A House Sprucing Holiday: Designing Joyful Spaces for Christmas Hosting
The holiday season has a way of inviting us to slow down, open our doors, and gather with the people who bring meaning to our lives. As designers, we believe the magic of Christmas isn’t only in the décor you display—it’s in the way your home makes people feel. At House Sprucing, we design with heart, intention, and livable beauty in mind, and Christmas hosting is one of our favorite opportunities to bring all of that to life.
Whether you’re preparing for a lively Christmas morning brunch or a cozy candlelit dinner, here’s how we approach holiday hosting through a designer’s lens.
Start With Joyful Living at the Core
Joy looks different for every home—sometimes it’s warmth and simplicity, sometimes it’s sparkle and layers, and sometimes it’s creating a space where children can run freely without you worrying about a single thing.
Intentional design is about supporting the way you truly want to live during the holidays.
Want a calm, cozy season? Opt for soft textures, muted palettes, and warm minimalism.
Hosting large groups? Prioritize flow, flexible seating, and spaces that encourage conversation.
Love tradition? Bring out heirloom pieces, handmade ornaments, and collected décor with stories behind them.
Joyful living begins with honoring what brings you peace and energy—not what trends tell you to do.
Set the Stage With a Thoughtful Tablescape
The holiday table is often the heart of the home in December. As designers, tablescapes are one of our favorite ways to combine beauty and function with a personal touch.
Our House Sprucing Tablescape Tips:
Layer With Intention
Start with a foundation—this could be a linen runner or textured placemats.. Then build upward with natural greenery, candles, or a standout centerpiece.
Mix Textures for Warmth
Blend wood, glass, ceramic, and metal to create dimension. A tablescape instantly feels richer when the materials tell a story.
Use Natural Elements
Snipped cedar branches, dried oranges, pinecones, or seasonal fruits bring freshness and shape to a table in a way nothing manufactured can match.
Play With Height
Balance tall candlesticks with lower florals or garland. Height variation keeps the table visually engaging without blocking conversation.
Add a Personal Touch
Name cards, handwritten notes, or a small gift at each place setting make guests feel seen and celebrated.
A well-designed tablescape doesn’t have to be complicated—it simply needs to feel intentional and welcoming.
Create Holiday Moments Throughout the Home
Your Christmas design doesn’t need to be limited to the living room or main tree. We love creating small, thoughtful vignettes throughout a home:
A styled console with seasonal branches and a glowing candle
A coffee table layered with holiday books, beads, and a bowl of ornaments
A guest room with festive throws, fresh greenery, or peppermint treats
A kitchen island with a warm, simple arrangement for everyday cheer
These little moments bring joy to the everyday—not just on the big hosting days.
Choose Décor That Supports Your Home’s Natural Style
Holiday décor should feel like an elevated extension of your home, not a separate identity. When we design seasonal spaces, we consider:
What colors already live in your home
The architectural details we can highlight
The mood you want to create (cozy, elegant, playful, minimal?)
The textures you naturally gravitate toward
Your home’s year-round personality should guide your holiday style.
Design for Flow When Hosting
Beautiful design means nothing if the space doesn’t function during gatherings. When preparing for holiday hosting, we consider:
Clear pathways for serving and mingling
Seating arrangements that encourage conversation
Places for guests to put drinks and plates
Lighting that feels warm but not dim
Music that complements the mood
Hosting becomes far more enjoyable when your space works with you—not against you.
Host With Heart
At the end of the day, holiday design is about experience.
Not perfection.
Not pressure.
Not over-the-top decorating.
It’s about creating a home that invites joy—through comfort, beauty, and connection.
When guests walk through your door, they aren’t remembering whether your wrapping paper matched your ribbon. They’re remembering how your home made them feel.
From Our House Sprucing Family to Yours
We hope your home is filled with warmth, creativity, and moments of effortless joy this holiday season. May your Christmas gatherings be beautiful, intentional, and full of heart.
If you’re dreaming of a home refresh or planning next year’s seasonal styling, we’re always here to bring your vision to life.