Guest Picks: 20 Items for Hosting Your 1st Christmas in Your Home

Hi, I'm Rebecca, the gal behind loving. living. small. {editors pick for InStyle's Best of the Web 2010} I believe that everyone should live their best selves no matter how small or big their home is. I love a good zig zag, white rooms, mirrored accents and my domino magazine collection.
Hi, I'm Rebecca, the gal behind loving. living. small. {editors pick for... More »
It's hard to believe that it's already holiday time. I've been enjoying the season, the music and the cooler weather. But there's one new twist for me this year: I am preparing to host my first holiday dinner as a newlywed, and it's for my husband's family. I am excited to get cooking and preparing my home for festive and fun times for my (new) family. Here are 20 items that I'd love to have as I host my first holiday dinner.
— Rebecca from Loving Living Small
modern candles and candle holders by Diptyque Paris
Epinette Large Indoor & Outdoor Candle / Spruce Tree - $275.00 »
My favorite candle line, Diptyque, is spruced up for the holiday season with a limited-edition collection. These beautifully packaged and fabulous-smelling candles will make any holiday affair even merrier.

Small tip: keep the glass jar and use tea lights once the original candle has been used.
eclectic dinnerware by Trohv
by Trohv »
Mouth Mugs »
Kitsch and the holidays? Yes, please! I love adding a little flavor whenever I entertain, and these incredible, sweet and well-designed ceramic mugs are perfect to make my family smile as they sip hot chocolate.
modern serveware by LEIF
by LEIF »
Batik Serving Utensil Set »
I love mixing and matching textures in my home, and my serving utensils are no exception. How cool are these wooden pieces with dipped ceramic edges? The pattern is completely sweet as well. Consider getting pieces with a bit of whimsy so that you and your guests will enjoy dinner even more.
eclectic dinnerware by C. Wonder
Horse and Buggy Rectangular Plate - $38.00 »
I am all about using furniture and home decor in ways different than intended, and this plate is the perfect example. Sure, a set of these would be lovely on a dinner table, but I see this as a tray for my jewelry or for displaying candles.
modern knives and chopping boards by West Elm
Acacia Slabs - $24.00 »
As a newlywed, I quickly realized that my kitchen was getting stocked with goodies to make home-cooked meals. Along with these items, a useful and gorgeous cutting board now graces my home. I'm loving this version that can be monogrammed, which would be extra sweet for a family gathering.
contemporary holiday decorations by Restoration Hardware
Starry String Lights - $15.00 »
I am a sucker for shiny things, and what better time to indulge in twinkle lights than the holidays?

Small space note: I actually place a few strings under my modern wood credenza in the main room to add some festive flare and to keep the eyes moving through the space.
modern serveware by Terrain
by Terrain »
Maple Dip Board - $118.00 »
I am always looking for unique ways to serve appetizers and goodies, and this maple dipping board is perfect. It's flawed edge is perfectly in touch with the rustic and simple style I crave. I think a trio of flavored sea salts with olive oil would work nicely here.
modern kitchen tools by Falcon Enamelware
Bake Set - GBP 54.99 »
Although I have a ton of new cooking tools, I am really a baker at heart. This set is completely cool and a great small space item — it stacks inside itself for easy storage. When not in use, I can see using these bowls in unique ways.
modern accessories and decor by Restoration Hardware
Vintage Bookshelf Monopoly - $69.00 »
After a fab dinner, it's time to get into a little game night action with the family. I am loving this modern Monopoly set. When not "passing GO," I can place the game on my bookshelf as an addition to my pretty collections.
modern storage and organization by Apolis Global Citizen
Los Angeles Market Bag - $68.00 »
As a new transplant to the East Coast, I am loving the seasonal weather. Yes, even the cooler weather feels good. Although I am enjoying it out here, I do like to keep a little West Coast vibe in my home, and this awesome tote is perfect to house my throws. I keep two in my living room for guests to enjoy when they want to cuddle up on the couch.
eclectic vases by Kelly Wearstler
Ball Vase - $1,125.00 »
Every holiday dinner table needs a fun centerpiece. This year, I think this vase will help me make a big splash. I absolutely love the gilded enamel tone, and the interesting facade adds texture and style.
modern holiday decorations by Le Papier Studio
Silhouette Ornament, Couple - $34.00 »
As newlyweds, I think this is a great home idea to celebrate holiday hosting duties. I see a tradition here, people!
eclectic serveware by The Pink Daisy
Swan Salt Cellar with 14kt Gold Accents & Spoon - $115.00 »
I love small details, and this gorgeous porcelain swan salt bowl is full of them. From the textured feathers to the tiny gold spoon, this is a great piece for the holiday dinner table.
modern serveware by Bloomingdale's
"Illustrated" Toast of the Town Footed Cake Plate - $60.00 »
Since I am a baker, there will have to be a homemade cake. I love this Kate Spade cake stand with watercolor artwork. It will not only showcase my yummy dessert, but also add some dimension to the dinner table.
contemporary dinnerware by Pedlars
by Pedlars »
Ice Cream Bowl and Spoon, Gold - GBP 7.95 »
How fun is this gilded gold ice cream bowl and spoon? Super whimsical and just fun, these little guys will make any guest smile as they scoop up dessert.
eclectic quilts by Heidi Merrick
Indian Quilt Floral Bedspread - $249.00 »
I will be hosting the holiday dinner with some overnight guests, and this gorgeous blanket is sure to add extra cheer in the bedroom.
contemporary pendant lighting by Weego Home
Woven Sphere Pendant - $245.00 »
Lighting is an important design element in any size space, and this pretty chandelier will definitely make an impact. I love pendant lights; they really let the design shine. Plus, any overhead lighting can create tone and style in a space.
modern barware by Wolfum
by Wolfum »
Kass Coaster Set - $35.00 »
Coasters are another hosting essential. Forget boring ones, and use the opportunity for your guests to rest their cocktails on pretty, painted, patterned ones. Have fun with these!
eclectic decals by Blik
by Blik »
Flamingo Decals by Studio Jan Habraken - $30.00 »
I love little surprises for my guests, and why not add a little flavor to the evening? My mother-in-law likes flamingos, and I think these wall decals would be a fun addition to, say, the bathroom. They will definitely add some fun and whimsy to the night.
modern accessories and decor by CB2
by CB2 »
The End Bookend - $14.95 »
I am totally digging these bookends and would use them on my credenza to balance some of the DVDs. I love watching a holiday movie after dinner, and selecting one is easy because they are on display.

Next: A Cozy Holiday Fete

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