor, lighting, hors d’oeuvres, etc., it’s crucial to think numbers.
How many guests do you expect at your event?
One of the best holiday dining room tips we can offer is to have a good handle on your guest count. There’s nothing worse than having to run to the basement or garage for more chairs at the last minute!
Generally speaking, typical households should have between 6 and 10 matching dining room chairs for the dining table. Beyond that, if your event includes an especially high number of guests, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a few comfortable benches.
Benches are more compact than chairs, look great at the table, and can comfortably sit two or more people each. Plus, when your event is over, you can use the benches to decorate other parts of your home.
2. Prepare a Self-Serve Buffet on a Credenza
Credenzas (or sideboards) are ideal for creating a buffet of hors d’oeuvres and drinks. This can be set up for guests to enjoy as they arrive. It gives them something to do. It also gives you time to finish any last-minute tasks you may have.
Here are the basic elements you’ll need for the credenza:
● 2 to 3 (or more) platters of hors d’oeuvres, each with the proper serving utensils
● Small plates
● Cocktail napkins
● Eating utensils, if necessary, for the hors d’oeuvres
● A selection of drinks
● Appropriate glassware for the drinks
“It’s all in the details” tip: For an even more fanciful setup at your credenza, spend a few moments making cute labels. Make one for each hors d’oeuvre and one for each drink that isn’t already labeled. A small piece of cardstock folded so that it stands on its own (and some good longhand skills) are all that’s needed.
3. Invest in Quality Lighting.
The holidays are the ideal time to tweak your dining room’s lighting. A cozy home lit with intimate lights will make your space the ideal holiday setting. We recommend several different strategies for mastering your dining room illumination:
Nix the Overhead Lights
They’re the brightest in the room and great for getting set up. Still, any ceiling light fixtures should be turned off when your event starts. Overhead illumination is simply too harsh and can be unflattering to your décor — and guests.
Invest in a Stunning Chandelier
Optimal dining room lighting comes from a central chandelier. Shopping for this piece can be especially fun. There are some absolutely exquisite chandeliers out there! Consider a simple drum or bowl chandelier, or stunning antler style or beaded options. Look for something that draws instant attention and matches your décor to perfection.
Add Lamps for Extra Light Sources
Lamps also provide cozier lighting than overhead lights. Additionally, they’re mobile, so you can place them where they make sense. A small lamp to light your hors d’oeuvres credenza, for example, is the perfect touch. Also consider floor lamps to light dark corners.
4. Create a pre-dinner cocktail space.
Here’s one of the best holiday dining room tips for dinner parties, specifically: Set up a space — either in your living room, kitchen, or dining room — where guests can mingle, sit, and sip before dinner.
As host or hostess, you don’t want guests sitting at (or lingering around) your dining table before the meal begins. This can make it difficult to put the final touches on your table. It also takes away from “the big reveal” of your dining space when the meal begins. In the same vein, you don’t want to be the scolding host or hostess who has to ask guests not to sit at or set things on your dining table before dinner.
So, instead, think ahead and set up a pre-dinner cocktail space. Depending on the layout of your home, this may be your living room, part of your open kitchen, or the other side of your dining room (if it’s large enough). You’ll want to include:
Seating: Choose comfortable sofas, loveseats chairs, and/or settees. If creating a new space, arrange them in a small semi-circle.
A place to set drinks and plates: A central coffee table or several small side or end tables will work well.
Lighting and décor: Finally, make sure the space is well-lit with small lamps and/or flameless or standard candles. Just be sure any open flames are safe and well-covered with decorative glass or metal holders.
Tip for Limited Space: When you don’t have much room for a full-size pre-dinner cocktail area, consider moving things up. In other words, set up a taller bar-style table and add a few stools around it. Your guests will have something to gather around. Some can sit, and others can stand and still have a place to set their drinks and plates.
5. Make small spaces look bigger with mirrors.
Speaking of limited space, did you know you can actually expand how large your dining room looks with mirrors? For small dining areas, Mirrors will also amp up the cozy factor by reflecting mirror, candle, and chandelier light.
For an added holiday effect, consider adding some twinkle lights embedded in garland around your mirrors. Or, simply use the lights and drop the garland if it’s not your style. Each tiny light will reflect itself in the mirror for a warm and lovely glow.
Find all Your Holiday Décor at Giorgi Brothers Furniture
Ready to get started planning your holiday event? Now’s the time to shop for exquisite dining room furniture, lighting, and décor. Since 1933, Giorgi Brothers Furniture in South San Francisco has been providing customers with top-quality furniture at excellent discount prices. We offer incredible options, including solid wood American Made furniture from brands such as Borkholder Furniture so you can dine in excellence.
Pick the best holiday dining room tips above that fit your needs, and stop into our showroom today to find your ideal event décor!