Hey Y’all,
I was recently diggin’ in the Twelve15 archives—looking back at some of our earliest blog posts—when I stumbled upon this timeless, yet hilarious, piece from nearly a decade ago.
It’s funny; in the design world, trends like “millennial pink” or heavy brass come and go, but the etiquette of a well-lived-in home? That’s evergreen. With the holiday season officially upon us, I realized this “discovery” was too relevant not to share again.
Whether you’re prepping your home for a crowd or packing your bags to be a guest, here is a refreshed Twelve15 guide to navigating the season with style (and your sanity intact, friend).
Part 1: The Host — Designing an Experience
Hosting isn’t about showing off your house; it’s about how you make people feel when they walk through the door.
Master the “Layered” Lighting
Nothing kills a party faster than “The Big Light.” If you’re hosting, flip the overhead switches off. Use floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, and plenty of candles. It hides the dust you missed and makes everyone look (and feel) like they’re in a high-end lounge. There’s just nothing like dimmable layered lighting. ALWAYS dimmable!
The Immediate Welcome
The first five minutes are the most critical for a guest’s comfort. Have a drink station ready to go the moment the doorbell rings. Even if it’s just a beautiful glass of water with a sprig of rosemary, giving a guest something to hold immediately settles them into the space.
The “Five-Star” Powder Room
Since we’re a design studio, we know the bathroom is a high-traffic “gallery” during a party. Ensure it’s stocked with the essentials: a fresh hand towel (nobody wants to use a damp one), a high-quality candle, and—crucially—extra TP in plain sight. No guest should have to hunt through your cabinets.
Part 2: The Guest — The Art of the Invitation
Being a great guest is the fastest way to ensure you’re invited back. It’s about being an asset to the party, not a chore for the host.
The Thoughtful “Thank You”
Never show up empty-handed, but try to think beyond the grocery store wine rack. A beautiful candle, a unique set of coasters, or a specialty coffee bean for the next morning shows you put thought into the “Twelve15 aesthetic.”
Pro-tip: Attach a tag that says “Open this later!” so the host doesn’t feel pressured to serve your gift immediately.
The “Grace Period” Punctuality
In the world of hosting, “on time” is actually 10–15 minutes late. If the invite says 7:00 PM, showing up at 6:55 PM is a cardinal sin—the host is likely still in their bathrobe or finishing the centerpiece. Give them that extra 10-minute cushion.
The “Invisible” Helper
Don’t ask, “Is there anything I can do?” The answer will always be “No, just relax!” Instead, look for the small, silent wins. See a stray glass? Move it to the kitchen. Notice the snack bowl is empty? Give the host a quiet heads-up. Be the person who makes the evening flow better without needing a list of instructions.
Why it Still Matters
Re-reading this from the archives reminded me that while our studio’s style has evolved, our philosophy remains the same: Design is the backdrop for our best memories. Whether you’re the one lighting the candles or the one bringing the wine, here’s to a season of beautiful spaces and even better company.
What’s your go-to “host gift” or your #1 hosting hack? I’m curious to see if our lists match up!
Happy Holidays,
Stephanie
