Holiday Entertaining, Florida Style:

Sunshine, Citrus
​ & Celebration Under the Stars

by Seri Kertzner
Owner, The Social Society

​For more entertaining inspiration visit
The Social Socierty in Nocatee or shop online at
www.thesocialsociety.com 
@shopthesocialsociety

When most people imagine the holidays, they picture roaring fireplaces and snowflakes. But here in Ponte Vedra Beach, we do things a little differently. Our “white Christmas” is made of sandy beaches, our decorations sparkle under palm trees, and our celebrations are just as merry—only with a lot more sunshine and in my case, a pink Christmas tree!


Holiday Entertaining Under the Stars
​
I am personally one to seriously take advantage of our warm winter evenings by moving the party outdoors. String twinkling café lights across your patio or backyard, set the table under a canopy of stars, and let nature provide the atmosphere. A mix of candles and lanterns will add a cozy glow without the need for a fireplace. Bonus: kids can roast s’mores over the fire pit while adults sip festive cocktails al fresco.

Incorporate Local Flair
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This season, trade in traditional evergreens for something a little more Florida. Think bowls of bright citrus fruits, magnolia leaves, palm fronds, and fresh greenery. Or use whole or sliced oranges and grapefruits as part of your tablescape—they not only look gorgeous but smell amazing too. Add a few sprigs of rosemary for a natural, fragrant touch that feels both coastal and holiday-ready. At the end of your party, provide gift bags for your guests to load up on fresh fruit to take home with them and enjoy.

Serve a Sunshine-Inspired Menu
Instead of heavy, wintry dishes, serve light, fresh foods that reflect our coastal lifestyle. A chilled shrimp platter, citrus-glazed salmon, or a signature “Florida Fizz” cocktail made with sparkling wine and fresh grapefruit are all crowd-pleasers. Finish the night with key lime tartlets or coconut cake for a sweet tropical twist.


Add Playful, Personalized Touches
When hosting a sit down dinner for the holidays I always set out place cards so everyone feels welcome and is not anxious about where to sit. We have the sweetest set in the shop right now for easy handwriting.

Mix in hints of nostalgia and fun—Trivia cards at each place setting or at the bar if you’re hosting a cocktail party, holiday tunes with a beachy twist, colorful ornaments in bowls of sand, or napkin rings made of starfish and ribbon. The key is to create a space that feels festive yet relaxed—where your guests feel right at home, whether they’re in flip-flops or sequins.


Here in Florida, we have the unique gift of celebrating the holidays surrounded by sunshine, friends, and the beauty of the outdoors. So this year, open your doors (and your backyards), embrace the coastal charm, and make memories that sparkle as brightly as the lights on your palm trees.