This holiday decorating post is in partnership with Bed Bath and Beyond. All opinions are my own.
I love holiday entertaining and decorating—probably more than any other time of year. There’s a unique excitement in the air, people tend to be in good spirits, and the cookies never run out. What’s not to love?
That said, while I adore Christmas, I don’t usually go all out with extravagant decor. There’s nothing wrong with a maximalist approach, but for my home, less is more. A clean, modern holiday aesthetic feels fresh and relaxed, and it’s easier to enjoy the season when decorating is simple and intentional.
I partnered with Bed Bath and Beyond to create a minimal modern holiday tablescape that looks festive without adding stress. Every item I used—from the linen runner and napkins to the marbleized plates and gold flatware—came from Bed Bath and Beyond. One-stop holiday shopping makes decorating effortless.
If you haven’t shopped at Bed Bath and Beyond recently, you might be surprised by how much they carry—both in stores and online. I visit regularly for essentials like trash bags and CO2 canisters for our SodaStream, and I’m always impressed by the selection. The best part: everything I used for this setup is available online, so you can recreate the look without leaving home.
Minimal Modern Holiday Entertaining
How do you make your home feel festive while keeping a minimal modern style?
Keep it simple. Choose one or two standout holiday pieces to anchor the room and build around them. I placed a small faux Christmas tree on our credenza and tied in its base with an extra linen table runner to echo the table’s textiles. A simple wreath hung in a window or on the wall would work just as well.
Small natural touches make a big difference: a vase or two filled with tree clippings, sprigs of rosemary, or pepper berries adds seasonal texture and scent. I used pepper berry because it’s one of my favorites. A few understated ornaments or a bowl of satsuma mandarins on the stem add seasonal color without feeling over-the-top.
From there, I used items I already love and use—no need for everything to scream “holiday.” Wood serving trays, coupe glasses for rosé, a rust-colored table runner, dusty pink linen napkins, and grey marbleized plates created a balanced, curated look. The unexpected gold flatware added warmth and a festive touch while still feeling modern and refined.
What to Serve at a Minimal Modern Holiday Gathering
Your menu can be simple and still feel special. I like to have a batch cocktail that can be made ahead and served from a punch bowl—add orange slices and edible flowers for a pretty, festive touch. I also set out a few bottles of wine and non-alcoholic options so guests can help themselves.
For food, several cheese boards and bread or cracker trays are perfect for grazing. I arranged small and larger wood trays around the table with cheeses, bread, grapes, and finger foods like fruits and vegetables. A compact cheese knife set makes the spreads easy to serve.
For the main course, keep it easy: order a freshly made main from a local bakery or shop and pair it with a few simple homemade sides. For this gathering I served chicken pot pie hand pies alongside roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and a basic arugula salad. Letting someone else handle the main dish reduces cooking time and stress, and keeps the focus on spending time with guests.
Minimal modern entertaining is about more than aesthetics—it’s a mindset. Prioritize comfort, simplicity, and thoughtful details so your guests feel relaxed and welcome.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to effortless, minimal modern holiday entertaining. Are you a regular Bed Bath and Beyond shopper?