‘Tis (almost) the season to celebrate the holidays, and entertaining from home always feels the most festive. To help you prepare to host holiday gatherings our Lifestyle Contributor, Leslie Lehr of the eponymous Leslie Lehr Living shared her expertise.
Like her approach to life, Leslie’s entertaining style is informed by a “live more with less” mentality. And her tips for hosting a merry and bright gathering reflect that ethos. Expect thoughtful selections to elevate your go-to tabletop pieces for festive flair, helpful hints, and insider information on entertaining like a pro in the Valley.
Hester & Cook Gray + Gold Marbled Placemats from urbAna pair well with heirloom china while keeping the setting approachable and family-friendly. The Hester & Cook Banner Place Cards add a touch of whimsy while allowing you to arrange your guests intentionally.
Live more with less by utilizing your existing collection of existing collection of china, flatware, and glassware and adding pizazz through thoughtfully selected seasonal additions. This allows you to maximize the mileage on your investment pieces, while indulging in holiday decor. If you’re ready to upgrade your china or invest in an heirloom-quality set, Valerianne’s is a must visit. With a selection of the world’s most beautiful serve ware, fine linens, silver, crystal, decor, and more, Valerianne’s is the discerning host’s secret weapon. Not sure where to start? Leslie recommends the following to start or add to your collection: Simon Pearce for glassware and pottery; Vista Alegre for porcelain, china, glass, and crystal goods; Vietre for dinnerware; Mattock for napkins and table linens.
Mixing and matching timeless entertaining pieces with pops of paper pizazz is a simple yet gorgeous way to keep entertaining stress free. urbAna has an extensive selection of beautiful paper options from Hester & Cook, Sophistiplate, VIETRI, SWISS design, and LUXE PARTY including elements like table runners, place cards, disposable table linens, plates, and more. Expertly curated, urbAna’s selection of paper goods work beautifully on their and play well with fine china, and this playful strategy will elevate your entertaining heirlooms while ensuring little ones and clumsy family members feel at ease. Bonus points for stress-free al fresco dining!
Above, Leslie used the following, which are available in-store…. Hester & Cook Gray + Gold Marbled Placemats, Hester & Cook Banner Place Cards, Hester & Cook Striped Table Runner, Sophistiplate Blue & White Collection.
Tap local experts. From wine and spirits to world class catering, the Valley offers a wealth of entertaining pro’s that will make your evening feel effortless. And before any party, a visit to The Wine Store at Tarbell’s is a must. With an incredible selection of stunning wines and knowledgable and friendly staff, you'll find the perfect pairings for your meal, whether you’ve chosen to cook or cater with Tarbell’s catering service. For extra ease, Tarbell’s offers wine, beer, and spirits for pick-up and delivery.
On that note, Tarbell’s Catering is a truly memorable experience for holiday entertaining. For elegant affairs, enjoy a seated, coursed dinner prepared by their world-class chefs and served by a butler in the comfort of your own home. For a more casual evening Tarbell's buffet style service is a delightful way to experience their award-winning cuisine and hospitality. Your guests will rave about the meal, and you’ll be pleased with cleanup - or lack thereof!
Talent as a chef is no prerequisite for entertaining. For those who prefer to leave the cooking to the experts, Benedict’s Catering & Events for Thanksgiving is a must. One of the catering services in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and the Phoenix metropolitan area, Benedict’s is tapped by corporate and private clients alike. They’re known for exquisite ability to mix the art of presentation, delicious food, and discerning details to help you execute an effortless evening. And Benedict’s “Thanksgiving Made Simple” is back by popular demand for another year. All sides are prepped and available for pick-up in aluminum foil pans (no pots or pans to wash!) and need only be warmed. Turkeys are are also prepped in disposable aluminum foil pans, rubbed with herb butter, and ready to be popped into the oven!
Benedict’s Thanksgiving offerings are as prolific as they are delicious. To help you narrow down your selections, Leslie shared her favorites…. P.S. You can also order delicious cocktail mixers for pick-up!
Herb Rubbed Turkey | Spiral Cut Glazed Ham | Winter Salad | Nine Grain Stuffing | Mushroom Herb Risotto | Cranberry Sauce | Turkey Gravy | Tarragon Biscuits | Cornbread | Whipped Herb Butter | Seasonal Pies | Flourless Chocolate Cake | Salted Chocolate Crumble Cookies
Pick up your fully prepped meal with heating instructions Wednesday, November 23rd from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at Benedict’s Café (5555 E Bell Road, #6, Scottsdale, AZ).
Camelback Flowershop’s Cider Mason Jar.
Camelback Flowershop’s Sonoran Sunset.
Camelback Flowershop’s Desert Moon.
Zhush your home with the season’s bounty. Whether you opt for seasonal greens or autumn blooms, incorporating natural elements is an easy way to honor the season and elevate your home for the evening. Local favorites include Camelback Flowershop and Flowers By Mel. Both offer artful arrangements to satisfy any aesthetic and will bring seasonal cheer long after your guests have left. Leslie loves Camelback Flowershop for their inventive designs and Flowers By Mel for their approachable, fun ethos.
Camelback Flowershop creates the most stunning seasonal arrangements - and their Fall Flowers are no exception. To help you narrow down your tablescape selection from their truly exceptional lineup, Leslie recommends the following, which she’ll be ordering throughout the season:
Sonoran Sunset: A collection of sunflowers, burgundy dahlias, and seasonal blooms available in three sizes. It’s a happy, feminine arrangement perfect for the center of your table.
Desert Moon: A design inspired by crips days in the desert, featuring pops of peach roses balanced by soft pastels, white ranunculus, orange dahlias, and a mix of greenery. Available in two sizes, this is a whimsical option that will make a lovely statement on your table.
Cider Mason Jar: A petite arrangement featuring hydrangea, magnolia leaves, and a touch of unique parrot tulips that’s available in three sizes, making it a lovely choice for parsing across your table.
Seasonal florals make for a great hostess gift and it’s best never to arrive empty-handed. Leslie turns to her friend, Flowers by Mel, for unique florals that make delightful gifts and/or holiday arrangements. Camelback Flowershop is also an excellent choice for hostess gifts, as their Gift Box Collection is a darling way to say “thank you” for a special evening. Or a little treat-yourself moment.
Embrace the whimsy of holiday spirit with the help of Cornelia Park. The premier purveyor of Mackenzie-Childs, Cornelia Park is the destination for incorporating playful heirloom pieces. And the holidays are the perfect excuse to add to your collection - intentionally, of course. Leslie’s holiday favorites include the following: Juliska Bamboo Plates & Flatware, Lori Mitchell Hanukkah Figures, and The Mackenzie - Childs Royal Check Collection. Undoubtedly a visit to Cornelia Park will get you in the festive spirit essential for effortless entertaining!
For more effortless entertaining tips and tricks, follow along with Leslie Lehr on Instagram. There you’ll find additional inspiration hosting and living well, no matter the season. Don’t forget to tell her - and our Scouted hosting experts and resources - Scout sent you!
