We’re taking inspiration from stylist, ceramicist and creator, Sophia Pelizzoli, whose approach to hosting blends seasonal charm with relaxed elegance.
Sophia Pelizzoli is a cook, ceramicist and table stylist who brings people together through beautiful, thoughtful hosting. On her Instagram @sophiapelizzoli, she shares her recipes, hand-painted ceramics and elegant tables that celebrate the art of gathering.
Here’s Sophia’s guide to bringing that soft, stylish festive hosting into your home with ease.
When it comes to hosting, Christmas just hits different. It’s the season of soft glow, slow moments, and maximised cosy energy. The ultimate in feel-good hosting. The twinkly lights, the gentle rituals, the elevated details. It’s the perfect chance to really lean into the season and create warm, inviting moments and memories full of festive joy.
This year, we’re taking inspiration from stylist, ceramicist and creator, Sophia Pelizzoli, whose approach to hosting blends seasonal charm with relaxed elegance. The kind that feels effortless, but never accidental.
Here’s Sophia’s guide to bringing that soft, stylish festive hosting into your home with ease.
The key to festive hosting is all in the preparation. Long before the food hits the table, it begins with the atmosphere - the first feeling your guests get the moment they step inside.
As Sophia says, “the aesthetic is less about perfection and more about creating an atmosphere. I want people to walk into the room and feel instantly at home, but also that they’re arriving at a meal that feels a bit more elevated and special.”
Christmas isn’t Christmas until those twinkly lights are in full glow, and lighting doesn’t just stop there. Instead of overhead brightness, think of soft pools of light: lamps, candles, and tealights - anything that brings a gentle warmth.
Sophia explains, “Lighting is key to this – I like to turn off any overhead lights and warm the room instead with plenty of side lamps and candles, which immediately make it feel more intimate and cosy.”
And, once the glow is all set, it’s the smaller details that have your focus. “Then, it’s about creating atmosphere in the details: dried citrus decorations hanging on the mantlepiece, a jazzy festive playlist in the background, a table laid with bowls of clementines or bud vases of seasonal flowers – little touches that turn a simple supper into a special occasion.
It’s about creating a world your guests want to step into, one that feels considered but never too contrived.”
The heart of hosting lies not in the big, overstated gestures, but in the subtle, thoughtful moments that shape the flow of the day or evening.
It’s something that Sophia calls “hosting made in the margins”
“I’m a big believer that hosting is made in the margins: the little, seemingly effortless touches. A thoughtful drink on offer the moment people arrive. A coffee table laid out with nibbles to keep everyone happy before we sit to eat. Good lighting, a great playlist, and a thoughtful menu that’s been prepared ahead so that when my guests arrive, I’m not bound completely to the kitchen.”
These are the little moments that say to your guest, “relax, I’ve got you.” Those first ten minutes or so can really set the tone. A tray of festive cocktails, a non-alcoholic welcome drink, or simple but delicious nibbles. It doesn’t need to be fussy, just warm and inviting.
There’s an art to being a present host, and it almost always comes down to preparation. Sophia is the perfect example of someone who really knows how to find that balance.
“I’m the sort of host who’s half in the kitchen and half at the table — not fussing, just quietly making sure everything flows.”
And part of that comes from food that's easy to prep in advance and doesn’t demand too much perfection. Festive hosting should feel abundant, indulgent, generous, and relaxed - not scripted.
As Sophia says, “I like food that feels generous and relaxed, big platters, things that invite people to help themselves. I don’t take myself too seriously; I’d rather the room feel alive and slightly chaotic than perfectly polished.”
“My only rules for hosting are to make sure that the table is beautifully laid before my guests arrive (it’s always a lovely centrepiece and talking point), and to never reveal any chaos in the kitchen – you never want your guests to feel your stress. And if something does go terribly wrong, top up everyone’s wine and have a laugh about it together: no one is going to starve.”
So what separates one host from another? It’s all down to personality and style. For Sophia, her gatherings always have a moment of magic, something for her guests to remember. This is about weaving atmosphere and food into one, seamless story.
“For me, hosting isn’t just about the food. Of course, I want the meal to be delicious, exciting and bountiful, as that’s my excuse for bringing people together, but so much of the magic comes from the atmosphere and the company. I spend as much time thinking about how to elevate the table in a memorable, seasonal way as I do planning a menu, and often, the two elements inform one another.”
And how does this inspiration form?
Sophia says, “If I’m serving pink bubbles, you may notice pink-rimmed plates or a few pale pink flowers on the table... and if I’m really getting carried away, you might also be served a bright pink forced rhubarb tart for pudding.”
Find a theme, follow it through the whole event, and let it guide your entire experience. Christmas is the perfect time to really double down - it’s a season made for all those thoughtful touches.
Just because it’s festive doesn’t mean it needs to be loud. In fact, Sophia is more for subtle over anything too obvious.
“Glam, for me, is about glow rather than glitter. Low lighting, plenty of candles, something chilled and sparkling in hand.”
This is glamour that feels subtle, intimate and warm -the glow of the candlelight flickering, the colour palette or the way the dishes are presented.
And when it comes to moments, Sophia suggests adding one striking element to the meal or evening.
“I always like to prepare something that feels elevated and exciting in the meal, whether that’s a glamorous tray of festive cocktails on arrival or a giant pavlova bejewelled with pomegranate and red wine poached pears. That little bit of sparkle keeps the energy high without tipping into fuss.”
It’s worth remembering that hosting at Christmas isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about creating a space that feels generous, warm, and comfortable for you to relax and be yourself as the host.
With Sophia’s seasonal styling, thoughtful touches, and effortless approach to hosting, you can create a beautiful festive experience that feels joyful, memorable and entirely your own.
Whether you’re hosting a big gathering, a simple seasonal supper, or even a drinks party, lean into the glow, the joy, and the fun of bringing people together.
Inspired by the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road, Spice and Silk is a warming, indulgent chai designed to be the perfect dessert serve. It blends rich spices, creamy almond milk infused with buttered pecans, and a touch of maple sweetness
Blossom Grey is a floral twist on a classic — combining jasmine-infused milk with Earl Grey tea and rose petal garnish. It’s a refined, aromatic serve that elevates any hosting moment. This serve brings depth, aroma, and visual beauty to the table.
Orchard Glow is a sparkling raspberry tea serve designed to bring celebration without alcohol. Light, fruity, and beautifully garnished, it’s perfect for toasting with friends.
