Here's How to Bring the Fun Back to the Adult Table This Christmas

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Joanna Buchanan's Maximalist Holiday Decor TipsJoanna Buchanan


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Calling all maximalists: It's time to bring back the fun to holiday dinner parties (and not just at the kids table!). We spoke to tablescape and decor business owner Joanna Buchanan to get the hosting tips that'll make your dinner party a night to remember. These easy hacks prioritize play and celebrating your guests' personalities in maximalist fashion. There are tons of Christmas trends to follow, Whether it's a holiday party with new friends or your chance to impress your in-laws, you won't hold back on the glitz and glam with Buchanan as the hosting expert.

"Just because you are throwing a dinner for the grown-ups doesn't mean you need to lose the fun and festiveness of the season," says Buchanan.

Mix and Match Classics

joanna buchanan decorating table
Joanna Buchanan

Of course, red and green decor are a classic color combination to create a merry atmosphere in your home, but the element of surprise will add all the drama you're looking for. "I love layering bright colors and unexpected, sophisticated patterns to create a lush tablescape. And in our world, animal print is a neutral, so of course, it's perfect for every occasion including Christmas," Buchanan explains. In need of ideas? Buchanan suggests choosing a tablecloth with a punch of color and pairing with red linens for an updated and chic tablescape.

If you're living in a small space, you can live out your magical fir tree dreams with mini trees for your table. Buchanan designed new ombre Capiz Christmas trees to add "instant" Christmas and depth to a table.

Upgrade Your Placecards

zodiac coasters
Joanna Buchanan

Show your guests how much thought you put into the seating arrangments with name cards that have a dazzling upgrade. "I want to do double duty with my gifting and table setting. I chose a Zodiac ornament for every guest's star sign and tied the ribbon around the napkin instead of a napkin ring," Buchanan shares. Not only will your guests feel so much love from your heartwarning intentions, but they will also have a memento of a lovely holiday night together for years to come.

If you don't love the idea of losing a napkin ring, Buchanan suggesting adding Zodiac coasters as a major "wow" factor at each setting. You will keep your precious table drink ring-free and your guest will have the most generous take-home gift. 'Tis the season!


Obsessed? Joanna Buchanan is offering All Access members 20% off!


Give Festive Party Favors

Sure, your family's eggnog recipe is a certified hit, but night only gets better with celebration crackers. Use Buchanan's luxury crackers to start the party with a pop or toast to a successful night. Christmas crackers are gifts wrapped in a tube-like shape and line with a confetti popping stick. Pull the tube apart and it will make a popping noise, and reveal the small gift. While they're easy to make, skip the DIY route for a sparkling surprise.

"Our glamorous take on the traditional British Christmas cracker, I designed every bit of these from our signature leaf-print paper to the glittering silver crown inside! Uber luxe, these crackers contain the most fantastic party favors inside," says Buchanan.

One of set of the cracked include a unique cocktails straw with a signature JB jeweled icon (lips, pineapple, stripey bee, moon, stars, and a heart!). Everyone can use their straw immediately and mark their glass! But if your guests don't know each other, create a game of scrabble to break the ice and allow the festivities to begin. Prepare to deck out your table this Christmas (or New Year) for a night filled with style, fun, and sweet memories. Plus, if you need an extra nudge to go big this season, Buchanan is offering an exclusive 20% to All Access Members. Happy shopping!


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