IKEA truly feels like a little wonderland where practical accessories and charming little extras come together. As the guest-hosting season approaches, it’s the perfect spot for everything you need to craft a warm, festive atmosphere. From serving dishes and plates to soft, cozy throws, you can find it all to help you glide through the winter months with ease. Take a moment to check what you already have at home and what you might still need, then swing by IKEA for a quick, budget-friendly run before the holidays.
Serving Bowls and Dishes
When it comes to serving bowls, there’s no such thing as "too many." From nut bowls to cold platters and large, deep dishes, everything that makes your table look better and work smarter is a must-have. Jen Arsenault, founder of Potluck, is a big fan of small bowls. “They’re compact enough to scatter across a busy table without crowding, yet roomy enough for generous dips or nuts,” she says. “They have a clean, elegant look and match anything. I love mixing them with other ceramics for a collected, layered table effect.” Interior designer Stephanie Hunt also recommends checking out IKEA’s porcelain collection. “I adore the different white porcelain bowls for festive greens, a console, or even the kitchen island. Three sizes together with tea lights look simply stunning,” she adds.
Tableware
IKEA’s glasses, plates, and cutlery are also a must if you’re thinking about festive table settings. You’ll find wallet-friendly yet stylish options no matter the holiday vibe you want to create. “I’m totally obsessed with the beautiful Stockholm 2025 glasses and the black Doftskold cutlery set,” says interior designer Molly O’Neil. “Wooden bowls bring a rustic Christmas feel, exactly what I want my guests to experience this year. The dark green deep plates look handmade and are so festive.”
Table Decor
A touch of greenery, a bit of sparkle, or a well-placed ornament can instantly turn your table or entryway festive. IKEA offers plenty of inspiration for this. “I always grab a few Begarlig glass vases and fill them with single-color Christmas ornaments,” Hunt shares. “They’re perfect for coffee tables, and the varying heights create a stunning display. Three sizes with three different colors of ornaments—but each vase with just one color—is simply beautiful.” O’Neil is loving the combo of dark green and earthy tones this year, so she’s taking home the new Vinterfint green glass bottles. Her tip: line them up along the table with simple flowers. “I love red berry branches, but IKEA’s faux olive branches are great if you want something you can enjoy year-round.”
Baking and Cooking
If you’re thinking about a kitchen refresh, IKEA has you covered here too. There are plenty of pieces that make holiday baking and cooking easier. Arsenault’s favorite is the IKEA 365+ baking dish. “It’s a real all-rounder: elegant enough to serve from, but sturdy enough to cook anything for a larger group.” For cooking, she recommends the new Klippfisk frying pan, which can hold its own against trendy brands. Also worth checking out is the Stabil steamer insert, a favorite of interior designer Vicki Zagrodnik. The best part? It’s dual-purpose. “Flip it upside down, and you instantly get height variation for serving—making the presentation way more exciting without needing separate serving stands.”
Textiles
Don’t forget soft, warm textiles—they’re the easiest way to bring Christmas spirit indoors and out. Hunt always stocks up on a few cozy blankets because they’re easy to toss anywhere and lifesavers for outdoor entertaining.
