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Expert Holiday Party and Decorating Tips from a Design Phenom: Be the Hostess with the House Everyone Swoons Over

BY // 11.29.17

Think glamour and glitz, the must-have ingredients for setting your holiday party apart from the myriad merry, merry gatherings this season. That according to Dallas-born Danielle Rollins, entertaining expert, interior designer and now clothing designer, who will share her widely-sought expertise during Theta Design Weekend.

Several years after Rizzoli published her first book Soirée: Entertaining With Style, Rollins remains at the top of her game. In fact, her beautifully decorated home in Atlanta is featured in the current issue of Veranda magazine. With introduction of her clothing line, refined looks crafted from design industry fabrics (vintage Liberty of London prints and a collaboration with  Brunschwig & Fils), Rollins is expanding her lifestyle brand.

A few days before the Theta Design Weekend appearance, PaperCity asked advice from Danielle Rollins on holiday entertaining.

What is your favorite kind of holiday party and why?
During the holidays I tend to like hosting frequent but smaller dinner or cocktail gatherings because they’re more intimate and I can spend more time with my guests. Part of the fun for me is just getting dressed up because it puts me in a festive frame of mind! Smaller dinner parties are often the most fun, and they are much less stressful.

As I get older putting forth the effort for intimate parties becomes more and more rewarding because our lives get so hectic. Slowing down the pace of the world, even if it is only for a few hours is a luxury.

How do you set your party apart from all the other holiday gatherings?
I like having a cocktail party during the holidays. A glamour throwback, dress up to the nines, for a little break in the holiday hustle with a glass (or three) of holiday cheer — especially with embroidered cocktail napkins, the “fancy” crystal, silver and plenty of sparkle of course!

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Parties don’t have to be expensive to be memorable and festive! Colorful glassware is one of my favorite visual upgrades. Place cards add a festive feeling as well. I also like to mix and match the place settings: Buy things in the same colors as something I already own to create layers and incorporate the things I have.

What is your favorite cocktail party food?
After all the decking the halls, trimming the tree, wrapping the presents and general holiday madness there is still time to make this last minute easy to make ahead delicious festive dessert! My very, very, very favorite treat is Sticky Toffee Pudding, just in the St. Nick of Time!

Do you have any tips for the guest list?
Be sure to include people that bring you joy. Having the perfect group surrounding your table with great conversation makes for the best time.

What is the biggest mistake that most hosts/hostesses make when entertaining at home?
Forgetting to decorate for the occasion. Entertaining should create an emotional feeling. Pay attention to all the sensory experiences. Making guests feel welcome and thinking of your guest’ comfort is the key to being a great hostess.

What are your guidelines for hostess gifts during the holidays?
Etiquette 101 tells you not to go empty-handed, so I think great gifts are something small yet charming. Any sort of home accent, such as flowers ( my favorite), wine, a tray, decanter or even glass cheese domes.

You can meet Rollins in person at Theta Design Weekend in booth 52. Theta Design Weekend runs Friday through Sunday at George R. Brown Convention Center. For PaperCity’s full guide to the design bonanza, click here.

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