The Art of a Welcoming Holiday Table

When it comes to holiday gatherings, I believe the table should feel as good as it looks. It’s where stories are told, where moments are celebrated, where time slows down. At Casa Zuma, our philosophy is simple: let nature be your inspiration, and let the beauty of seasonal food and good company do the rest.

I love setting the table the morning of a party. I turn on a playlist that sets the tone, and enjoy the creative process of playing with textures and color, without feeling rushed. That moment of unrushed styling—well before guests arrive—is one of my favorite parts of the experience.

The secrets to creating a holiday table that feels welcoming: layers of texture, natural materials, and soft, warm light. I start with a neural linen table throw, which lays a casual, earthy foundation to the table. Then I layer on foraged greenery and tons of candles at varying heights for a magical effect with little effort. 

Instead of a composed centerpiece, I keep everything low and organic so guests can actually see each other across the table. This makes conversation easier and the energy more relaxed. I like to think of the table as a living, organic space rather than a formal display.

Styling tip: Use a mix of pillar and taper candles at different heights to create the most magical light—this is where you want to go a little maximalist for impact!

Every element on the table is chosen with intention. I used our stemmed wine glasses which always feel special, paired with our handmade ceramic plates and linen napkins. Each place setting gets a sprig of greenery for a soft touch of the season—small details that make the table feel thoughtful.

Perfection is not the goal: a slightly askew napkin or uneven branch of greenery is what makes the table feel human. Hosting isn’t about impressing your guests or performing; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels at home.

A cheese board to welcome everyone with a drink in hand. It’s unfussy and instantly sets a relaxed tone. I arrange it on a big wooden board with a mix of soft and hard cheeses, seasonal fruit, and a few sprigs of herbs.

A Gem Salad with Persimmon, Almonds & Gorgonzolathat’s crisp and bright. I toss the greens and prep the dressing in advance, then assemble everything at the last minute. 

Roasted Radicchio with Parmesan—it looks beautiful, tastes bold, and can be roasted ahead of time, then finished with shaved Parm before serving. 

Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage & Brown Butter—cozy, golden, and perfect for a holiday table. I cook the pasta just before guests sit down.

For dessert, you can't beat a classic Tiramisu—and mine is perfect for doubling (or tripling!) to serve a crowd. I'll be sharing the recipe soon on my Substack.

If there’s one thing that instantly transforms a dinner table, it’s lighting—and this table proves that candles are everything. I mix pillars and tapers so the glow hits different levels, creating that soft, flickering light that makes people linger.

Tip: Always use unscented candles for the table so the scent doesn’t compete with the food.

And don’t underestimate how far a good playlist goes. It’s part of the ambiance just like the table itself. I usually start the night with something mellow—think jazz, acoustic, or lo-fi—then let the energy build as the evening goes on.

Instead of leaning into holiday colors, I focus on a seasonal palette inspired by nature—think forest greens, natural textures, and warm neutrals. A few foraged branches or sprigs of greenery nod to the season, and even incorporating fruits like pomegranats, persimmons, and winter citrus can be a beautiful way to add organic pops of color.

Of course, the most beautiful part of the table is often the food. I love serving family-style so that big platters filled with abundant food an be a centerpiece in themselves. Here, golden brown butter ravioli, a salad glistening with citrus, a loaf of bread still warm make the table come alive. There’s no need to overcrowd or over-style.