An Event Planner’s Guide to Holiday Hosting: Setting the Table, the Mood, and More

Below, Nashville-based event planner Amos Gott shares his essential tips for everything from table-setting and drink stations to choosing the right music, lighting, and scents (yes, scents!) to set the scene for an unforgettable gathering. Plus, learn to recreate two of Amos’s beautiful Christmas tablescape designs at home!

Table-Setting Tips

The holidays are not the time to reinvent yourself as Martha Stewart. It’s the time to make your table feel like the chicest guest at the party. Think of it as setting the stage for laughter, cocktails, and maybe a little gossip that will live on into the new year.

• Don’t be afraid of color. Jewel-toned napkins, bold glassware, or even patterned plates bring energy to the table. A pop of emerald or ruby feels festive without trying too hard.
• Layer your linens. A crisp cloth, paired with a runner or placemats, adds dimension. It is the tabletop equivalent of layering a blazer over a t-shirt.
• Mix your metals. Gold flatware with silver candlesticks? Absolutely. The holidays are the one time of year when mixing is not only allowed but encouraged.
• Centerpieces should be low. Guests want to see each other, not play peekaboo around a floral arrangement. Keep it lush but low, and let conversation be the tallest thing at the table.
• Glassware equals personality. Pull out the coupes, the colored goblets, or even mismatched wine glasses. It signals fun and keeps the mood from feeling too stiff.
• Place cards are underrated. They add polish and save your guests from the awkward shuffle of who sits where. Bonus points if they double as a keepsake.
• Serveware can sparkle. A platter of cookies looks infinitely more glamorous on a mirrored tray. Presentation is half the fun!

The trick is to make your table feel intentional without being intimidating. Guests should walk in and think This looks fabulous — not I’m afraid to touch anything. A table that invites people to linger, laugh, and refill their glasses is the ultimate holiday decor.

Holiday Tablescape Inspiration

‘Retro Wonderland’ Tablescape

If you have old-school holiday decor packed away, it’s time to bring it out and lean into the inherent whimsy of the season with bright colors, patterns, and textures. More is more.

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RECREATE THE LOOK

• Striped paper table runner from Hester & Cook ($32.95)
• Patterned paper placemats from Hester & Cook (not currently in stock; choose from other styles here)
• Red patterned plates from Walmart (not currently in stock; try this fun alternative set of four from Pottery Barn instead for $59.50)
• Red cloth napkins from Amos’s personal collection (similar set of 12 napkins available at Amazon for $15.55)
• Red water glasses from Amos’s personal collection (similar set of 12 glasses available at Amazon for $61.99)
• Ceramic Christmas trees from Amos’s personal collection (similar styles available at Wayfair and Walmart)
• White votive candles from Amos’s personal collection (similar set at Amazon for $41.99)
• Clear wine glasses and cutlery from Curated Events Nashville
• Greenery from Import Flowers Nashville

‘Au Naturel’ Rattan and Magnolia Tablescape

Few of us are blessed with weather mild enough to entertain outside this time of year, but this particular tablescape began with a single set of linens and serveware that transition beautifully through the seasons. From a summery palm tree tablescape, into a rich autumn-inspired theme, and finally into the Christmas-y table you see here, the possibilities are endless.

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RECREATE THE LOOK

• Patterned tablecloth from Pomegranate ($86 – $216)
• Patterned napkins from Pomegranate ($64 for a set of 4)
• Melamine dinner plates from Hostess & Home Nashville ($56 for set of 4)
• Poplar leaf napkin rings from Pomegranate ($36 for set of four)
• Poplar leaf placemats from Pomegranate ($124 for set of four)
• Rattan Christmas Trees from Target ($12 – $22)
• Green water glasses from Amos’s personal collection (similar glasses available at Target for $7.99 apiece)
• White votive candles from Amos’s personal collection (similar set at Amazon for $41.99)
• Clear wine glasses and cutlery from Curated Events Nashville
• Greenery from Import Flowers Nashville

Details That Make a Difference

• Music sets the mood. A playlist that starts with jazzy classics and builds into upbeat crowd‑pleasers keeps energy flowing. Think of your playlist as your invisible co‑host.
• Flow matters. Arrange the bar or drink station away from the kitchen so that your guests can circulate. A party feels livelier when people aren’t clustered into one corner.
• Small surprises delight. A tray of spiced nuts passed mid-evening or a late-night hot chocolate bar can make guests feel indulged.
• Lighting is hospitality. Candles, fairy lights, and dimmers create warmth. Bright overhead bulbs are the equivalent of fluorescent office lighting — no one wants that at Christmas.
• Scent is subtle magic. A simmer pot with citrus and cloves or a pine-scented candle makes the space feel festive without being overwhelming.
• Guest comfort is chic. Have extra throws or shawls on hand in case the evening runs long. It shows thoughtfulness and keeps the vibe cozy.
• End on a high note. Send guests home with a small treat, like cookies in a paper bag with a sprig of rosemary tied with ribbon. It’s a stylish way to extend the celebration.

Food and Beverage Tips

The table should feel abundant, the drinks should flow easily, and no one should leave debating whether to stop for fast food on the way home. If your playlist is your co-host, think of food and drinks as the rhythm section of your party … they keep the energy moving and make everything else feel effortless.

• A signature cocktail is a must. A cranberry spritz or pomegranate martini sets the tone. Guests love a drink that feels festive (and photogenic).
• Batch your beverages. Punch bowls and pitchers are great for offering batch cocktails, and they save you from playing bartender all night. Add a garnish bar so guests can dress their own drinks.
• Color on the plate. Lean into vibrant sides like roasted carrots, jewel‑toned beet salad, or even a platter of citrus. A rainbow of food looks as good as it tastes.
• Elevate the classics. Cheese boards become chic when you add unexpected elements like spiced nuts, honeycomb, or edible flowers.
• Sweet endings. A dessert spread feels more generous than a single plated option. Think cookies, truffles, and a cake that doubles as a centerpiece.
• Late‑night bite. Surprise guests with something cozy at the end of the night. Think mini grilled cheeses, sliders, or spiced popcorn. It keeps the energy going long after the main course has been served.
• Non‑alcoholic options matter. A sparkling mocktail or festive soda ensures everyone feels included.

The goal is not to overwhelm, but to delight. A thoughtful menu with a few clever touches makes guests feel indulged without making you feel chained to the kitchen.

Thank you, Amos! And another big thanks to Nashville interior designer Andrea Webb Powell of Webb Powell Designs for hosting us in her beautiful home for our tablescape photoshoot.

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