Jonathan Adler Shares His Tips For Hosting The Most Glamorous Holiday Soirée

Lavish, glamorous, and overflowing with fun - if that's how we'd describe his interiors, you can just imagine his parties!

Jonathan Adler, the iconic designer, potter, and maestro of maximalism himself, knows a thing or two about entertaining with flair - and a wink of irreverence. So who better to ask for the ultimate holiday hosting tips?

From festive tablescaping to stocked bar carts, read on to learn what he has up his always-chic sleeve this season.

What's your entertaining mantra - holiday or otherwise?
Your guests are coming to spend time with you, not judge you on your party prep or décor, so don’t stress too much.

When it comes to tablescaping and decor, what are your favorite ways to incorporate a little (or a lot of!) personality while making it appropriate for the occasion?
Feathers. There are few decorating fails that a festoon of feathers won’t fix, and flowers are so yesterday.

One time-saving trick for extra-busy hosts?
For food, keep it simple. Everyone loves a chicken leg or roasted brussels sprouts and will be appreciative they were spared a crisp of this and a reduction of that.

And one easy way to make any soiree feel extra fancy - even on a budget?
Anything gold, gold, gold. If you don’t have gold finishes throughout your home during the holidays you’re not living, and it only takes a few additions to make a big difference. Put a bowl of cheap gold balls on the table and voila: instant centerpiece.

What's your favorite way to make your guests feel welcome as soon as they walk through the door?
Groovy tunes, a fire in the fireplace, and a stripper. Just kidding about one of these (you pick which one).

No holiday dinner table is complete without -
Chairs, lol.

What's your secret party trick?
Two words: bar cart. It’s a party on wheels.

What's your go-to gift for hosts (or the one you'd like to receive as one!)?
I’ve yet to meet a host or hostess who said no to a set of porcelain coasters, a mega-fancy scented candle, or an irreverent and groovy trinket tray - all from Jonathan Adler, ‘natch.

How will you be celebrating the holidays this year?
So much of my year is spent being a Christmas Elf for other people, so we like to keep it low key at chez Adler-Doonan. If you need me I’ll be body surfing in Palm Beach!

[Photos courtesy Jonathan Adler]