Christine Gachot’s 5 Rules for Holiday Entertaining  

While the most important part of celebrating the season is spending time with loved ones, most also hope the festivities will be picture perfect, with stunning tablescapes, beautiful decor, and just the right ambience.

“I love rediscovering my collection each year. It’s deeply sentimental, which is what the holidays are all about: sentiment, tradition, and thoughtfulness,” suggests designer Christine Gachot. “Guests always notice, and I know they enjoy seeing the gifts they’ve given me proudly displayed and put to use. This year, my color palette ranges from burgundy to blush—rich, romantic tones that feel timeless for the season.” 

Here, Galerie looked to the venerable host and aesthete to see how she is setting the scene at home this holiday.

1. Candles

“Candlelight always sets the mood and awakens the senses. During the holidays, I use a combination of scented candles and my ever-growing collection of tapers in various sizes and finishes. The scent of pine, cedar, and amber instantly brings the season to life, and the tapers add their own sense of festivity. I don’t just save them for the tabletop—I sprinkle them throughout the house. They feel elevated, warm, and a little bit nostalgic.”

2. Mix Vintage with Contemporary

“To create a more personal feel at your holiday table, bring out family heirlooms and the vintage pieces you’ve collected over the years. I love incorporating John’s mother’s red plates with my favorite Lisa Corti napkins and whatever new treasures I’ve picked up from Artemest. Stack the old with the new, keep it eclectic, and mix and match your sets so the vintage pieces take on a new life. Pro tip: visit flea markets and antique shops to uncover holiday gems. Buy a few new pieces each year—it’s a beautiful way to build a collection with meaning.”

3. Hang the Mistletoe

“Okay, TMI—but John and I have two kissing traditions that are non-negotiable: under the fireworks on the Fourth of July and under the mistletoe at Christmas. Hanging mistletoe has always been a playful tradition in our house. We lean into the campy nature of it and use a cartoon version from John Derian. It makes for the best photo ops—for guests, the kids, and of course, our pup Slim. Everyone gets a smile out of it.”

4. Build a Roaring Fire

“I’m lucky enough to have a real wood-burning fireplace. The smell and the warmth are so heart-lifting and rare these days that it always feels special. And I put it to good use: from early-morning Christmas yoga to late-night cocktails, there’s always an activity that ends up centered around the fire. And yes, I still hang the stockings with care and hope that Saint Nicholas will soon be there.”

5. Bring the Fun

“I’m known for going big during the holidays—not in a precious or overly styled way, but in a true spirit of family fun. And yes, I can get a little cheesy. Our kitchen has a designated candy station—my casual way of sharing sweet treats with my boys, the cousins, and all the friends who pop in and out of the apartment. Candy canes, oversized Santas from See’s Candies, Reese’s Christmas trees (for John), and plenty of Hershey’s Kisses grace our table throughout December. 

And of course, beautifully decorated poppers are a staple, adding a dose of traditional whimsy to our evenings together. But the best part is The Book. Each year I make a big book filled with photos from the past 12 months—everyone contributes, I assemble it, and we open it on Christmas Eve. They’re not serious; they’re fun and funny. We all look forward to it the most, flipping through the memories, laughing about the antics, and reliving the joy of the year together.”