As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to prepare to gather loved ones around the table and express gratitude while eating hearty foods and savoring the cherished traditions that define the holiday season.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or a newbie to entertaining, holiday hosting can sometimes be overwhelming. Finding new ways to wow your family and friends with delicious food or perfectly designed tablescapes with nods to shared heritage — the research and planning can be endless.
Lucky for you, Biro & Sons has shared countless tips and ideas for making your holiday entertainment memorable. This year, we’re bringing you a curated collection of our best entertaining ideas, old and new, to help you easily navigate this festive season. Join us as we dive into the world of festive decor, delectable recipes, and the enduring value of family traditions — all the things that give Thanksgiving that special magic.
Essential Stress-Free Entertaining Tips
Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful if you do it right. As you prepare for your holiday gatherings, having a solid blueprint can make things a lot easier, from the decorations to the menu. Whether having a simple and small get-together, a large formal family Thanksgiving, or a “Friendsgiving,” planning the day requires careful attention to detail.
Make sure you set a budget before you do any other planning because that will dictate the menu and the decor. Even if you’re on a tighter budget, it can still be impressive. DIY decorations can be as beautiful as new ones and sometimes be more meaningful when placed next to family heirlooms and beautiful silverware. You can check out websites like Pinterest to help find good ideas and information on fun DIY projects you can do as a family. If you want to splurge a little, plan out what you need to buy for decor early so you’re not scrambling later.
The menu can also still be incredible on a budget. If you shop early enough and in bulk, you might find great deals on food items priced higher closer to the holidays. Asking your family what meals they like can help cut down on unnecessary purchases or spending money on a recipe that is just too complicated to make. NYT Cooking, Food Network, and YouTube all have great resources to make Thanksgiving dinner as complex or as simple as you want and for as many people as you wish. Sending out the invitations early also allows people to tell you what their potential allergies are so there are no surprises later.
Making a to-do list on the day of, with all of your activities in time-sensitive order, can help the evening go smoothly and minimize hiccups. Make sure to decorate early so that the mood is set when your guests enter the door. Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks, also. Whether asking a relative to bring a side dish or having someone help set the table, sharing responsibilities can ease your load and foster a collaborative spirit. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the time spent with family and friends. For more party planning tips, check out this blog.
Creating A Festive Atmosphere
Creating a festive atmosphere goes beyond decorations. It’s all about creating an immersive experience for your guests. Picking a color palette that reflects the season—rich reds, deep greens, and metallic accents like brass, copper, or silver can set a celebratory tone.
Soft, warm lighting can make a space even more cozy and inviting. String lights or small table lamps can give your room a magical glow. Candles are also a great option to achieve this, and if you buy scented ones, they add another layer of ambiance with sweet holiday scents.
Music is another essential part of a festive atmosphere. Anything from gentle piano to soft jazz can tie the whole theme together. This playlist by Vinyl Me Please on Spotify is great if you want to opt for a mix of fun, classic songs.
Pay attention to the importance of small details, like festive throw pillows and blankets in common areas to add comfort and a hot beverage station with hot chocolate, apple cider, and hot-buttered bourbon (recipe below) nearby to keep all of your guests toasty.
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The Art of Setting the Perfect Holiday Table
Your Thanksgiving table should be the star of the show in terms of decoration. The goal is to create a festive and welcoming space, setting the stage for the laughter, stories, and memories yet to be made.
Start by layering various textures and colors to add depth and visual interest. Use seasonal flowers, fruits, or foliage like pinecones or autumn leaves in metal bowls or vases to create a natural and festive centerpiece. Consider Incorporating candles of varying heights to create a dynamic display that complements it.
Use linens, such as tablecloths and napkins, that complement your overall theme, bring an inviting feel, and allow your holiday silver, good china, and exquisite glassware to shine.
A crisp white tablecloth provides a clean and elegant base for your table setting—especially if the decor in the room is a bit heavy. Rich pops of color like deep red, navy, or even terracotta can add elegant flair. Don’t feel afraid to mix and match colors, patterns, and metals for a more eclectic look.
Next, add your choice of dinnerware—ceramic, china, or porcelain—anything you desire. Incorporate your favorite metallic accents, such as silver or gold napkin rings, candlesticks, chargers, or other items that can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any tablescape.
Incorporating family heirlooms into your holiday tablescape adds a personal and sentimental touch. Imagine the gleam of your aunt’s silver candlesticks or a copper bowl that has seen generations of family gatherings. These pieces tell stories, spark conversations, and bring a sense of continuity and connection to your holiday celebration.
Find a prominent place to showcase your heirlooms during the holidays, like making it part of your centerpiece. Or create a tradition of using specific heirlooms yearly, such as a particular silver bowl for serving a family recipe. If you need more decorating help, our table-setting blog can help.
Holiday Silver Care Tips
Many people bring out their finest silverware for the holidays to complement an elegant and festive dining table. It could be your great-grandmother’s set or a set you purchased a few years ago, but it will require maintenance.
Caring correctly for your silverware can impact its look over time, so keeping a system for before and after use is essential. Use a soft cloth and a mild silver polish to give your silver a gentle shine well before use. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can scratch or damage the silver. You could even turn polishing into a pre-holiday ritual with family members, making it feel less like a chore and more like a festive tradition.
Handle your silver with care during and after each use. Rinse immediately after meals to prevent food particles from causing stains or corrosion. Do not put your silver in the dishwasher. Dry each piece thoroughly with a soft towel to prevent water spots and maintain shine.
When storing your silverware between uses, consider using anti-tarnish cloths or bags to protect it from the elements. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can accelerate tarnishing.
Finally, consider professional restoration services if your silver pieces have significant tarnish or damage. For more Thanksgiving silver care tips, check out this blog.
The Magic of Copper Cookware for the Holidays
Using copper cookware is more than just a cooking experience — it’s a way to bring a touch of elegance and history into your holiday celebrations.
Copper cookware has been a staple in kitchens for centuries, renowned for its distinctive look. Its visual appeal can make even a simple dish look gourmet. However, beyond its stunning appearance, this metal is prized for its exceptional heat conductivity and durability, ensuring even cooking and helping you achieve perfect results with every dish.
Caring for your cookware is vital to preserving its beauty and functionality. Dishwasher detergents can be too harsh for copper and could damage it, so always handwash your copper pots and pans using a soft cloth and an acidic solution like lemon juice, vinegar, or tomato paste.
Avoid using metal utensils when cooking with copper pots and pans, and try storing them in a dry place to prevent tarnish. If tarnish does appear, you can remove it using a commercial copper cleaning solution or a mixture of salt, flour, and lemon juice.
If you would like more information about copper cookware, check out this blog.
A Warm and Festive Cocktail
Now that you’ve reached the end of this guide, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting drink to enhance your holiday gatherings. Hot Buttered Bourbon can be a perfect addition to other festive beverages. This recipe, crafted by a former New York bartender, brings a touch of sophistication and coziness to your celebrations.
The Butter Mix:
½ cup of softened unsalted butter
½ cup of packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of salt,
¼ teaspoon of grated nutmeg,
¼ teaspoon of allspice
Combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, grated nutmeg, and allspice in a bowl with a fork until smooth.
The Spiced Syrup:
1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of water,
3 cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves
Simmer the brown sugar in water. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant. Strain out the spices and let the syrup cool. Transfer to a jar or container with a spout.
The Build:
Add 2 tablespoons of the butter mix and ½ oz of the spiced demerara syrup to a mug. Pour in 2 oz of bourbon and 4-5 oz of hot water. Stir until the butter mix is fully melted and the drink is well combined.
This drink can be made non-alcoholic with apple cider, tea, or a non-alcoholic bourbon like Kentucky 47.
Biro & Sons: Your Partner In Party Preparation
Let Biro & Sons help you create a truly memorable Thanksgiving celebration. Whether assisting you with holiday silver care or restoring your copper pans for cooking, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our expert restoration services can bring new life to your cherished heirlooms.