Day 8 of 12 Days of Holiday #HostfulHacks: Coffee Table Entertaining with Fern & Maple

Welcome to Day 8 of our 12 Days of Holiday #HostfulHacks! If you’re joining us for the first time, be sure to read this post first.

Now, let’s dive into Day 8 with Fern & Maple!

Who is Fern & Maple?

Natalie is a wife, mom, designer, editorial stylist, and content creator with a background in finance and a passion for world travel. Born in New Zealand, Natalie has ventured far from her roots but remains inspired by childhood memories of acting as an event stylist for her mom’s elaborate get-togethers and rummaging through antique sales and up-cycling old items with her dad. She is the founder of Fern & Maple, which reflects her unique style, and showcases her events, DIYs, vintage finds, and party inspiration. Natalie lives in Portland with her husband, David, their two children, Harrison and Parker, and their chocolate lab, Elsa.

Day 8 – Holiday #HostfulHack: Coffee Table Entertaining

When it comes to coffee table entertaining, we learned everything we know from our Mimi! We cannot think of a single gathering where she didn’t have light pickings set on the coffee table to keep us all entertained while she finished last-minute preparations in the kitchen. She also made sure there were appetizer plates and disposable napkins at the ready so we had everything we needed. It didn’t take us long to realize that coffee table entertaining is a great way to keep guests occupied and satisfied while allowing the hostess to set dinner on the table in a timely manner.

Fern & Maple’s Coffee Table Entertaining #HostfulHacks

While formal dinners with family around the dining table can be a fun and fancy holiday tradition, another tradition in my family is to spend time after dinner in a more relaxed, comfortable, and cozy place – the living room, around the coffee table! Here are my best #HostfulHacks on how to use this versatile piece of furniture for holiday entertaining.

Position it right. -Many coffee tables live in the very center of the room in front of the couch, but don’t be afraid to change this up. Move the table closer to a fireplace for the warmth and cozy lighting, or closer to the TV for holiday movie watching! Large pillows and blankets can be used as floor seating around the table and add to the comfy vibe.

Add festive decor. – Festive decor makes the area feel more special. Add a holiday table runner or drape a wintry fabric, like plaid, over the table. Live poinsettias or mini evergreen trees make the area feel fresh. Candles can provide a warm glow, and bonus points if they’re holiday scented! Even something as simple as placing a few ornaments or candy canes around can add the perfect holiday cheer.

Make food & drink a grazing affair. – This is the perfect easy to reach area for dessert treat boards. Keep it simple with desserts easily eaten with your fingers. Add hot seasonal beverages in holiday mugs and set out sweet dipping treats and toppings. Dressing up hot cocoa with their favorite extras can serve as its own entertaining activity!

Plan activities. – There are plenty of entertaining activities to do around a coffee table. Holiday movies & games are always a fun option. Our family loves to take on friends with a game of Charades, Code Names, or Apples to Apples. They all work with a wide range of ages. Another great one to stimulate conversation and bonding is to use Conversation Cards! I love these holiday-themed conversation starters from Small Moments, they will guarantee no awkward silences, and you’ll learn tons of new things about each other!