Your Guide to Hosting | Paiges: Nov 2025

November always feels like the heart of the holiday season to me. While December gets all the sparkle and excitement, I’d like to make a case for November — slowing down, being present, creating reasons to gather. For me, this time of year is always about community. The hum of friends and family in the kitchen, laughter spilling from the dining room, the faint clink of glasses, and the smell of taper candles burning low because we’ve all stayed at the table faaar too long.

Hosting has never been about perfection — it’s about that feeling. That warmth of being surrounded by people you love, in a space that feels cozy and alive. As we head into Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, and the start of the holidays, I thought it might be nice to take a few beats to talk about hosting.

When I was little, I remember thinking, “I can’t wait to be an adult.” And what I really meant was “I can’t wait to host my first dinner party.” My parents were big on gathering people — Christmases, Thanksgivings, even Halloweens were always at our house. I come from a big family (with lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends), so my holidays were always very full. My mom would spend days planning the menu and then send me off to fluff pillows and light candles in the bathrooms before guests arrived. As a kid, my biggest satisfaction was being her little helper — welcoming people in, showing them where to hang their coats, and being the first to offer a beverage. It was truly my pride and joy.

This isn’t meant to be a rulebook or a guide — just a few thoughts and small lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

And a reminder that hosting, at its best, is really just an act of love.

A Few Weeks Out

I love the anticipation of it all — those early planning stages when ideas start to take shape. There’s something so special about dreaming up how you want an evening to feel.

I usually start with a theme, not necessarily something strict, but more of a mood. From there, I’ll make a Pinterest board to visualize the tablescape and start saving recipes that fit the vibe. Sometimes it’s simple and rustic: linen napkins, my Grandma’s lasagna recipe, mismatched plates I’ve thrifted. Other times I’ll lean a little more luxe, with big floral arrangements, glassware, and homemade lobster — the whole nine yards.

Once the vision starts coming together, I’ll design and send my invite. I love using Canva and Nassy Art templates are my go-to because they’re so easy to make personal (if clicking through that link, scroll to the bottom and sort the category to only include “Invitations”). Around this time, I’ll also ask about any dietary restrictions so everyone feels included. If it’s Friendsgiving, I like to make a little Google sheet so guests can sign up for what they’d like to bring — it keeps things organized and ensures no one shows up with five pumpkin pies (though TBH there are worse problems to have— I don’t think any guest would be complaining). And if it’s outdoors, I always make sure there’s a backup plan, just in case the weather decides otherwise.

However big or small the gathering is, it all starts with intention… creating a space that feels thoughtful and welcoming.

My tablescape this year

You guys know I’m entering this holiday season with a fresh slate with no previous decor. It’s such a weird headspace to be in as someone who loves to host and had collected china and glassware over the years. To do this on a budget, one of my favorite rituals is visiting the flea market (the second Sunday of every month here in LA) and lean into stores like Zara Home. Their holiday collection is cute, timeless, and feels special without breaking the bank. I just ordered this check tablecloth and fun serveware to restart my collection!

Three Days Out

Three days before my gathering, I start to really bring the evening to life. I finalize the menu, organize my grocery lists, and plan what I can make ahead of time. I’ll check off my lists, and slowly gather all the little things that make a space feel special: candles, tableware, even the playlist that sets the tone. (I’ll link a couple for you here — one is full of cozy Thanksgiving vibes, and the other is my go-to for chic holiday feelings. I play it all season long while I work!)

This is also when I tackle the big deep clean. Do I think my guests are going to peek under my beds for dust bunnies? No— never. But do I feel at ease knowing there aren’t any hiding? Yes.

On Wine

The general rule of thumb is usually about half a bottle per guest, but my biggest fear is running out — so I tend to plan for a full bottle per person. I usually do a roughly 50/50 red and white split, and sometimes I’ll throw in a few bottles of something a little different (natural, sparkling or orange wine) just for fun.

One of my favorites is Avignonesi, a winery I visited in Italy a few years ago. Everything they do is certified organic and biodynamic and just delish. (You can find it at Total Wine, wine.com but I usually pick it up at Eataly in LA.) Avaline is a great option and readily available at most groceries stores (also organic).

I am not a dessert wine fan but I keep a bottle on hand in case someone is, as well as having coffee and tea available alongside cake and pie.

Morning Of

It’s game time!! I fluff the pillows, light the candles, and cue my playlists far before guests arrive to get the vibes going. I always check the bathroom people will be using, making sure we’re stocked with TP, hand towels, and flowers in bud vases. I also always recommend getting yourself ready early — there’s nothing worse than rushing at the last minute.

On Candles

I live, laugh, looove a good scented candle. But a little PSA: please don’t light them on the dinner table. I think one in the entryway, one in the bathroom, and one in the living room is plenty. On the dining table, I always go with unscented — that way it won’t compete with the delicious smells of food and drinks. For seasonal scented candles, Rosy Rings is hands-down my favorite. I love their autumn and winter scents, they last forever, and the design is so pretty — they honestly just elevate your decor while filling your home with a cozy glow.

On Floral Arrangements

I love bringing flowers into every gathering — they instantly make a space feel alive and thoughtful. My favorite trick is to think of arrangements like a little recipe: start with a showstopper bloom (peonies, dahlias, or garden roses), add supporting flowers in complementary shades (ranunculus, spray roses, or lisianthus), toss in a whimsical or textural stem for movement, and finish with greenery like eucalyptus, olive branch, or ruscus to make it feel full and balanced. Trader Joe’s is usually my go-to, followed by Whole Foods for grocery store flowers (go in the morning when they first open for the best colors and quality!)

I follow this formula every time, and it always makes the arrangements feel effortless and professional. Honestly, half the joy is just playing around with the flowers, seeing what feels right. I usually do 2-3 medium sized arrangements on the dining table (no one likes tall arrangements— you want to make sure you can see the face of the person across from you), 1 arrangement on the kitchen island and remaining blooms in bud vases in the bathroom or by the kitchen sink.

And then… everyone’s here. The house fills with chatter and the clink of glasses, and whatever plans I made fade away.

The truth is, something will always go a little wrong… a dish might burn, a drink might spill, someone might arrive super late. And none of it matters. What people remember isn’t how the table looked or if your dish was over salted— it’s how they felt in your home. My best advice: being together is the main event. Everything else is just extra. Happy hosting! xx