The holidays aren’t just about dinner; they’re about theatre. The kind of theatre where your dining table becomes a runway, your glassware sparkles like jewelry, and every guest feels like they’ve been seated at a Paris salon. Hosting Christmas dinner the Maison Vogue way isn’t about tradition for tradition’s sake—it’s about curation, glamour, and that elusive je ne sais quoi. Here’s your step-by-step guide to hosting like a stylist.
Scene One: The Entrance Drama
First impressions are everything. A chic foyer moment sets the tone long before the turkey makes an appearance. Think console tables dressed with sculptural bowls like the Caraba Bowl in Gold, layered with greenery and a scattering of glass ornaments that catch candlelight. Guests don’t just walk in—they arrive.
How to: Cluster candles at varying heights near a mirror to double the glow, then add one unexpected piece—like an acrylic objet (we’re eyeing the Acrylic Hippo). Quirky glamour right at the threshold.
Scene Two: The Table as a Runway
Your dining table is no longer just a place to eat—it’s the headline act. Imagine Champagne Glasses glistening like onyx jewels beside shimmering chargers. A Travertine Bowl at the center becomes your sculptural anchor—fill with pomegranates and sprigs of pine for a sensual still-life moment.
How to: Play with layers. Start with natural linens in ecru or moss, add moody cutlery in matte black, and finish with playful accents like the Poodle Salt & Pepper Shakers. They’ll spark conversation before the wine even hits the table.
Scene Three: The Glow Game
Lighting is everything. Soft pools of light transform a dining room into a cocoon of intimacy. Layer modern metallics with classic warmth—try suspending sleek pendants above while scattering votives around the room. If there’s ever a time for a statement candlestick or sculptural hurricane, this is it.
How to: Group candles in odd numbers for a stylist’s trick that feels intentional, not cluttered. Keep heights varied—your guests’ faces should glow, not disappear behind a wax tower.
Scene Four: The Sensory Moment
Dinner is remembered not just for flavor but for how it feels. A luxury tablescape seduces the senses. Think velvet napkins, textured stone bowls, polished wood chargers, and metallic accents that feel cool to the touch. Even scent is an accessory—opt for something unexpected like a smoky fig or resin candle to layer over the aroma of mulled wine.
How to: Anchor each place setting with a tactile detail—linen tied with velvet ribbon, or a miniature sprig of cedar at every plate. It’s less Martha Stewart, more Maison Vogue atelier.
Scene Five: The After-Dinner Shift
The stylist’s dinner doesn’t end when dessert is cleared—it transitions. Move guests into a fireside nook styled with conversational accessories. Set the Fiona Box or Full Dose Coasters on a side table beside a stack of glossy coffee-table books. Place the Oh Mon Dieu! No.69 Gift Set nearby—it doubles as décor and a playful post-dinner indulgence.
How to: Always create a reason to linger. Pour espresso martinis, pass chocolate truffles on the Chambeige Eye Tray, and cue the playlist.
The Playlist: Dinner with an Edge
Because music is styling for the air. For this edition, think seductive Parisian energy, a touch of retro glam, and a little edge to keep the evening from becoming too precious.
-
“Merry Christmas Baby” – Christina Aguilera (velvety, sultry holiday R&B)
-
“Last Christmas” – Jimmy Eat World (a 90s alt-rock cover with edge)
-
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – U2 (stadium-level drama for the table reveal)
-
“Step Into Christmas” – Elton John (pure glam energy, sequins in sound)
-
“All Alone on Christmas” – Darlene Love (festive soul power)
-
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – The Flaming Lips (dreamy, artsy indie take)
-
“Christmas Time” – Smashing Pumpkins (grunge-era moody layering)
-
“Let It Snow” – Boyz II Men (smooth 90s slow jam chic)
-
“Sleigh Ride” – TLC (playful, sassy, totally 90s)
-
“Christmas Wrapping” – Spice Girls (campy, fun, very fashion-week afterparty vibes)
The Maison Vogue Takeaway
A Christmas dinner party styled like a runway isn’t about perfection—it’s about storytelling. Each object becomes part of the narrative: sculptural bowls, cheeky objets, sultry glassware, and coasters that feel like art. You’re not just hosting dinner; you’re staging a memory, a glamorous mise en scène.
