It’s the most wonderful time of the year—it’s cliché, I know, but true. And one of my favorite things about this time of year are all the parties for hosting. (Sorry y’all—I just couldn’t resist.)

My family has hosted Christmas Eve for several years now after we took it over from my grandparents. My sister, Jennifer, is the self-appointed “lights commissioner,” and has directed the hanging of hundreds of strands of lights we hang both inside and outside of our house. Conversely, my role is usually slim—you’re the best, Mom—as I help with the centerpieces and keep the corkscrew handy.

This year, I’m commandeering a new role for myself—table stylist. And trust me, with a Christmas Eve party averaging around 30 people, there are a lot of tables to be styled.

My number one rule for Christmas table settings is presentation, presentation, presentation.

For instance, I took some basic red and green M&Ms and displayed them on a beautiful Christmas Tree Platter, and really elevated the entire look of the table. Way better than the disposable plastic bag they came in, and so easy, which is really important during the holiday season when time seems to be less available than normal.

(And yes, you guessed it—those cupcakes are from Giant, but don’t they look magnificent on the three-tiered cupcake sever? Like I said, presentation.)

For this particular Christmas setting—the one I plan to recreate this Christmas Eve—I really wanted to highlight the beautiful serving pieces that add a festive mood, while also serve a practical purpose.

While I styled them here with savory and sweet snacks—because isn’t that 90% of your diet during the holidays?!—I might incorporate some of the main dishes in this serving ware so that there’s less up-and-down running to the kitchen—and ultimately, more laugher around the table.

I also wanted to incorporate my Grandma’s Christmas China, which is part of some of my best memories of Christmas past, and the perfect collection of dishes for serving up memories of Christmas present. I also added in my DIY Glitter Candles as part of the holly center piece, which along with the pine sprigs on the napkins, add some color to the table.

And, of course, every place setting has a wine glass. We can’t forget those.

So regardless of whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve for 30 or three girlfriends over for a gift-swap, remember it’s the presentation—and a little Pinterest inspiration gathering—that makes all the difference.

(And let’s be real, if you’re a 20-something like me, it’s best to build up our serving ware when there’s free shipping ahead of all the Friendsgivings, showers, and dinner parties in our future!)

Thank you to Mariposa for sponsoring this post. They truly have a gift for entertaining, and are a one-stop shop for all of your holiday needs. Be sure to take advantage of shipping on orders of $50 or more at mariposa-gift.com. No promo code required. Valid through Thursday, December 18, 2014.

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Lisa Chiu Photography