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REMEMBER HOLIDAY DINNERS? THIS SEASON YOU CAN HOST AN INTIMATE GATHERING YOUR GUESTS WILL NEVER FORGET.

A year ago, holiday get-togethers were wishful thinking for most of us. That’s one reason we’re so looking forward to hosting celebrations—grand or intimate—again come December. Your friends and family are no doubt eager to share the conviviality of the season, and your careful planning and thoughtful touches can help turn a good time into a great one. For décor, why not take designer Danielle Rollins’ lead? In her latest book, A Home for All Seasons (Rizzoli), the tastemaker and designer explains that she starts planning for the season of giving as soon as the forks go down for Thanksgiving. She regards the holiday dinner as the focus of a merry-go-round of activities. Taking the meal from the formal dining room and positioning a round table next to a great-room fireplace creates a cozier, “toned-down” holiday vibe, Rollins says. Top it off with an arrangement of roses and greens for the centerpiece. The result is a party scene that evokes the season’s joys in an understated but resolutely merry way. Watch out, though, as your guests may envy you. They’re only there to enjoy the fun. You get to create it.

This page: Combining formal and playful elements, designer Danielle Rollins sets her holiday table using hand-embroidered linens to accompany the Mottahedeh Sacred Bird and Butterfly pattern on the vintage china set. Opposite page, clockwise from top: A display of good dark chocolates entices guests to grab a nibble as they sip cocktails. Rollins keeps the fixings for one of her favorite drinks, a chocolate cherry bourbon cocktail, close at hand, because she says it’s a great way to promote the nostalgia of the season. While dinner and drinks provide plenty to look at, there should never be a shortage of traditional holiday décor.