Hosting This Holiday? Here’s How the Stylish Do It​

There’s something magnetic about the sound of clinking glasses and low laughter echoing through a home. The holidays have a way of drawing people together, whether it’s for an intimate dinner or a lively party that spills from the sofa to the balcony.

But how do the stylish do it? The ones whose homes look effortless, whose tables feel thoughtfully undone, whose guests never want to leave?

We asked a few of our favorite hosts to lift the curtain on their holiday hosting secrets. From modular furniture that adapts to the moment, to thoughtful styling choices that turn everyday spaces into welcoming hubs—here’s how they do it.

Effortless elegance: Katie Staple’s stress-free hosting philosophy

For Katie (@halfway_wholeistic), great hosting starts with ease. “My hosting style is all about creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where guests feel instantly at home,” she says. “I love a table that is beautiful yet functional with layers of texture, warm lighting, and plenty of room for everyone to gather.”

Her holiday hosting tip? “Prep ahead and let the space do the heavy lifting.” Thoughtful design choices, like the Bradley Extendable Dining Table, make entertaining look (and feel) effortless. 

“It’s perfect for the holidays,” Katie shares. “I can accommodate extra guests in seconds, and with performance fabric dining chairs, I never have to worry about spills or messes.”

Katie’s approach to hosting is as considered as it is calm. “I like to think of my home in zones,” she explains. “The dining area for sharing meals, the living space for cozy conversation, and the kitchen for grazing and cocktails.” This modular mindset keeps the energy flowing. With a flexible layout, guests can move naturally between spaces, which makes entertaining seamless and stress-free.

It’s proof that the best hosts don’t overcomplicate things. They plan ahead, design with purpose, and let their homes do what they do best: bring people together.

Hosting with heart and ease: Alina Peerzada’s entertaining style

For Alina Peerzada (@dressyourdecor), hosting is about balance between beauty and function, effort and ease. “My hosting style really depends on how many people I’m welcoming,” she says. “For smaller gatherings, I love serving plated dinners that feel personal. But when my guest list grows beyond seven, I switch to a buffet-style setup that keeps things relaxed.”

Her holiday hosting tip: to prepare in stages. “I set my table or map out my buffet the day before so the actual day is all about food and atmosphere. I also chop and prep ingredients ahead, which makes cooking smoother and far less stressful.”

Furniture plays a quiet but crucial role in her setup. “The Sloane Dining Table transitions from prep surface to dinner centerpiece, while the Sloane Sideboard hides extra serveware and doubles as a buffet,” she explains.

When it comes to style, Alina layers textures like marble trays, wooden boards, and glass accents to make every spread feel thoughtful yet effortless. “The best gatherings aren’t about perfection,” she adds. “They’re about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, and everything flows naturally.”

Intentional and welcoming: Inside Ella Victoria’s effortless hosting style

Ella Victoria’s (@ella_victoriaa) hosting style feels like a warm exhale. “I’d describe my hosting style as intentional and welcoming,” she says. “I love hosting around seasons and celebrations, bringing groups together, and making sure everyone feels comfortable while creating memories.”

For Ella and her husband, living in a two-bedroom apartment means every inch counts. Instead of forcing a dining table into their compact living room, they extended their entertaining space outdoors with the Rio Outdoor Dining Set. “It gives us more seating for guests when we host,” she shares. “It’s a practical solution for our limited space.”

Her secret weapon for seamless indoor-outdoor hosting? Organization and ambience. “I love setting the tone with a great playlist, making sure there’s plenty of food both inside and outside, and having games on hand so guests can relax and have fun,” she says. “For an evening gathering, I light candles and turn on lamps to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.”

When asked how she keeps guests moving naturally between spaces, Ella shares that spreading food and drinks across both areas is a good move to give people reason to wander. “Comfortable seating and good lighting do the rest,” she adds.

Intentional, yes—but always easygoing. The kind of hosting where nothing feels forced, and everything feels like home.

Coastal calm and connection: Alliera and Rebecca’s timeless take on holiday hosting

If Ella’s gatherings are about warmth, Alliera and Rebecca (@haausdesign) are all about flow. 

“Our hosting style is simple, effortless, and welcoming,” they say. “We love creating spaces that feel relaxed and inviting. The kind of setting where everyone instantly feels at home.”

Their homes blur the lines between inside and out. “Large sliding doors open straight from the living and dining areas onto the alfresco and balcony, so guests can move easily between spaces,” they explain. “We keep the same color palette: soft neutrals, natural woods, and coastal tones to make it feel like one continuous space.”

They picked the Jonathan Side Chaise Sofa to anchor the indoors, while the Sierra Outdoor Sofa Set brings the same laid-back elegance outside. “Being close to the ocean, we wanted furniture that could handle coastal conditions while still looking beautiful,” they note. “The Sierra range captures that coastal calm we love—light, airy, and timeless.”

Their holiday hosting secrets revolve around texture, tone, and tempo. “Layer natural materials like linen napkins, timber boards, ceramic platters, and add greenery from the garden,” they say. 

Because for Alliera and Rebecca, the best gatherings are the ones that breathe—relaxed, grounded, and quietly beautiful.

Small-space hosting done right: Hazel’s modular magic

For Hazel (@light.in.dwelling), hosting isn’t about scale, but it’s about connection. “I gravitate towards smaller, intimate gatherings where conversations flow easily and everyone feels truly seen,” she says. “During festive seasons, though, I love opening my doors to larger groups. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect.”

Her secret? Furniture that evolves with the moment. “The Jonathan Armless Sofa stood out because of its modularity,” she shares. “On quiet days, it’s a cozy two-seater with an ottoman. When I’m hosting, I can reconfigure it to make room for everyone.”

For compact homes, Hazel shares that it's a good idea to choose furniture that works harder: modular, multi-purpose, and flexible. Keep clutter minimal, and focus on thoughtful touches like layered lighting, cozy throws, and a beautifully set table.”

“Good food and meaningful conversations will always matter more than square footage,” she adds.

And in a world where bigger often means better, this feels like the kind of wisdom we could all use more of.

Keep it chill, keep it real: Daren’s relaxed holiday gatherings

For Daren (@thepantryboy), the holidays aren’t about elaborate menus or picture-perfect tablescapes. “Whenever I host, I do my best to keep it as casual and relaxed as possible,” he says. “Just good vibes and simple, delicious food.”

The Seb Extendable Dining Table is his holiday workhorse. “I love the simplicity of the extending mechanism and natural beauty of the wood,” he says. “It’s a timeless piece that fits in any home.”

His hosting tips for small spaces are unpretentious. “Build your space around furniture that serves multiple functions,” he says. “An extendable table and versatile chairs make all the difference.”

And when space runs out, Daren's advice is to have your guests squeeze a little. "The best meals and memories are the ones where people are forced to interact."

The result is a kind of hosting that doesn’t perform—it just exists. Real, delicious, and joyfully imperfect.

The art of hosting, lived beautifully

What ties these hosts together isn’t just an eye for design; it’s intention. Whether it’s Ella’s candlelit balcony dinners or Daren’s laid-back charm, they all understand one thing: great hosting is about how you make people feel.

In the end, holiday hosting isn’t about flawless décor or extravagant spreads. It’s about warmth, flow, and the small, thoughtful details that make guests want to stay a little longer.

And that, perhaps, is the true mark of stylish hosting. A way of living beautifully, sharing generously, and being remembered fondly long after the lights dim.