Holidays at Home with Brooke Kennan: The Art of Meaningful Hosting

The holidays have arrived, bringing cozy gatherings, festive meals, and cherished time with loved ones.

For Kinderbrook Home founder Brooke Kennan, hosting is about creating a space that feels both beautiful and welcoming. She balances the joy of planning each detail with creating a warm, magical atmosphere where memories are made.

Brooke sat down with us to share her best holiday entertaining advice, beloved traditions, and festive favorites.

Homeworthy: What’s your hosting style during the holidays? Do you plan every detail ahead of time, or do you keep things casual and spontaneous?

Brooke Kennan: As an extremely type-A person, I have to giggle at this question. I love to plan every detail (or at least as much as I can), but I’ve learned that the real art of hosting is staying easygoing once the day arrives. The host sets the tone, so even when things go awry…a guest cancels last-minute, the weather turns, or the caterer’s timing is off, I make sure to stay calm and keep a smile on my face. Hosting is about creating warmth and ease for everyone else, no matter what’s happening behind the scenes.

HW: How do you make your home feel festive at the holidays? Any signature decorating touches you bring out each year?

BK: Every mantle dripped with greenery! I light the fireplace, turn on the tree lights, and scatter candles everywhere, the more the merrier. Paperwhites fill the house, a holiday playlist is on, and a gorgeous gingerbread house doesn’t hurt either.

HW: Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

BK: A dressy Christmas Eve dinner, complete with candles and china, followed by a cozy Christmas morning in pajamas. It’s all about balance…a little tradition and a little ease.

HW: What’s one simple way to elevate a holiday table setting?

BK: Drip the table in candles, it’s my go-to all year long. Lighting sets the mood and instantly elevates the ambiance. For the holidays, I love adding playful touches like sweets and poppers…who doesn’t love nibbling on a chocolate turkey or candy cane while wearing those silly paper crowns? It’s the little moments of light and laughter that make a table feel truly special. 

HW: What’s your go-to entertaining tip for keeping guests comfortable and happy?

BK: Aside from an excess of cocktails, plenty of bites, and a flawless playlist, remember that the host always sets the tone. If you’re relaxed and having fun, your guests will be too.

HW: Do you have a signature dish or drink that always makes an appearance at your holiday gatherings?

BK: I’m front of house, and my husband takes care of the cooking. We divide and conquer!

HW: Let’s chat more about your brand, Kinderbrook. What inspired you to start it, and what has it grown into?

BK: Kinderbrook started just a year ago, after I decorated my family’s farm upstate. I wanted to create beautiful, functional pieces that felt at home anywhere. It’s grown into a lifestyle brand with our signature wicker baskets and a new apparel line of robes, nightgowns, and garden dresses debuting this holiday season!

HW: What’s your favorite host or hostess gift?

BK: A Kinderbrook candle set, always! And our candle tools make the prettiest little stocking stuffers.

HW: Finally, what does home mean to you during the holiday season?

BK: Home is where our memories are made. With two little boys (and one more on the way!), I think a lot about how my mom made the holidays feel magical for us, and now it’s my turn. From tree decorating to family dinners, I hope our boys grow up remembering that same magic.

For fun, here’s a rapid fire of holiday favorites:

• Hot cocoa or mulled wine? Hot cocoa… did I mention I have a major sweet tooth?
• Real tree or faux tree? Real! Always.
• Classic carols or modern holiday playlist? Classic carols, every time.
• Dress up or cozy pajamas on Christmas? Cozy pajamas in the morning, followed by a dressed-up Christmas supper.
• Holiday movie you never skip? Metropolitan.