HOSTING Holidays FOR THE

Make your home an inviting space for family and friends to gather this season.

BEING THE HOST for a Christmas event is an opportunity to create an atmosphere and experience your loved ones won’t forget. In her new book, AHometoShare, author Leslie Saeta shares how she’s turned her home into a gathering-friendly space and offers tips on making your home a welcoming place for holiday get-togethers.

SEASONAL SAVES

Making your home special during the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive. “I am not the gal who spends lots of money on holiday décor or flowers for a dinner party,” writes Leslie. Instead, she looks for creative and cost-effective ways to add seasonal touches to her home, such as shopping for vintage dinnerware and ornaments. “Blending flea market finds with new pieces creates a welcoming, make-yourself-at-home atmosphere,” she writes. “I want my friends and family to know they shouldn’t panic if they spill something. In fact, my favorite décor advice is to find old and new pieces that complement each other.” Another way to save is to try your hand at DIY projects. Leslie made a wreath with pinecones and paint and crafted mini trees with wire and glass. “In fact, making one new holiday décor item each year to add to your collection is a lovely tradition to try,” she writes.

FAMILY FAVORITES

It’s important to decorate in a style you love. “A key question to ask yourself is, ‘What will make this room special, more livable and fun, and reflect who we are as a family?’” writes Leslie. That can be as simple as using a non-traditional Christmas color palette, like pink and gold or blue and silver. “Holidays and seasons are great times to change up accessories to update the room with color,” she writes. It doesn’t matter how big your house is. As long as it can host a few friends and family, you can make memories to cherish.

If you have the space, place a few Christmas trees in the dining room for a festive view while you dine with family. Leslie suggests removing dining chairs for any holiday gatherings to allow for walking space.

(above) Window wreaths and skinny trees create a Christmas wonderland in Leslie’s dining room without taking up too much space. Consider

Filling a large or small bowl with ornaments is a vintage ornaments with an old wood bowl.

home. Leslie collects old red and green glasses to display in a vintage cabinet.