Christmas Reception Tables
Gingerbread houses are a true Christmas treasure and make easy tabletop decorations. Ceramic versions are available with battery powered lights to add color without running cords across the floor. Vintage snow globes with Christmas scenes or crystal bowls of floating poinsettia candles can add a touch of the holidays without overpowering the rest of your decorations. Holly sprigs bring the colors of Christmas to your tables when nestled in with your wedding flowers or made into candle wreaths for ivory pillars. Look at your tables as small vignettes to decorate with subtle or powerful Christmas items. Green table clothes and red runners can change your entire reception tone with little effort or expense.Large Reception Decorations
Create a Christmas focal point by placing a stately tree in the front of your reception venue and decorate it with your wedding favors in place of ornaments. Personalized ornaments are an excellent favor idea and traditional Christmas shapes such as angels and reindeer can be found on websites such as Santa's Ornament Shop. Locally produced ornaments which highlight a special part of your venue location offer a special touch and can be treasured memories for guests to hang on their trees at home. Add mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and fur branches to your larger arrangements and to door swags and wall garlands. Foil stars add a holiday sparkle and can be wired into existing arrangements or hung from the ceiling over the dance floor.Christmas Entertainment
While guests are waiting for your grand entrance after the ceremony, offer them mulled wines, spiced ciders or hot chocolate while a group of holiday dressed carolers sings the old time favorites. I once attended a Christmas reception where the bride and groom provided an elegant Christmas tree and photographer in the lobby of the venue. Guests were encouraged to have their holiday pictures taken and most took advantage of the opportunity. With everyone in their fancy outfits, different groups gathered for family portraits or as a special memento of a reunion with friends. The portraits were mailed to guests with the thank you card and we all treasured this thoughtful and unexpected opportunity.Too Much Holiday
With so many easy ways to add Christmas to your reception plans, you can go overboard and create a reception nightmare. A little tinsel and fake snow go a long way when confined to the space of a reception hall. Dozens of massive trees draped in a myriad of colors and styles can lead to a chaotic feeling rather than the peaceful sentiments of the season. Color coordinate your trees to match the wedding colors or choose just two shades to highlight. Maroon and silver offer elegance and a holiday color palette. Green and gold can go casual or upscale while giving your reception a tonal holiday appeal. Less is more for a Christmas wedding reception and by giving each detail the proper space to shine, you can add Christmas to your plans without overloading your venue and guests.Whether you are looking to add subtle holiday touches or planning an all-encompassing Christmas reception, take the time to step back and see your plans as a whole. By following a color scheme or more directed theme, your reception will create the warm Christmas spirit you desire without becoming overwhelming.
