I hosted my annual ornament party earlier this week and wanted to share a few moments from the evening.
There are so many simple ways to elevate a holiday buffet
Here’s the reel on Instagram if you want to watch the video clips and tips – and make sure you are following me on Instagram @dianaelizabeth_
✨ A specific dress code
✨ Silver toned flatware and utensils – look at thrift stores to start building your collection on a budget
✨ Finger foods so no one’s juggling utensils
✨ A tiny caviar moment
✨ Dimmed warm lights
✨ Festive drink details
✨ A fun game – we pull fun facts instead of numbers for an ornament swap, the highlight of the night!
I’ll include all product details and links at the end of this post.
This year, I tried something new: a petite caviar station. I picked up the caviar from Williams Sonoma and served it with chopped chives and scallions. I also grabbed a backup tin from World Market, but I wouldn’t recommend it—the price difference speaks for itself. To make it inclusive, I also offered seaweed pearls (a vegan-friendly “caviar”) from World Market for about $10. It was a fun option for guests who don’t eat seafood but wanted to try the experience.
I set everything over ice cubes—my plan was to tuck them under garnish, but that will have to be a project for next year.
For cocktails, I made sparkling snowflake ice using apple cider and edible glitter, poured into a snowflake mold I saw my friend Brittany share on Instagram. They were such a hit! I served them in the coupe glasses from my Chinese New Year collaboration with Pottery Barn two years ago.
I had added cotton candy glitter from World Market into champagne flutes – I broke a single packet into three glasses. There are 4 packs in a box.
I kept the menu focused on finger foods after realizing last year how convenient that is for everyone. “Finger food” can absolutely mean something served in a tiny cup with a mini spoon—anything that keeps guests from juggling utensils while holding a drink. I catered Postino and served a variety of bruschetta along with chicken and beef skewers because… we all need some protein!
For dessert, I dipped my own chocolate-covered strawberries (shockingly easy!) and made an eggnog mousse, which was equally simple. I also scattered lots of festive candy throughout—not because guests will eat all of it, but because it creates a feeling of abundance. And I’ll never stop loving powdered donut holes… they look like snowy little treats and who doesn’t love a donut hole (or twelve)?
We also held our ornament exchange—which is really more of a “fun fact party.” Instead of drawing numbers, we draw fun facts and read them aloud. It’s hilarious, personal, and such a highlight of the night. I’ll link the post that explains exactly how to play.
This year, I added a little twist: an award for the most popular ornament. The first ornament to be stolen twice (and officially “locked”) earned a golden wax amaryllis bulb I spotted at the Home Depot garden center. Brittany won, and her reaction was priceless. It’s all in good fun, but it’s a great incentive for guests to bring their best ornament.
It’s my first holiday season without my dad—and emotionally, it’s been really hard. Before we started the exchange, I looked around the room and just started crying out of gratitude for these sweet friends who have stood by me. They’ve let me grieve at my own pace, never rushed me, and their support has meant everything.
At the end of the night, each guest left with a preview of our Christmas card and a giant cinnamon roll I pre-ordered from AJ’s. Sending guests home with a little next-day breakfast treat is always a hit. Everyone loves an edible party favor!
I invite with intention, close friends or people I hope to get closer to, and I’m so grateful for the way these friends continue to show up. Hosting is worth all the prep because these are the people I invest in again and again—and they invest right back. Even the cleanup (which can take days!) feels like part of my love language. They don’t just show up for the party; they show up when I’m a puddle on the floor. Those are true friends.
So this season, celebrate friendship. Gather your people, invite people who you want to get to know better and hopefully they stay and make the effort too. Or just simply invite because you know they’d love an invitation. Spread joy. It felt good to plan a party again in the middle of my grief—because I know my dad would want me to keep enjoying life and keep celebrating. I am sending you all hugs and if you’re missing anyone this year know you are not alone and I would like to pray for you. Sending you all wishes for health and happiness this new year. May this new year of 2026 be better than 2025 for you.
To see last year’s Christmas party click here.
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