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10 Holiday Hosting Tips for This Season

The holidays are here — and with them come the gatherings, the good food, the cozy nights, and (let’s be honest) the mild chaos of hosting. Whether you’re throwing a big family dinner or just having a few friends over, creating a warm, welcoming space doesn’t have to be stressful.

Here are 10 simple holiday hosting tips to help you make your home feel festive, cozy, and filled with that old-fashioned Christmas charm we all love.

1. Start with a Warm Welcome

Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. Add a primitive Christmas wreath, a cozy throw over a bench, or a flickering flameless candle in a rustic lantern. When guests walk in, you want them to instantly feel the warmth and comfort of the season.

2. Light Matters (A Lot!)

Nothing transforms a space like lighting. Soften overhead lights and add lanterns, candles, and twinkle lights for that cozy farmhouse glow. The best part? Our flameless candles with timers make it easy — just set them and let your home light itself every evening.

3. Create a Cozy Scent Story

The smell of cinnamon, pine, or baked cookies instantly feels like home. Light a holiday-scented candle or simmer a pot of water with oranges, cloves, and cranberries on the stove. Your guests will walk in and say, “It smells amazing in here!”

4. Keep Decor Simple (and Timeless)

Trends come and go, but a country Christmas look never goes out of style. Stick to natural elements like pine greenery, burlap ribbons, and wooden accents. Add a few red berries for a pop of color — and remember, simple is stunning.

5. Make the Table Special

Whether you’re hosting brunch or a full Christmas dinner, the table is where the magic happens. Layer a simple runner, add candles of different heights, and sprinkle in greenery or pinecones for texture. A primitive centerpiece or wooden tray from our shop makes a beautiful base.

6. Prep Ahead So You Can Enjoy the Party

Don’t spend the entire evening in the kitchen! Choose recipes you can make ahead — casseroles, slow cooker meals, or desserts that chill overnight. That way, when guests arrive, you’re relaxed, present, and actually enjoying your own event.

7. Add Personal Touches

It’s the little details that make guests feel special. Handwritten place cards, cloth napkins tied with twine, or a jar of homemade cocoa mix as a take-home treat go a long way. Small touches show thoughtfulness — not perfection.

8. Create Cozy Conversation Corners

Arrange your furniture to encourage connection. Pull chairs closer, add throw blankets to the couch, and toss a few pillows on the floor for extra seating. A cozy setup invites laughter, stories, and long talks by the fire.

9. Don’t Forget the Music

Set the mood with a soft holiday playlist. Whether you love Bing Crosby classics or acoustic Christmas covers, music adds that extra layer of comfort and joy. Keep it low and let it blend into the background like the scent of fresh pine.

10. Remember: It’s About the Feeling

Hosting isn’t about the perfect table or spotless kitchen — it’s about how people feel in your home. The warmth, the laughter, the memories being made. When your home feels cozy, inviting, and full of love, that’s what everyone remembers.

Final Thoughts

The best holiday gatherings are never about perfection — they’re about connection. So pour yourself a cup of cocoa, light a few candles, and enjoy the season.

And if you’re looking for those cozy farmhouse touches that make your home feel extra magical this year, check out our holiday collection at Red Fox Primitives — full of lanterns, flameless candles, wooden trays, and rustic Christmas decor that make hosting simple, beautiful, and timeless.