Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
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There are two types of people when it comes to holiday parties and family gatherings: those who despise hosting and will do anything they can to push the responsibility onto someone else, and those who consider Friendsgiving their own personal Super Bowl. I’ve noticed that people who fall into the latter category — you know, the same ones who get a little twinkle in their eye and seem to come alive when a random aunt asks them to host over the holidays for the third year in a row — have several things in common. Not only are they very organized and great in the kitchen, but they usually have a knack for interior design. Comfy furniture and unique home décor are the ultimate conversation starters, after all (especially if you’re a plus-one at a dinner party or visiting a new friend’s apartment for the first time).
So, in the spirit of holiday get-togethers, we rounded up the best home décor to display when you’re hosting. These are the items your friends and family will rave about, from quirky to interesting to just plain beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned host looking to elevate your space before the holidays or a first-timer vying for your mother-in-law’s approval, scroll on to shop the coolest home décor of the season.
What even is this, you ask? Well, it’s a pink shrimp cocktail coupe adorned with matching glass prawns and a handmade glass-blown shrimp ornament, of course! No party is complete without shrimp cocktail as an appetizer — and this set is by far the best way to serve it.
The Cut’s editorial assistant, Brooke LaMantia, has this multifunctional stand on her holiday wish list; use it to display your favorite books and magazines instead of just tossing them on a coffee table.
Yes, this a tabletop lighter shaped like an old-school Jell-O cake … with lobster tails inside of it. Underneath the “cake” you’ll find a built-in ashtray that’s heat resistant and ready to roll. It’s a must if you’re hosting a cannabis-friendly holiday party.
I love a tacky holiday-themed mug, don’t get me wrong. But if you want to serve coffee and tea in a vessel that feels much more elegant, add this mirrored cup that comes with a matching saucer and spoon to your cart.
It’s rare to see ceramic décor with pinches, folds, creases, and a cloudlike finish that looks soft to the touch. This cushion is not, of course, but the illusion is mesmerizing. Use it as a functional jewelry holder, or display it on your bookshelf, tabletop, or coffee table to evoke a sculptural, minimalist aesthetic.
“I love pulling out this colorful woodblock-print tablecloth from Thompson Street Studio and the matching napkins when we invite friends over or when I just want to feel extra-special having dinner on a regular weekday,” the Cut features writer Chantal Fernandez says of this linen-and-cotton-blend item. “My plates are plain white and they really pop against the blues, greens, and yellows.”
Why not dress up your wine bottle for holiday hosting and all the festivities that will ensue? She deserves it.
LaMantia also loves these Matilda Djerf–esque bowls. The bubble shape is quite charming, and the baby-blue color will make your table look so whimsical. “Everyone compliments them when they come over to eat,” she says. “They’re so fun.”
This affordable globe-shaped lamp will make your space feel warm and cozy. The Cut’s shopping writer, Chinea Rodriguez, says people are “always asking where it’s from” when they come to her apartment — especially since she keeps a color-changing lightbulb in it.
“We have a gumball machine in our home, and everyone who walks in comments on how fun it is,” says Cut fashion writer Danya Issawi. “It’s two-sided; one side is gumballs, and we might put cigarettes in the other.” So, basically, it’s functional, entertaining, and stylish.
You can tell a lot about a person by looking at their Christmas tree ornaments. If you want to convey luxury and good taste, this caviar tin is a good choice.
Imagine greeting your Friendsgiving guests with these gorgeous retro cocktail glasses, filled to the brim with extra-dirty-martini mix and blue-cheese-stuffed olives. Safe to say they would love you forever.
The Cut’s staff writer, Danielle Cohen, says her mom always breaks out this five-wick candle during the holidays. “It really hits you right in the face when you walk in, which is (usually) nice,” she says. The woodsy scent with notes of cedarwood, amber, and musk will set the mood for your holiday party, but the sheer size of the candle will be the real conversation starter. The emerald-green jar stands nine — yes, nine! — inches tall.
Lighten the mood of any holiday soirée or dinner party with these swirly spiral coasters made from protective and sturdy sand-cast aluminum.
Another incredibly chic homeware piece from Completed Works, this pearl-adorned vase will make your flowers look even more beautiful. And if you’re too busy to pick up a fresh bouquet, don’t worry, because it also looks great on its own.
If you volunteering to host family Thanksgiving during an election year, you’ll need all the help you can get. Start things off on a positive note by setting your table with these dessert plates that feature funny and sweet messages, like “Love you every day, love you every night.”
Your coatrack is probably the first thing people see when they walk through your front door, so make sure it’s up to par with the rest of your apartment. This black wave-shaped one, which is also available in light blue and ruby red, holds everything from keys and wallets to coats and umbrellas.
Rodriguez recommends this nifty phone-cleaning device to anyone who wants to impress guests (and avoid the spread of germs) at their holiday party. It sanitizes 99 percent of your phone’s surface in just 30 seconds.