Southern Hospitality Reimagined: Experts Predict a Rise in Relaxed, Authentic Entertaining for the 2025 Holiday Season
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A shift is underway in the world of Southern entertaining, with experts forecasting a move away from meticulously planned events toward more relaxed and authentic gatherings. The emphasis is now on connection and creating a welcoming atmosphere, rather than striving for unattainable perfection.
As the holiday season approaches, a growing number of hosts are reevaluating their approach to entertaining. One prevailing sentiment among Southern hospitality leaders is that the era of “fussy entertaining” is coming to an end.
“I think we have simply relaxed into what hospitality truly means,” explains Jill Higgins, owner of Thomasville, Georgia’s 1861 Distillery and author of In Good Spirits: The Simple Art of Socializing. “Stunning tables and special details still have their place,but the trend to make everything perfect is passing.”
This transition isn’t necessarily easy, but fortunately, a collective of experienced professionals are offering guidance. Higgins, alongside Cassie LaMere, founder and creative director at Cassie LaMere Events, and Bonnie Lloyd, Houston-based entertaining expert and co-founder of lloyd Cellars and Prescription Vineyards, are sharing their insights to help hosts embrace the art of “perfectly imperfect” hospitality.
Embracing Imperfection and Personal Style
The core of this new approach lies in authenticity. Experts suggest leaning into what feels natural,whether that means showcasing a dining table curated over generations or hosting a cozy fireside gathering with guests in comfortable loungewear.The goal is to create an intimate and connected experience, nonetheless of the guest list size.
Setting the Mood: Music, Toast, and Gratitude
Creating the right ambiance is paramount. “For me, music is as essential as wine,” Lloyd emphasizes.
she and her husband enjoy blending different musical eras, seamlessly transitioning from Fleetwood Mac to Maggie Rogers or leon Bridges to create an effortless and energetic atmosphere. Beyond music, the Lloyds incorporate a simple end-of-evening toast – a moment to express gratitude for the company – as a way to subtly signal the end of the night and leave guests with a positive feeling.
Simplifying the Hosting Experience
The beauty of a more relaxed approach lies in its flexibility. “The beauty of entertaining in a simpler way is that any time of day works-from after-work drinks to inviting friends back for dessert after dinner out,” higgins points out.
This simplicity also makes managing the guest list less daunting. Higgins, who offers 21 gathering ideas in her book, each paired with a signature cocktail and food menu, suggests creating a basic timeline to streamline hosting duties.
The Gift of Home and Embracing the Unexpected
There’s a unique quality to entertaining in one’s own space. “Hosting is an possibility to create a moment in time that is designed just for your people,” LaMere explains.
While restaurants and bars offer enjoyable settings, hosting at home allows guests to feel truly seen and appreciated. And, as Higgins wryly observes, embracing imperfection is key. “Something will go sideways-it almost always does! That is usually what people laugh about and remember later.” She recounts a gathering where a plastic container mishap filled the kitchen with fumes, an incident that ultimately became a cherished memory due to the resulting laughter. If things don’t go as planned, Higgins advises keeping the drinks flowing and remembering that guests will mirror the host’s energy. “If you are relaxed, they will be too.”
A Return to honest and Relaxed Hospitality
Ultimately, the trend represents a shift away from striving for an unattainable ideal. “Rather than trying to be the ‘hostess with the mostess,’ we’re gathering in ways that are more honest and relaxed,” LaMere concludes.
The focus is now on creating an environment where guests feel comfortable being themselves, embracing mismatched china, family recipes, and personal style to create a joyful and memorable experience. This is the essence of entertaining in 2025.
