From YourHome.ca and Debbie Travis:

Collected ornaments, floating candles, holly sprigs and ribbon can add sparkle

Personalize your table with hand decorated votives.

The holiday season is ramping up, and although you sometimes wonder why you put yourself through all the frantic shopping and preparation, it really is worth the trouble.

This is the most giving time of year and for the most part, it brings out the best in people. Perhaps this is the year that you are going to host the family get-together for the first time. I know that feeling of panic well, the realization that you are in charge. I’ve hosted many a feast day and it does get easier with practice. And there is nothing like the feeling of pride and accomplishment you will experience when you look around your table and see all those happy faces. Here are a few ideas for making this year’s party your own.

Start with a bit of dreaming. Imagine what you’d get a wow out of if you were one of the guests. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Do some homework on decorating the table or mantel. Arrange a few ornaments that you have collected and small-framed photographs of holidays past along with holly sprigs, silver ribbon and glass bowls of floating candles for a centrepiece that sparkles with memories.

Personalize each place setting. Shown here is a simple idea I discovered in a new book, Party Basics for New Nesters, by Maria McBride (Harper Collins), which is sure to become a keepsake.

You can buy votive candle holders by the carton and they are easy to decorate. These are decorated with stickers or seals found at the craft shop, ribbon, grapevine, wallpaper trim and copper leaf.

Custom placemats can be cut from Ultra-suede, a durable synthetic fabric that looks and feels like real suede but is washable. It is easy to cut, no sewing is required, and you can stamp on a design or use a marker to write a name or short message.

Mix and match plates, glasses and stemware. It’s practical to have a set of white plates and if you don’t have enough, you can rent. But then add your own china to dress up the table.

Know your limits. If cooking for a crowd isn’t what you do best, then commandeer help. You can buy pretty much everything from easy-to-serve appetizers to a fully baked turkey and all the trimmings. There’s a lot of pressure to serve the exact same delicacies year after year on special feast days. But you can branch out. Learn to make one great signature dish.

Go for glamour and dazzle. Good lighting is a key ingredient to any party; it sets the mood and enhances your decor. Take advantage of this season of lights and add a few strands of fairy lights, lots of candles in safe containers, and glass and crystal for sparkle. Mirrors double the effect; serve drinks on a mirrored tray.

Make lists and prepare ahead. Most important, when the party starts, plan to be part of the action, not stuck in the kitchen.

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