The holiday season will soon be upon us and after a year of social distancing those normally unwelcome house guests are sounding pretty festive right about now. And since so many of us took a year off from entertaining, we thought we’d round up some essentials as we enter the most hospitable time of the year. From the home décor you have to have to tips from the pros, we’ve got you covered for all things holiday entertaining.
Eats, Treats, & Sweets
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Bring the Food to You
Sometimes it’s best to leave the cooking to the experts. Enter the Chef’s Market Holiday Menu, which includes a la carte appetizers, entrées, side dishes, sweets, and packages that include the entire party packed and ready to go. Save time and ensure that your guests will clean their plates—which makes your life that much easier! chefsmarket.com
“When it comes to choosing types of food, so much is dictated by the style of the gathering. Want a causal mix-and- mingle? Consider passed appetizers or a grazing table guests can munch on as the mood strikes. Prefer a more formal affair? Course out your meal with consideration to what will complement your star entrée. Hoping to bring back nostalgia? Have a hot chocolate station available for kids and kids-at-heart to dress up the timeless winter beverage or make a dish with a story such as your grandmother’s favorite pineapple upside down cake recipe. If you’re taking on the food preparation yourself, select make-ahead dishes so that you can relax and enjoy your guests.” —Jim Hagy, co-owner, Chef ’s Market
A Very Goo Goo Holiday
Nothing says hospitality in Nashville like Goo Goos. The locally-created, locally-made treats are the perfect hostess gift and the perfect last bite with which to end an evening. And Premium Goo Goos are the way to make a sweet statement. The White Christmas Premium Goo Goo is a decadent 4-ounce confection filled with dark chocolate peppermint ganache, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and vanilla nougat all covered in a white chocolate candy shell. Or try the Night Before Christmas Premium Goo Goo, a dark chocolate version of the White Christmas Premium; it’s made with dark chocolate peppermint ganache, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and vanilla nougat in a rich dark chocolate shell (instead of white chocolate). Plus, both have a decadent crushed peppermint base. $11 each; googoo.com
Take the Cake
A decadent cake can make an evening. And nothing feels more decadent or more seasonal than an Original Caramel Cake from Dessert Designs by Leland. A sour cream pound cake with caramel icing, this delicious dessert is a showstopper and will have your guests begging for seconds. And thirds. Just ask the baker herself, who offers this tasty tip: “My favorite way to serve is to heat up a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds then add a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream.” —Leland Riggan. Mini, $7.50; Medium, $25; Large $45; dessertdesignsbyleland.com
Say Oui!
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or sampling some fabulous dessert pastries after dinner, this Confiture Parisienne: Macaron & Raspberry Preserve will elevate your experience. Handmade in the heart of Paris, this decadent jam is made the old-fashioned way (with zero chemicals) and delicately poured by hand into white enameled jars to avoid letting the light pass through. It’s an experience you have to taste to believe. $30, littlegourmand.us
Cocktail Party
Whether you’re looking for the perfect pour for your own guests or searching for a hostess gift to bring to someone else’s home, here are some fabulous and oh-so festive options.
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Whisper Creek Spiked Coffee
Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, a spirit brand of Pennington Distilling Company, has launched Whisper Creek Spiked Coffee cocktails. These canned beverages combine Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, a rich, creamy Liqueur made with Tennessee whiskey, with real cold brew coffee. A perfect boozy pick-me-up for guests and host alike. Starting at $12 for a 4-pack; tennesseesippingcream.com
Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs
Pop a bottle of this exclusive sparkling wine, crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise to celebrate the season with friends and family. $35; biltmoreshop.com/wine
Baileys Almande
Even the most discerning guest deserves a drink! Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan- friendly, Baileys Almande mixes classic Irish whiskey with almond and vanilla for a rich and decadent dessert cocktail everyone can enjoy. Pricing varies; baileys.com
Woodford Reserve
The perfectly balanced taste of this beloved Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is comprised of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes, making it an ideal spirit for even the most hard-to-please guest. Pricing varies; woodfordreserve.com
Hendrick’s Gin
You can’t go wrong with a classic. From Gimlets to G&Ts, Hendrick’s is the perfect base for a holiday spirit. $35; hendricksgin.com
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12
The Balvenie DoubleWood single malt whisky gains its distinctive character from being matured in two different wood types. Each stage lends different qualities to the resulting single malt whisky, which makes it an ideal option with which to stock your bar for guests with discerning palettes. $70; us.thebalvenie.com
Get Fresh
Setting the mood for a party is key, and floral arrangements are the best way to add a touch of beauty to your space. We asked Rose Hill Flowers for their tips on finding the perfect arrangement for any occasion.
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(4821 Trousdale Dr., 615-833-8555; rosehillflowers.com)
• Fresh pine. Accent any arrangement with fresh pine to instantly turn it into a perfect holiday piece.
• Incorporate succulents. You may not think of succulents as holiday plants, but we love how they add the perfect modern touch to any seasonal arrangement.
• Having a snow-capped arrangement adds a festive flair to your home.
Tray Chic
Presentation is everything, so we’ve rounded up some holiday party-ready serving pieces to make sure your soiree runs smoothly—and chicly.
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The Nutcracker
Add a little holiday whimsy to your table with this sweet serving platter. Maestro artisan, Gianluca Fabbro, recreates a Christmas classic with bright colors and a cheerful holiday design on the Nutcrackers Small Oval Platter. Corzine & Co., 4005 Hillsboro Pike #103, 615-385-0140; corzineco.com
Autumnal Glow
Create a bit of atmosphere (and a heavenly scent) with the Lux Fragrances Heirloom Pumpkin Collection—perfect for a cozy fall night in. Gracious Home, 1124 W McEwen Dr., Franklin, 615-612-0659; gracioushome.com
Toast of the Town
Say cheers to another year with these holly-decked Lenox Holiday Martini Glasses. $100 for a set of 4; lenox.com
“Do not feel obligated to use classic or traditional colors. Your thanksgiving table does not need to be brown and orange. Instead, pick a color palette that compliments your home or venue and add subtle nods to the holiday. Little white pumpkins, disco ball centerpieces, tartan napkins, bold place settings, whatever suits your style. Black at Thanksgiving? Go for it. Have fun with it!” —Lindsy Read, owner of Music City Events
Say Cheese
No party is complete without a charcuterie board and this Creative Co-op Mango Chevron Cutting Board brings some serious fall vibes—perfect for an autumnal bounty. $25, Bliss Home, 2711 8th Ave. S, 615-209-9388; blisshomefurniture.com
Evergreen Content
Pair these Green Forest Dinner Plates ($10 each) with their inversely designed salad plates ($8 each) for a holiday set that can last you all season long—and then some. crateandbarrel.com
12 Days of Plates
Serve up a song with these 12 Days of Christmas appetizer plates, complete with a stacking stand. They’re a perfect conversation starter and in case you’re looking to carol, an excellent lyrical cheat sheet. $60; crateandbarrel.com
Terrific Tablescapes
Create an elegant dining experience with the right table linens. We love these from Kim Seybert—they’re merry enough for the holiday season, but also a beautiful yearlong option. Gilded Channel Placemats, Cage Napkin Ring, Glam Bird Napkin Ring, Gracious Home, 1124 W McEwen Dr., Franklin, 615-612-0659; gracioushome.com