Feel-Good, Festive Hostess Looks for the Holidays

I love entertaining — especially at the holidays! But it took me a long time to come up with a few basic rules to live by:

1. Prepare everything you are serving in advance. You don’t want to be working in the kitchen once your guests arrive.
2. Set up a serve-yourself bar with beer, wine, soda and perhaps a signature cocktail.
3. Have plenty of hors d’oeuvres at various stations around the rooms you will be in.
4. Keep the music lively but low.
5. Dress festively but comfortably.

That last one is key. Avoid wearing anything that’s tight or anything with flowing sleeves (you don’t want them drooping into the crab dip or the punch bowl) and dress lightly. You are probably going to be running around and can easily get overheated.

One of the best things about being the hostess is you don’t need to take the weather into account when planning your outfit. No pantyhose! Open-toed shoes and sandals, slipper-like mules, ballet flats, caftans, loose dresses, tunics and dressy pajama pants are all a go. If you decide to wear a heel, make sure it’s a sturdy block one, a kitten heel or wedge since you will likely be on your feet for the duration (and hopefully dancing before the party is over!).

Here are a couple of cute, comfy outfits to get the party started.

For an open house

A sage silk tunic blouse with a mandarin collar pairs beautifully with satiny pants in a deeper shade of green. The pink embroidered slides are the kicker!

(Left to right) Paperbag Ankle-Length Pants ($46, zara.com/us); Solid Olive Silk Blouse ($219, citronclothing.com); Embroidery Flat Mules in Pink ($130, larosastyle.com)

Zara; Citron; LarosaStyle

For a cocktail party

A silky black bow-neck blouse worn with black velvet pants creates a nice long line. The sequined side stripe on the trousers and a cheery kitten-heel slingback in red tartan add to the leg-lengthening effect.

(Left to right) Women’s Draper James RSVP Velvet Fly Front Pants in Black ($59, kohls.com); Bow Tie Silk Blouse Shirt in Black ($100, silkysilk.com); Debra Sling Back Kitten Heel in Red Tartan ($148, jackrogers.com)

Kohl’s; Silksilky; Jack Rogers

For Christmas dinner

A little red dress packs a big punch! The easy shape of this one allows you to move freely. Fun ballet flats with a cheetah design will keep you on your toes. A delicate gold bangle completes the look.

(Left to right) Lennie Gold Cuff Bracelet in Gold ($86, analuisa.com); Silk-Blend Matinee Dress in Engine Red ($265, katespade.com); Square-Toe V-Cut Flats in Cheetah ($97, vivaia.com)

Ana Luisa; Kate Spade New York; VIVAIA

For New Year’s Eve

If you’re aiming to dazzle, a sequined skirt worn with a cashmere tee will do the trick. The flowy shape of the skirt will catch the light as you make your rounds. A velvet mule makes a pretty great partner.

(Left to right) Mongolian Cashmere Tee in Heather Grey ($45, quince.com); Collection Sequin Slip Skirt in Silver ($175, jcrew.com); Brit Luster Kitten Heel Mule in Black Velvet ($150, samedelman.com)

Quince; J.Crew; Sam Edelman

Remember: When all is said and done, a warm welcoming smile is your best accessory! Just relax and have fun.