Presented by Rioja Wines
Photography by Matty Joel Chatburn

Every December, as the year starts to wind down, I feel a pull to gather my dearest friends around our long dining table. The house fills with the scent of something special in the oven (every year is a different theme), the lights twinkle on the trees outside, and the pace of the season slows down—if only for a night. My annual holiday dinner party has become the marker of that shift. It’s less about pulling off a flawless event (far from it) and more about creating space for warmth and connection.

I’ve learned over the years that when I’m calm and enjoying myself, everyone else follows my lead. After all, the host sets the tone. If I’m flustered and stressed, it ripples through the night (see: the year I decided to prepare a traditional British roast). But if I’m moving slowly, pouring wine, laughing, and actually in the evening with my guests, that energy spreads. So I do my best to keep things simple and remember that the beauty is in the energy of the room, not in getting every detail “right.” This year, I’m pleased to partner with Rioja Wines to share my holiday dinner party guide that feels both elevated and effortless—so you can truly savor every moment.

Set the Scene

I create the vibe long before guests walk through the door. I usually set the table the morning of the party so I have space to enjoy the process. I turn on music and carve out time to get dressed and ease into the evening. Those quiet moments—just our family each doing some prep along with a good playlist—are one of my favorite parts of the party.

When it comes to the table, I lean into layers of texture, light, and as many natural elements as possible. I love to let nature be my guide, since nothing speaks to the season like cedar branches, pine cones, and fragrant oranges. This year, I ran a garland of fresh greenery down the center of the table and nestled in a mix of pillar candles and slender tapers. The effect is soft and moody, and negates the need for an official centerpiece that blocks the flow of conversation. 

For each place setting, I like a simple linen napkin tied loosely with a velvet ribbon or tucked into a vintage napkin ring. It gives the table a thoughtful touch but still feels effortless. I always make sure there’s water and wine on the table so guests can help themselves throughout the night.

Hosting tip: Set the table fully in advance—plates, napkins, candles, even serving platters. Anything you can get out of the way early makes the evening feel lighter.

“Prep what you can ahead of time, then let the night unfold.”

The Holiday Dinner Party Menu

The key to enjoying my own dinner party (and not being trapped in the kitchen all night!) is to plan a menu that I can prep almost entirely in advance, with just a few finishing touches after guests arrive. Over the years, I’ve found that three to four standout dishes are more than enough to make it feel abundant and special.

This year’s menu:

Local Cheese & Honey

Gem Salad with Persimmon, Almonds & Gorgonzola 

Roasted Radicchio with Manchego

Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage & Brown Butter

Gelato with Crumbled Amaretti

What to Pour

No dinner party feels complete until the first bottle is opened—and this year, I’m pouring wines from the Rioja region of Spain. Here’s why: Rioja Wines are rooted in centuries of craftsmanship. They’re timeless yet versatile, elegant yet easy to enjoy. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a house full of friends, there’s a Rioja that’s perfect for every dish and every vibe.

Here are the wines I’m pouring with this particular menu—and I highly suggest stocking up on some Rioja Wines for the season so you’re prepared for all the celebratory moments. Because when the wine is this good, all that’s left to do is pour, savor, and enjoy the moment.

Monte Real Aged White Rioja with Gem Salad with Persimmon, Almonds & Gorgonzola
Aged whites from Rioja are beautifully layered—think notes of citrus and honey balanced by gentle oak. The brightness of this wine cuts through the richness of the gorgonzola and almonds—proof that white wine can absolutely shine at a winter table.

Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza with Roasted Radicchio and Manchego
A classic Crianza is a great go-to for winter gatherings: vibrant red fruit, subtle vanilla, and just enough oak to feel festive. It brings balance to the radicchio’s bitterness and Manchego’s saltiness. This is a wine that makes conversation flow—it’s approachable and never overpowering.

Bodegas Muriel Gran Reserva with Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage & Brown Butter
Gran Reservas are the soul of Rioja—complex, silky, and so elegant. This one adds depth to the buttery ravioli and caramelized sage, with notes of dried fig and spice that feel made for the holidays. It’s the bottle I open at that moment when everyone’s seated, candles lit, music low.

Ramón Bilbao Rosado with Gelato and Crumbled Amaretti
This blush-toned Rosado feels joyful in the best way—the perfect way to end the feast. Its crisp, fruit-forward flavor refreshes the palate after a rich meal, and it looks beautiful in the glass beside dessert.

“The best nights aren’t perfect. They’re the ones that feel alive.”

Spark Conversation

A warm table isn’t just about food and candles—it’s about the conversations that unfold around it. Some years it happens naturally, but I’ve also learned that a few thoughtful conversation starters can take the night from surface-level to unforgettable.

I like to write down a few of these on small cards and place them under guests’ plates. That way, if we need a little spark, I’ll call on someone to ask a question. A few good ones:

• “What was something that surprised you this year—in a good way?”
  
• “What’s one thing you’re grateful to be leaving behind this year?”
  
• “If you could freeze one moment from this season and keep it forever, what would it be?”
  
• “What’s lighting you up right now?”

They’re simple, but they create an openness that brings everyone closer and helps you move past the small talk. Trust me on this one.

“Conversation is what makes a dinner unforgettable.”

Embrace a Little Chaos

By the end of the night, the table won’t be pristine. There are empty bottles, wax drips on the tablecloth, crumbs scattered, and maybe a knocked-over glass. I love that moment. It’s a quiet reminder that the best nights aren’t meant to be controlled. They’re meant to be lived in.

I used to jump up and clear everything as soon as dessert was finished. Now, I let it linger. The best conversations always happen when people are leaning back in their chairs, the music’s turned down just a little, and no one’s in a hurry.

A final piece of advice: how you feel sets the tone. When you’re relaxed, your guests will be, too. When you’re having fun, they’ll follow your lead.

Hosting doesn’t have to be perfect or stressful. It can be a chance to press pause, look around at the people who matter most, and remember why gathering is powerful.

The best nights are never perfect—they’re the ones that feel alive.