Courtesy of QuinceCelebrity event planner Mindy Weiss knows how to make a holiday gathering feel luxurious without an over-the-top budget. From candlelit tablescapes and cozy living rooms to guest rooms that rival a boutique hotel, her approach to entertaining comes down to thoughtful details that make people feel welcome.
Having worked with celebrity clients including Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Jordyn Woods, and Karl-Anthony Towns, Weiss understands that memorable celebrations are about more than beautiful decor.
- Mindy’s table pick: European Linen Napkins, Set of 4
- Mindy’s living room pick: Sierra Curved Arm Sofa in Performance Velvet
- Mindy’s bedroom pick: Alpaca Boucle Throw
It’s the personal touches, unexpected accents, and comfortable spaces that make guests want to linger. In collaboration with Quince’s The Well-Hosted Home edit, she shares her holiday hosting essentials, including where to invest, what to keep simple, and the finishing touches that can instantly elevate your space.
Whether you’re planning an intimate holiday dinner or feeding a festive crowd, her advice makes it easier to create a home that feels polished, warm, and ready to celebrate the season.
The Three Essentials Every Holiday Host Needs
A memorable holiday table doesn’t require a perfectly coordinated collection of dinnerware or an elaborate centerpiece. According to Weiss, it comes down to a few thoughtful elements that make the experience feel special and uniquely yours.
“I always want the table to tell a little story about the people sitting around it,” she says. “That could be a beautiful place card, a family heirloom, a favorite flower, or even a little treat at each place setting.” Her advice is to embrace an eclectic mix rather than worry about everything matching.
Round Serving Platter by East Fork
Hand-finished by artisans in North Carolina by East Fork, the Serving Platter is a striking piece of serveware designed to enhance the presentation of your culinary creations. Crafted from regionally-sourced clay from the American Southeast, this durable stoneware serving bowl is a timeless piece that will complement any table setting.
European Linen Napkins, Set of 4
Expertly crafted from the finest European flax, these linen napkins are equally soft and functional. The classic design and texture makes these napkins well suited for formal gatherings or casual nights at home.
Matte Coupe Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
Made for every meal, not just the special ones. Crafted from durable stoneware, this 16-piece dinnerware set brings a relaxed, elevated feel to the table with softly rounded silhouettes and a warm white, speckled glaze. Natural iron in the glaze creates subtle variations in speckling during firing, adding depth and character to the clean, timeless design.
How to Make Your Living Room Feel Cozy and Inviting
When it comes to welcoming holiday guests, comfort is just as important as aesthetics. Soft throws, plush pillows, candlelight, fresh flowers, and seasonal greenery can instantly make a living room feel more inviting, while thoughtful serving pieces and beautiful linens bring an elevated touch to the festivities.
“Introduce pieces that make people want to stay a while longer,” Weiss says. “I also love having plenty of comfortable seating because the best parties are the ones where people can really settle in and talk.”
Sierra Curved Arm Sofa in Performance Velvet
This sofa features subtly sculptural tapered arms and a gracefully curved interior. Upholstered in plush yet durable performance velvet, it features generous frame proportions and soft yet supportive cushions. Expertly handcrafted in Los Angeles using premium materials sourced from around the world, Sierra offers the perfect blend of style and comfort.
Cotton Velvet Stocking
Add a touch of luxury to your holiday decor with this cotton velvet stocking. Made from soft and plush cotton velvet, this stocking is perfect for hanging by the fireplace or on your staircase. The classic design and rich color make it a timeless addition to your Christmas decorations. Fill it with treats and small gifts for a loved one, or simply display it as a festive accent in your home to make this holiday season extra special.
Alpaca Boucle Throw
The Alpaca Boucle Throw offers the perfect balance of texture and softness, crafted from alpaca fibers. This is for those who appreciate natural fiber character and rich texture. It’s perfect for snuggling on the couch, draping over a chair, and keeping you comfortable in both warm and cool weather.
The Quickest Way to Give Your Guest Room a Luxury Hotel Feel
Hosting overnight guests? You don’t need to completely redesign your spare room to make it feel special. Weiss recommends starting with beautiful bedding, then layering in a great throw, extra pillows, plush towels, and a subtle, welcoming scent. “I always think about the little things that a guest might need before they have to ask,” she says.
Bois de Santal 7-Wick Luxury Candle
A fire ignites. Bois de Santal is the scent of rugged freedom—sandalwood smoldering under the surface, leather warmed by firelight, an intoxicating blend of iris, cardamom, and musk. Woody notes lingering long after the embers fade.
The Finishing Touches That Make a Holiday Table Shine
Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest impression. For Weiss, candles are a holiday hosting staple, especially when arranged in varying heights and finishes.
Add a little greenery, a beautiful ribbon, seasonal fruit, or a petite floral arrangement to give the table a festive finishing touch. “I’m not afraid to mix styles, colors, and finishes,” she says. “Sometimes the smallest detail is what guests remember.”
Brass Candlestick Holders (Set of 3)
Illuminate your home with this set of 3 brass candlestick holders. Inspired by vintage designs and updated with a classic, polished brass finish, these candlestick holders make a statement placed individually on your table or mantle and clustered as a set.
The Quince Pieces Mindy Weiss Recommends for Holiday Hosting
For a holiday home that feels elevated without being overly formal, Weiss gravitates toward versatile pieces that can be used well beyond the season.
Among her favorites from Quince’s The Well-Hosted Home edit are the Draping Real Touch Norfolk Pine Garland, European Linen Wide-Hem Napkins, and Handcrafted Fluted Marble Wine Chiller.
Draping Real Touch Norfolk Pine Garland
This 8-foot garland features handcrafted, lifelike foliage that looks and feels just like the real thing. Perfect for the holiday season, it can be elegantly draped over mantels, staircase banisters, console tables, or used to create a festive centerpiece on your dining table or doorway.
Handcrafted Fluted Marble Wine Chiller
Keep your favorite bottle cool for up to 2 hours with this handcrafted marble chiller. A sculptural fluted silhouette highlights the natural beauty and unique variation of the stone, making it an elevated addition to any table. Designed for versatility, it also doubles as a utensil crock or statement vase for fresh florals.
Where to Splurge and Where to Save on Holiday Hosting
Creating a beautiful holiday gathering is less about how much you spend and more about knowing where to invest. Weiss recommends putting your budget toward the elements that matter most to you, whether that’s fresh flowers, a memorable menu, or tableware you’ll use for years to come.
“If you love flowers, put your money there. If food is your thing, invest in the menu,” she says. “You absolutely do not need to spend a fortune on everything.” Her approach is to mix investment pieces with vintage finds, affordable accents, and items you already own.
The Hosting Detail You Should Never Overlook
While the dining table and living room tend to get the most attention before a party, Weiss says there’s one small but important space hosts often forget: the guest bathroom.
“Put out fresh hand towels, a beautiful soap, maybe a flower or a candle, and make sure everything is stocked,” she says. She also encourages hosts to think beyond decor and consider the entire guest experience.
