Let’s Get your Party Started

Entertain some of these decorating ideas that’ll make your home festive for the holidays.

Feeling more humbug than ho-ho-ho at the thought of entertaining this holiday season? You actually don’t have to spend a lot of money or a lot of time on decorating your home to impress guests. You just need the know-how. “Sometimes the best décor comes from creativity—and items you already have,” says Jamie M. O’Donnell, owner of Jamie M. O’Donnell Event Planning & Design and Phoenix Event Group in Orlando (phoenixeventgroup.com). We rounded up some décor items that, along with O’Donnell’s suggestions, can help you get over the river, through the woods and onto stylish yet affordable holiday entertaining:
 

“The amaryllis is the new poinsettia—hang an amaryllis wreath (above) on your door to welcome guests or use it as a dining-room table centerpiece with a large pillar candle in the center. You can also dress up tables and buffets with a festive tealight candle centerpiece (below) to create an ambient holiday glow.”
18-inch Amaryllis Wreath, $79.95, and Glitter Ornament Tealight Centerpiece, $40, Pier 1 Imports, pier1.com
 

“Use dinnerware you already have and purchase more decorative serving sets, like holiday dessert shooters (below), that add some fun to your entertaining.”
Striped Platter Tasting Tray, 13-piece set, $16.96, Pier 1 Imports, pier1.com
 

“Festive table runners are a great way to dress up a solid-color tablecloth. A simple gold runner with beading can make your crystal sparkle, and a printed runner (left) can enhance livelier themes and add flair to cultural affairs.”
Josephine Gold Runner, $99.95, and Sabrina Runner, $54.95, Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com
 

“Cream and gold-rimmed plates provide the perfect foundation to build any holiday look, or they can play the supporting role to stunning red-jeweled stemware (below). The ideas and design combinations for the versatile pattern are endless year round.”
Amira Plates, $8.95 and $19.95, Crate & Barrel; Amber Luster Red-Jewel Stemware, $10-$12, Pier 1 Imports, pier1.com
 

QUICK TIP: Glass ball ornaments can be your best decorating friend. Pop them in place settings or fill large hurricanes for instant holiday décor.
 

“An embellished napkin ring can add a burst of color and texture. Fashion layered napkins of different colors with a beaded, bejeweled or sequined napkin ring to transform basic china into a glamorous place setting.”
Sequin Cuff Napkin Ring, $3.50, Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com
 

“A decorative pendant chandelier is a great way to accent a buffet table, bar area or empty corner. Hang a collection of holiday ornaments (above) or different-sized snowflakes, and repurpose the pendant the rest of the year with items like silk flowers or decorative butterflies.”
Ornament Chandelier (ornaments sold separately), $39.95, Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com
 

“Add a stylish yet functional furniture piece as an extra serving table or champagne butler. Pairing this swanky, mirrored accent table with crystal flutes and candles creates the ultimate holiday sparkle.”
Hayworth Accent Table, $249.95, Pier 1 Imports, pier1.com
 

“For a high-end look, stack books or boxes at different heights, then cover with table cloths to add dimension to holiday displays.”
—Jamie M. O’Donnell