Need Ideas for Your Holiday Hostessing?

Following up on my out of the "holiday box" tips from last week's post, consider a few more unexpected details to spruce up your home or tabletop:

In addition to the mini souffles featured last week, I LOVE the idea of mini hot chocolates with marshmallows for a holiday gathering. Serve a tray with dessert or as an alternative to coffee for sipping by the fire—divine!  

Speaking of trays, add flair to yours by lining them with a favorite wrapping paper. It's a simple way to add color and carry through your holiday décor theme.  

Silver beads and raffia are easy-yet-elegant ways to dress up candles in glass cylinders. Use these throughout the house, or perhaps line a walkway outdoors for a pretty entrance to your party.  

We chose gorgeous octagonal copper medallions to use as place cards for one December dinner party. Guests took them home to hang on the Christmas tree as a reminder of a lovely evening. For the same winter dinner, we used gorgeous suede tablecloths and flowers in ivory, pale pinks, and peaches—a nice departure from the darker colors traditionally used for the holidays.