Happy holiday season, cuties! We have officially entered November and I’m starting to feel the warm, nostalgic vibes I love so much this time of year. A few weeks ago, the KKH team and I transformed my living room and dining room into a holiday wonderland. The result? A perfectly festive apartment that feels gracious yet cozy, elegant yet unfussy.
Last month on The Kuotes, I wrote about the holiday decorating essentials I swear by to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in my NYC apartment. Today, I’m diving into all things holiday entertaining!
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At Kathy Kuo Home, we have an abundance of entertaining essentials perfect for your holiday tablescape, from classic ceramic dinnerware to the statement-making glassware to serving dishes that make hosting a breeze. And, of course, the decorative accents that add a little magic to your holiday table (probably my favorite part of all!)."I consider holiday hosting its own art form, and the perfect mini design project to inspire creativity."
Keep reading for my expert tips on designing a beautifully layered holiday tablescape your guests (and you) will love.
1. Tabletop Essentials, Layered to Your Heart’s Content
Every holiday table begins with the essentials. Dinner plates, flatware, and napkins are the key elements to every place setting, and I love layering from there: placemats, chargers, salad plates, napkin rings, and more. The holidays are the perfect time of year to use the fancy dishes that otherwise sit in your china cabinet all year long, or to buy a few new pieces to add to your collection.At Kathy Kuo Home, we added plenty of new treasures to our Holiday Entertaining lookbook for 2025. Some of my favorite pieces are Portuguese-crafted plates from Juliska. Their ceramic dinnerware feels classic and enduring, with the perfect amount of pattern that brings a hint of playfulness to any table. Seriously, how cute are these nature-inspired dishes, complete with a petite forest animal in the center of each plate? I can’t get enough."This year, I decked my table with silver-rimmed MATCH Pewter plates and gorgeous beaded placemats. I love the look of classic white dinnerware embellished with metallic details for a hint of sparkle."
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2. A Toast to Festive Glassware
No holiday celebration is complete without something sparkling in hand, be it a glass of Chablis or a beautifully mixed mocktail.This season, I styled my holiday table with exquisite goblet glasses from Juliska, each one hand-blown in Portugal and detailed with the brand’s signature berry-and-thread medallion. They bring such timeless charm and craftsmanship to any setting. As you plan your holiday tablescape, don’t forget the finishing touches for your home bar. Elegant bar tools, a sculptural ice bucket, and a few petite glass or silver bowls filled with fresh garnishes all help create an inviting, elevated atmosphere."Thoughtfully chosen glassware instantly elevates your entertaining experience, adding both polish and personality to the table."
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3. Seasonal Dishes, Served in Style
The secret to a truly memorable holiday menu? Beautiful serveware that feels as special as the meal itself. The right pieces can instantly elevate even the simplest spread. They transform every dish and drink into a moment of beauty and connection. Plus, keeping everything within reach encourages guests to linger, laugh, and help themselves to seconds (and thirds!) without ever leaving the table.A few favorite serving dishes include a Delft blue ceramic serving platter and tureen from Juliska, along with an Italian-made water pitcher and wine cooler from MATCH Pewter. Each piece feels storied, even if it was just bought (our secret!). It's heirloom-quality serveware, and you'll cherish the memories made around it for decades to come."For my 2025 holiday tablescape, I’ve layered in a few timeless treasures that bring a touch of heritage charm."
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4. Your Holiday Table, Dressed Beautifully
There’s nothing quite like setting a holiday tablescape that feels as special as the memories made around it. This is the moment to let your creativity shine and bring personality into your space through thoughtful, artful accents. I love starting with a beautiful tablecloth that instantly grounds the look—think of it as the canvas for your holiday masterpiece.
From there, layer in an artful floral arrangement to serve as the centerpiece. The exquisite bouquets you see here were designed with our friends at UrbanStems. We love their soft vintage hues and layered textures. Each bouquet adds immediate sophistication that is so effortless. I literally clicked and added to cart, and the box showed up to my door! So good for anyone who wants amazing floral arrangements but doesn't have the time!I love to fill my dining room with an abundance of tiered taper candles—because truly, there’s nothing more magical than sharing a meal bathed in a warm, flickering glow."And of course, no festive tablescape is complete without the romance of candlelight."
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Kathy Kuo Studio
Need design help? Kathy Kuo Studio is a full-service design firm working with clients in the United States and abroad. From warm, timeless interiors to serene outdoor retreats, our talented team of accredited designers creates spaces that feel like home, designed around how you live and what you love.
Schedule a free consultation, call (888) 908-3486, or email studio@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
