How to Host a Christmas Tree Trimming Party

Every family has cheerful, time-honoured Christmas traditions that get them into the festive spirit and elevate the holiday season. For some families, this is a tree trimming party. 

If you’re yet to host a Christmas tree trimming party, adding this wonderful event to your list of Christmas traditions is an exciting way to decorate the tree each year and build lasting memories with your loved ones.

Crystal Secret Santa gift ideas for family

Also known as a tree decorating party, a tree trimming party involves coming together to decorate a Christmas tree with an array of ornaments and decorations. It’s common for those invited to bring an ornament with them to add to the Christmas tree. 

The host will also put on a spread of delicious food and drinks for guests to enjoy and depending on their wishes, other activities (like Christmas crafts) can also occur.

Christmas tree trimming decoration ideas

If your guests are bringing an ornament, it’s important to have the basic tree trimming essentials laid out and ready to keep your tree unified. We recommend filling a few boxes with ornaments and decorations of a similar style or theme. 

Ready to hang with satin ribbons and finished with a metal tag as a sign of Waterford’s expert craftsmanship and quality, our collection of Christmas tree trimming ornaments are the perfect way to celebrate moments of togetherness.

Secret Santa gift ideas for sisters and brothers

Add sparkle to your home this Christmas with crystal icicle and snowflake ornaments from Waterford. With delicate shards of fine crystal radiating outwards to create a natural refraction, our icicle and snowflake ornaments are designed to glimmer for a truly festive home. Beautifully presented and seasonal in sentiment, these magnificent ornaments are sure to be cherished for years to come.

Crystal religious ornaments

Waterford’s crystal religious ornaments offer an exquisite range of crosses, angels, and symbols, intricately detailed with delicate crystal facets that will shine on your tree. Each ornament is designed to capture the memories and milestones of each new year, bringing a sentimental and unified appearance to tree trimming celebrations, now and in the future. 

Coloured glass ornaments

Add an elegant splash of colour to your Christmas tree trimming party with our coloured glass ornaments. Contrasting beautifully against clear, Waterford’s coloured glass ornaments are the perfect way to add an exciting and bold twist to your festive decor. 

Tree trimming party entertainment

Make your favourite Christmas cocktail

A Christmas celebration isn’t complete without a festive cocktail (or mocktail). With a timeless sentiment and unequalled ability to bring a feeling of warmth to a cold evening, our Rum Espresso Martini is the perfect Christmas cocktail to serve at your tree trimming party. Alternatively, explore more of our favourite Christmas cocktail recipes to add to your drinks menu. 

Waterford’s extensive range of expertly crafted glassware delivers luxury and excellence to every occasion. Ideal for savouring your favourite Christmas tipple, you’re sure to find the perfect crystal glass with Waterford.

Serve bite-sized treats

Serving bite-sized appetisers that people can enjoy while socialising is an excellent way to feed guests without too much pressure. From hot and cold items to sweet and savoury snacks, consider a variety of foods when you plan your tree trimming party menu. 

To get you started, try these bite-sized food ideas:

• Fresh fruit
• Cranberry and cream cheese pinwheels
• Turkey sliders with cranberry relish
• Christmas themed cookies
• Brie with cherry chutney served on French bread
• Parmesan puff pastry straws
• Crispy cinnamon-sugar twists
• A variety of nuts, such as cashews and almonds

The after party

After the joy and festivities of the Christmas tree trimming are over, take a rest by your newly decorated tree and bask in the irreplaceable glow and newfound memories just made.

Decorating a tree with your closest friends and family is an exciting time, but if you want to make alterations, that’s completely okay. Everyone has their own styles and preferences, so feel free to make any necessary changes.

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Luxury Crystal Secret Santa Gift Ideas for 2022

Funny presents are commonly associated with Secret Santa gift-giving. But what do you do when the opportunity to be funny is not the appropriate approach? 

If you’re looking for everyone taking part to receive a gift that’s beautiful and they’ll cherish forever, start by taking a look at the variety of luxury crystal items from Waterford.

No matter whose name you’ve drawn, you’re sure to find them a present that will have them believing there is a Santa.

Crystal Secret Santa gift ideas for family

Fathers can be notoriously reluctant about treating themselves, so this is an opportunity to take the initiative and splash out on something extra special on their behalf. Waterford has a range of bar accessories and glassware sets that are perfect for upgrading Dad’s drinks cabinet or home bar. 

From crystal rocks glasses that elevate his whiskey & sodas, to crystal pilsner and pint glasses that enhance the flavour and aroma of his favourite beer, you’re sure to find something he’ll raise his glass to at Waterford. 

Secret Santa gift ideas for Mum

If one of the many ways your mother shows her love is by creating beautiful tablescapes when you gather to eat together, here’s an easy way to instantly get on her good side at Christmas. Gift her a special piece from Waterford’s range of beautifully crafted crystal flower vases, candle holders and votives that she will treasure forever knowing it came from you. 

Secret Santa gift ideas for sisters and brothers

If your sister is at her happiest hosting a pamper night-in with her closest friends or sipping on cocktails at far-flung locales is more her style, Waterford’s crystal martini and cocktail glasses will make a perfect Secret Santa gift.

When buying for your brother, browse Waterford’s range of crystal bar cart essentials, including crystal cocktail shakers and ice buckets. They’re ideal for adding some classic glamour and sophistication to his next social gathering. 

Secret Santa gift ideas for grandparents

If your friendship group always does Secret Santa each year, perhaps it’s time to suggest a more exciting variation of the tradition and gift Waterford’s annual Winter Wonders collection instead?

With Winter Wonders, each year, each person in your friendship group receives a piece of themed crystal to treasure. This year’s theme is Winter Rose, with a pattern of cuts that represents the hardiest of flowers that bloom to triumph despite the Irish winter. Coloured a soft red, each petal is delicately outlined in crystal. 

Smaller but meaningful Secret Santa gift ideas

To ensure consistency and equity, most Secret Santas have a budget that those participating must not exceed. If you’re working with a smaller budget, perhaps for a workplace Secret Santa, but you still want to gift something beautiful and sincere, then explore Waterford’s range of crystal Christmas ornaments. You can also find a present at an exceptional price with our collection of crystal gifts under $150.

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Unique Baby’s First Christmas Gift Ideas

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Rocking Horse golden Christmas ornament

All of Waterford’s gold-plated ornaments are designed to catch the eye, and this glittering rocking horse is a shining example. Reminiscent of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, this charming depiction of the traditional children’s toy is sure to become a treasured memento of baby’s very first Christmas. Strung for display with a Waterford-embroidered satin ribbon, it’s beautifully presented with a cloth pouch in a signature Waterford box.

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Baby’s First Bear Christmas ornament

The 2022 Baby’s First Bear is a returning favourite in the Waterford crystal ornament collection. This wonderfully detailed adorable teddy celebrates baby’s first Christmas with everyone’s most trusted first childhood friend. Beautifully presented in a signature Waterford box, a cloth bag, and a “2022”-dated gold tag attached to a white satin ribbon. 

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Baby’s First Boot Christmas ornament

Lismore Castle snow globe

Beautifully presented in a signature Waterford box, this snow globe makes an irresistible and enchanting gift sure to mesmerise the eyes of both the young and the young at heart. This picturesque glass snow globe stands apart for its miniaturised 3D model of Lismore Castle, the rugged landmark which inspired Waterford’s most iconic cut design, Lismore. Add a touch of timeless fairy tale magic to baby’s room with the Lismore Castle snow globe.

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Times Square 2023 snow globe

Begin baby’s celebratory education early by introducing them to the wonderland that is New York’s Times Square every New Year’s Eve. Both exciting and reassuring when shaken and swirling, this unique glass globe features a detailed 3D model of the NYC skyline with the iconic Waterford Times Square Ball in bright red, plus miniature love hearts among the traditional flurry of snow. The snowglobe also comes artfully presented in a signature Waterford gift box.

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Shop first Christmas ornaments or visit our Christmas shop

The best newlywed Christmas gift ornaments for 2022

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Why first Christmas ornaments are special gifts for newlyweds

You can rest assured that a beautiful and festively-themed crystal ornament will make a fantastically unique gift for a newly-married couple enjoying their first Christmas together. 

• It captures the year: There are few things more special than celebrating your wedding. Buying them an ornament to mark their first year together will not only capture the date’s significance, but ensure your gift will always occupy a special place in their memories. 
• They can build a collection: Waterford has a number of different series of Christmas ornaments, with new designs released every year. These can be collected as treasured milestones symbolising a couple’s lifelong marriage journey.

Everyone’s eyes light up: Whichever of the Waterford crystal ornaments you ultimately choose, the happy couple are sure to be united in their gratitude for a beautiful, thoughtful gift designed to occupy pride of place in their home.

Unique Christmas ornaments for newly married couples

To help you celebrate their first Christmas married, gifts from our crystal ornaments range have been carefully curated below.

Snowstar ornament 2022

Released annually as part of an ongoing collectible series, the Snowstar design for 2022 is a sleek and contemporary version of a traditional Christmas icon. Festive, beautiful, and accessorised with a white satin ribbon so it can be displayed with ease, this stunning ornament is the perfect first Christmas gift for your favourite newly married couple as they set a course and navigate the path of their first year together.

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Christmas First Home Sweet Home house ornament 2022

Commemorating one of life’s most important milestones, this charming crystal home ornament immortalises the feelings of elation, joy, and achievement for a couple celebrating their first Christmas together in their new home. The front is engraved with ‘Home Sweet Home’ to mark this new chapter that is about to begin. With a Waterford-branded white ribbon and round date tag, this ornament makes the perfect celebratory memento while doubling as a thoughtful festive gift.

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Christmas Heart ornament

Times Square Triangle Replica Panel ornament 2023

Bring the excitement and anticipation of the iconic Times Square Ball into the home of your favourite newlyweds with this crystal embodiment of festive new year wishes. This true-to-life miniature replica of the panels on this year’s Times Square Ball is beautifully strung with a satin ribbon plus a silver 2022-dated hang tag. Presented in a signature Waterford box, it not only captures a key moment in time, but also reminds your loved ones to embrace their shared future, whatever it may hold. 

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To see more Christmas gift ideas for married couples and for everyone else too, explore our complete Christmas collection.

 Shop first Christmas ornaments or visit our Christmas shop

How to Make a Wedding Champagne Tower

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Step one: Determine how many glasses you’ll need for your champagne tower

The number of glasses you’ll need depends on how many tiers you desire (or the size of the tower). Many soon-to-be-married couples base this on the number of guests expected to attend, but there are no set rules; the size of your champagne tower is completely up to you. 

Once you’ve decided how many tiers you’d like, you can determine how many champagne glasses you need for your tower using a bit of light math. There’s one glass on the top (1×1=1) and four on the next tier (2×2=4). From here, keep adding levels that are one number bigger, multiplied by itself (3×3, 4×4, 5×5), until you reach the tier height you desire. Next, add up the number of glasses for each level to determine how many glasses you need. 

Step two: Choose the right glass

The optimal glass for a champagne tower is a champagne coupe as it offers a sturdy frame and width. At Waterford, we have an extensive range of beautifully crafted crystal Champagne Coupe Glasses that provide an unmatched elegance.

Specially designed to deliver luxury and excellence, Waterford’s expert craftsmanship is cut deeper for a lasting impression, giving you the power to celebrate in style and entertain with confidence. With multiple designs available – from contemporary, delicate finishes to intricate crystal cuts – you’re sure to find the perfect glass for your wedding champagne tower.

Step three: Build your tower

To build your champagne tower, start by arranging your bottom tier on a sturdy table in your desired location. Wedding champagne towers are built by creating squares that get smaller as the tower rises, eventually leaving a single glass to sit on top. 

When placing your levels, each glass should touch its surrounding glasses and form symmetrical diamonds of negative space between each glass. Glasses on the next tier are placed directly in the center, where four lower glasses come together to create this diamond. 

To finish your tower, continue placing levels until you have just one diamond and one glass

Step four: Have your moment

It’s finally time to have your moment. When pouring the champagne, ensure you pour directly over the top of the first glass. Pour slowly to create a steady stream that’s beautiful to watch and not too forceful. Continue until all cups are filled, but if they’re not entirely full, it’s completely okay to top them off individually. 

Things to consider when building your champagne tower

A champagne tower is all about the visual spectacle, so you’ll need to fill your tower while wedding guests are watching and have plenty of champagne to fill each glass.

How much champagne will you need?

Most bottles of champagne fill 5-6 glasses, so you’ll likely need a few bottles to fill your champagne tower. We’ve worked out the first six tiers for you:

• 5 glass (2 tiers): 1 bottle
• 14 glasses (3 tiers): 3 bottles
• 26 glasses (4 tiers): 6 bottles
• 51 glasses (5 tiers): 11 bottles
• 87 glasses (6 tiers): 18 bottles

You’ll also need extra bottles of champagne to refill the glasses afterward.

When should you fill the tower?

While this is often a personal choice for newlyweds, many couples find filling the champagne tower is a fantastic way to begin wedding speeches. During this time, guests are seated and attentive, and the waitstaff is able to hand out champagne ready for celebratory toasts. 

Other excellent times to fill the wedding champagne tower include the conclusion of speeches and after cutting the cake. 

Wedding anniversary gift ideas for your wife

Explore the Waterford wedding hub to discover more swoon-worthy tips, guides, and gifts to elevate your wedding plans.

How To Set Your Dining Table With Crystal Glassware

How to set your dining table with crystal glassware

Can’t wait to have your favourite people seated around your dining table? A beautifully set table is a fantastic way to welcome your guests and show them just how happy you are to see them again. And it doesn’t matter whether your get-together is low-key, formal or somewhere in between – it’s taking the time and making the effort that counts the most, though personal touches are nice, too. 

If you’d also like to know the tried and tested ways to set up your dining table – and the placement of your crystal glassware in particular – we’ve put together some of the standard rules to help you create a tablescape that perfectly complements the dishes you’ll be serving.

Where do you place glasses on a table?

Think of your table as a large canvas, and the way to fill that canvas is by balancing aesthetics with functionality. So each place should be set with all the glasses each guest will need – just not in a way that feels cluttered. 

As a general rule, that means starting with a crystal water goblet on the right-hand side just above the main dining knife – even for left-handed guests. If you’re wanting a neat and spacious arrangement for three glasses, line them up parallel to your table’s edge on the right-hand side above the knife and spoon. Crystal water goblet on the left, crystal red wine glass in the middle, crystal white wine glass on the right.

For a little more asymmetrical interest, vary this straight-line layout by tilting it diagonally. The order stays the same, but the glasses are angled down towards the edge of the table. If you’re intending more than three glasses (champagne anyone?), you might want to try bending the line into a slight curve, in the following order: water, champagne, white wine, red wine, then sherry (if you’re intending to serve sherry with a soup course).

Pick a host

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when every lunch and dinner can be so different. So to find the arrangement that will look and work best for the occasion you’re planning, get familiar with the four main types of glassware arrangements: Single, Double, Triangular and Diamond. There’s sure to be one that’s just right.

Single glassware layout

This low-key table setting keeps things simple in every way by featuring just one glass – either a crystal water goblet or a regular crystal stemless glass to help cleanse the palate between courses. Place it on the right-hand side immediately above the knife or between the knife and the plate. Ideal for when space is at a premium, time is short, and you want to keep washing up to a minimum.

Peruse our stylish range of elegant crystal tumblers and water glasses.

Pick your venue

A lot of people enjoy being able to punctuate their eating and drinking with a cleansing mouthful of water. So with this versatile arrangement ideal for 3 courses, your guests will have two glasses to switch between, one for their still or sparkling l’acqua, (placed north of the tip of their dinner knife), and another for their wine (set beside it on its right).

Explore our collection of beautiful crystal wine glasses.

Decide if it’s to be a formal or informal soiree

If you’re planning a more formal gathering with different red and white wines matched to different courses, this arrangement provides your guests with three glasses: one for water, one for red wine and one for white wine.

The crystal white wine glass is placed exactly above the knife for the main course. The crystal water glass is placed 450 below and to the right of the white wine glass. The crystal red wine glass is positioned 450 above and to the right of the white wine glass. There are variations, but that set-up is probably the most common.

Update your display cabinet by choosing from our latest range of beautiful crystal red wine glasses and crystal white wine glasses.

Create an engagement party guest list

If you will be starting with a bone-dry fino sherry and have room for one more glass, go for the diamond layout. It flips the Triangular layout 1800 left to right, then adds a crystal sherry glass below and to the right of the white wine glass to form a diamond.

Embrace the fun of setting a table worthy of the effort you’ve put into your dishes, and the feelings you have for your guests. It isn’t about understanding where each piece of tableware, crystal glassware and cutlery belongs —it’s about making your guests feel welcome. 

Raise the bar at your next dinner party with some beautiful new crystal glassware from Waterford.

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