In January of 2025, I challenged myself to host 12 dinner parties to help me become a better host, chef, and entertainer. Thus, my series Dinner Club Diaries was born, and this month I hosted my twelfth dinner party of the year. What a joy it was to host this one!
There is something about the holidays that just makes me want to cozy up with all of my friends. I felt that ’Twas the Night Before Christmas was the perfect theme because I really wanted to embrace all of my favorite holiday traditions and just make them a little girlier – matching pajamas, Christmas crackers, The Nutcracker, gift exchanges, and cozy food.
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Because the attire for the evening was pajamas, I wanted the gifts to feel thoughtful, useful, and still on theme. Along with flannel pajamas, I gifted each guest Avocado Green’s Organic Mini Pillows with 100% silk pillowcases. They were such a hit. A few guests mentioned they plan to bring them for long work shifts at the hospital or upcoming trips, and I’ve personally been using mine while watching Christmas movies from the sofa. They are truly so plush, and knowing they’re made with organic, non-toxic materials made the gift feel even more thoughtful.
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I also love gifting something like the Avocado mini pillow because you know it’s going to get good use. When you don’t know exactly what to get someone, I’ve learned it’s best to upgrade something they already have. A pillow they’ll actually sleep with is a comfort item they’ll reach for again and again. It feels like a little luxury without being overcomplicated.
The tablescape was festive, layered, and a little loud. Because I host in my Philly city apartment with a round dining table, I used a tree skirt as a tablecloth, which added so much character to the table. I used ornaments as place cards so each guest could take one home at the end of the night. I was going for “Girly Christmas Clutter,” so I’m really happy with how it turned out.
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I wanted the menu to stay cozy and comforting, with dishes that could mostly be prepped ahead so I could actually enjoy the evening alongside my friends. After dinner, we took a short break for games and a favorite-things gift exchange, then ended the night with hot cocoa.
Avocado hosting tips:
- Let the dress code set the tone (pajamas = whimsical comfy night ahead)
- Prep ahead so you can actually enjoy your own party
- The vibe comes from your energy, the lighting, the welcome drink, the scents, and the music – choose intentionally.
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As a host, my favorite view isn’t the perfectly set table at the start of the night – it’s the lived-in chaos left behind. Empty plates. Half-melted candles. Proof of laughter, good food, and time well spent together. All of my guests left cozy and ready for sleep with their Avocado mini pillows, and it felt like the perfect ending to a night centered around comfort, connection, and celebrating the holiday season.
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