10 Christmas Serving Pieces Every Southern Host Should Own
Hector Sanchez; Styling by Kathleen Varner
Every Southern host knows that the right serveware can turn a good holiday gathering into a memorable one. While some pieces, like a trusty serving platter or a go-to appetizer tray, make frequent appearances, others are reserved for special holiday gatherings only found at Christmastime. From festive bowls to Christmas cake stands, holiday serving pieces bring both function and seasonal charm to your table.
Whether you’re setting the scene for an intimate family meal or a grand holiday soirée, having the right serveware will help make entertaining effortless. Prepare your sideboard with these essential holiday serving pieces, and your Christmas dinner will be as festive as it is functional.
Vintage-Inspired Dinner Plates
Christmas is a time of nostalgia, and introducing this sentiment into your holiday tablescape will bring some cheer to your older and younger guests alike. For example, these sweet bow plates may look just like the ones mom or grandma used to use. They would look especially great with a set of classic white salad plates with gold detailing.
Dillard's
Perfectly-Sized Appetizer Plates
Serving appetizers is a great way to keep hungry stomachs at bay before dinner is ready. However, you don't want your guests to spoil their appetites, so the key is to make sure your appetizer plates are about 6-8 inches in diameter. These fun nutcracker plates are just the right size and not too busy, so any pile of snacks on the plate will look all the more appealing.
Dillards
A Cheese Board
Charcuterie boards have become so common at holiday gatherings that they're almost expected. Even if you don't end up serving cheese and crackers, you can use a cheese board to display other types of appetizers. A classic wooden board will go with pretty much any of your other Christmas serving pieces.
Dillard's
Santa Mugs
Fact: Hot chocolate tastes better out of a Santa mug (and so does mulled cider). Pulling out this set for your guests when they're gathered around the fireplace after a good meal will be sure to evoke some smiles. And even though they're hand-painted, they are still dishwasher safe, so clean-up should be a breeze.
Dillard's
A Statement Salad Bowl
When there's so much delicious food coated in butter to choose from, sometimes guests tend to overlook those healthier options. Make your delicious winter salad stand out with a bowl that demands attention, like this shimmery gold one. While the gold touch is extra festive for Christmas, you could really use it for any holiday gathering during any season.
Dillard's
Fancy Goblets
Whether they're drinking red wine or sweet tea, all of your guests deserve a fancy glass to toast with. This etched set will make everyone feel like a guest of honor. The best part is that even though they look delicate, they are glass and, therefore, dishwasher safe.
Dillard's
Cluster Bowls
Countertops and buffet tables tend to get extra crowded at holiday gatherings. That's why a set of layered cluster bowls is a lifesaver and space-saver. You can toss in appetizers, mini desserts, dips, and even extra dressing into cluster bowls.
Dillard's
A Classic Cake stand
A cake stand makes any type of dessert look even more special, not just cake. You can also use it to display Christmas cookies or pie. Plus, cake stands are also helpful for adding some visual height to a gorgeous food display.
Dillard's
Something to Show Off Layered Desserts
A trifle is a Southern specialty. This dessert is easy to whip up yet looks extremely eye-catching. However, the most important thing you need to put a trifle together is the trifle bowl itself. This one is a great size for feeding a large group.
Dillard's
A Classic Christmas Platter
It's nice to start making your own family traditions as a host, and one idea could be bringing out the same Christmas platter each year. A large oval-shaped one is perfect for displaying yule log cakes, your famous rolls, or even slices of honey-baked ham. As a little bonus, you can also use the same platter each year to serve Santa's cookies. That's exactly how you make an ordinary piece of serveware a sentimental family heirloom.
Dillard's
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