COLORFUL NEW YEAR

Learn how to bring the art of entertaining back for your celebrations in 2021.

SAFE GATHERINGS

Holliday has a few creative ideas for participating in entertaining celebrations during COVID-19. “This year, you’re going to see smaller gatherings. Outdoors when it can be,” she says. In many ways, the pandemic has made it even more important to curate an environment where people can genuinely connect with one another. “The art of entertaining and sitting around a table for hours has gone by the wayside a little too much. It’s my goal, with my blog, to help bring that back for people,” Holliday says.

WORLD OF COLOR

When it comes to welcoming in the new year, Holliday knows where to start. “I really believe that a new year is a time for a fresh start,” she says. “I would absolutely be thinking about fresh greenery, fresh flowers.”To combat the winter blues, Holliday highlights the importance of color and texture. “A new year is a time for reflection and hope. The color for hope is yellow—it’s bright and happy. I would use a lot of gold and sparkles.”

For this table, Holliday worked with several friends to create an inviting and cheerful atmosphere. “The inspiration for this table was actually the throw blanket, which is something most people wouldn’t think about using,” she says. “But it had all these wonderful bright textural components to it that just made it perfect to play off.”

PIGGY BANK TABLESCAPE

It’s important to note that tablescapes don’t have to break the bank. “A candle could be the price of a Starbucks,” Holliday says. “That’s why I’m so passionate about it, not only from the perspective of really trying to help bring back the art of entertaining, but for it not to be intimidating for people.”

Think outside the box for your tablescapes. The inspiration for this setting was a throw blanket,

which Holliday used as the tablecloth to set an anchor for

the colorful tablescape.

(above, left) Setting a table is a collaborative affair. For this table, Holliday partnered with Lory of To Have and To Host and Holly of Home with Holly J to set this fun and colorful tablescape. (above, middle) Holliday didn’t have to look far for centerpiece flowers—just the local grocery store. “We had a huge mix of fresh flowers in different sizes that creates what I would call a ‘happy table setting,’” she says.