A beautiful table sets the scene, but a successful holiday gathering depends just as much on how guests feel. For interior designer Brian Gluckstein, the most useful holiday hosting advice starts with consideration: help people feel comfortable, make conversation easy, and create an atmosphere that lets everyone settle in. A few thoughtful decisions can make the evening more enjoyable for guests and the host alike.
Start with a thoughtful welcome
Before planning the table, think about what guests need to know. Brian recommends including a dress code on the invitation and asking about dietary restrictions ahead of time. Both remove uncertainty and help you prepare an evening everyone can enjoy.
Once guests arrive, offer a welcome drink, including a non-alcoholic option, and introduce people who haven’t met. These small gestures help the gathering find its rhythm, especially when guests come from different parts of your life.
Set the table for conversation
Brian’s holiday hosting advice puts comfort at the centre of the table. Keep flowers low enough for guests to see one another, and leave room for glasses, serving dishes, and the meal itself. Candles bring warmth, while table linens establish a colour palette and help the setting feel cohesive.
Place cards are another favourite detail. They take the guesswork out of seating and give you a chance to bring together people who might enjoy getting to know one another. Separating couples can encourage new conversations, but the goal is always to help everyone feel at ease.
For a seasonal touch, run garland along the centre of the table and tuck in a few ornaments or berry sprigs. An ornament at each place setting can double as a small take-home gift. Choosing one with the guest in mind makes the gesture more personal.
Let lighting create the atmosphere
Lighting is one of Brian’s favourite ways to make a room feel welcoming. Dim overhead fixtures and bring in the softer glow of table lamps, candles, and string lights. The mix creates warmth while keeping the room comfortable for conversation.
A quiet seasonal playlist adds to the atmosphere without competing with it. In seating areas, a few textured pillows and throws invite guests to settle in. You don’t need to transform every room; concentrate on the spaces where people will gather.
Make a small space work comfortably
In a smaller home, Brian’s holiday hosting advice is to be selective about decorating. A pencil-style tree or tabletop version can bring in the season without taking over the room. A wreath on the inside of a door or a few ornaments on a mantel can feel festive without filling every surface.
A drinks station in the living or dining area can also free up the kitchen and give guests a place to help themselves. Keep it compact so it supports the gathering without interrupting movement through the room.
Give the evening a gentle rhythm
Brian likes to begin with drinks and hors d’oeuvres before moving into dinner. A loose sequence helps the evening feel organized while leaving room for conversation.
Throughout the gathering, introduce guests to one another and draw quieter people into the conversation. The host’s attention does more to create a welcoming atmosphere than another layer of decorations.
When the evening is winding down, a warm thank-you and holiday wishes help bring it to a natural close. Standing to see guests out is a simple way to signal the transition.
The thread running through Brian’s holiday hosting advice is consideration. A clear invitation, comfortable lighting, and thoughtful seating help guests relax, giving you more room to enjoy their company.
