Simple Tips to Make Holiday Gatherings Feel Extra Special

Holidays this year are looking a little different — gatherings have shrunk in size due to the pandemic, and we’re all trying to find creative ways to make this holiday season feel a bit like it has in the past. With some of our team members’ holiday plans cancelled this year due to Covid concerns, we’ve been spending extra time brainstorming ways to bring magic to smaller gatherings —that’s when we realized that the holidays aren’t about the quantity of people so much as they are about making the time you have with the people around you count.

On that note, we’ve gathered a list of things we plan to do this year to bring some extra cheer and festivity to our holiday plans. We hope that this can help you do the same, too!

Make Preparation Feel Like an Event

Whether you’re preparing your holiday meal alone or with some help, adding a few elements to this part of the day will help give it that extra oomph! If you’re prepping in the morning, pop some champagne for mimosas to sip while you chop and dice. If it’s later on in the day, throw together a simple charcuterie board with the essentials: assorted cheese, grapes, nuts and jams to snack on as you sip a red blend while getting ready for the meal. (It’s never too early for a glass of wine on a holiday!) We love Grater Goods in Jacksonville for all your charcuterie needs!

This probably goes without saying, but adding background music to any gathering, big or small, is essential to completing the mood. We love classical Jazz during dinner and Spotify’s “Christmas Hits” playlist for prep and post-meal time! Music keeps the room feeling full (even if it’s basically empty) and has the power to uplift our spirits even in a time when we’re missing loved ones.

Set the Table

A fresh tablescape is enough to elevate even the simplest meal with a tiny guest list. Break out the china and that butter dish you never use, set out the taper candles, and dress the table to make it feel like a special event. One of our favorite tips for adding depth and life to a table setting is to include a table runner that’s topped with fresh, seasonal greenery or garland from the farmers market. We also love to add fresh flowers whenever possible to take the look to the next level. If you’re located near the Jacksonville, FL area, check out St. Johns Flower Market! They always have gorgeous bouquets that instantly liven up any room.

Plan for After Dinner

After the plates are cleared, you’ll want to have a place to move that is geared towards relaxation and cozying up. Pick up some scented candles (we love The Write Touch for all things homey and Jipse Candles to set the mood), grab a board game or deck of cards, or queue up a Zoom call to connect with loved ones who weren’t able to meet in person, and snuggle up with blankets as you spend some quality time together. If you’re not into games and just want to relax, make some hot cocoa and turn on a holiday movie! Or if you’re a modern millennial, you’ll probably spend your after-dinner hours strategizing for your Black Friday buys!

All in all, we hope these simple tips will help make your 2020 holiday feel a bit more like...2019! It’s funny because it’s true ;)

Happy holidays, everyone! We wish you and your families peace and relaxation this coming weekend.