The holiday season is all about gathering together. From festive dinner parties and family traditions to casual evenings with friends, there’s something special about opening your home and welcoming the people you love.
Of course, hosting comes with a to-do list. Between planning the menu, choosing drinks, setting the table and preparing dessert, even a simple get-together takes some effort.
Luckily, Cincinnati is full of local businesses that make entertaining easier and more memorable. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful charcuterie board, the perfect bottle of wine or a few finishing touches for your table, these neighborhood favorites have you covered.
Start With Something to Share
Every great gathering deserves a delicious beginning. Whether you’re building an appetizer spread or looking for something ready to serve, these local businesses make sharing good food easy.
Boards & Beez | Mariemont
If you love the idea of an effortlessly beautiful charcuterie board, Boards & Beez is a must-visit.
Located in Mariemont’s charming Strand shopping district, this gourmet food boutique was founded by Chelsey “Beez” Berghausen, whose background in fashion and design brings an artistic touch to entertaining.
The shop specializes in carefully curated charcuterie boards featuring premium cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits and thoughtful accompaniments. Each arrangement is designed to look just as good as it tastes, making it an easy centerpiece for a holiday gathering.
Prefer to build your own? Browse the boutique’s selection of:
- Artisan cheeses and cured meats
- Specialty crackers, breads and gourmet spreads
- Imported pantry favorites, fine wines and tabletop accessories
Hosting Tip: Order a ready-made grazing board or pick up a few specialty ingredients to create your own holiday spread.
Taste of Boujie | Cincinnati
For a gathering that calls for something extra special, Taste of Boujie turns charcuterie into a true centerpiece.
Founded by Roxanne Adams, this Black- and woman-owned luxury catering business specializes in beautifully styled artisan boards, individual charcuterie cups and elaborate grazing tables.
From intimate dinner parties to larger holiday celebrations, Taste of Boujie offers arrangements featuring thoughtfully selected cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, crackers and other gourmet accompaniments, all presented with an eye for detail.
Hosting Tip: Consider individual charcuterie cups for a holiday open house or cocktail party. They’re easy for guests to enjoy while mingling.
Raise a Glass
Whether you’re pairing wine with dinner or mixing up a signature cocktail, these Cincinnati shops can help you find the perfect pour.
The Wine Merchant | Oakley
Choosing wine for a holiday gathering doesn’t have to be intimidating, especially when you have a knowledgeable local shop to help.
A Cincinnati favorite since 1973, The Wine Merchant offers an extensive collection of wines from around the world, with options for a variety of tastes, occasions and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for a bold red to complement a hearty meal, a crisp white for appetizers or a sparkling bottle for a celebration, the staff can help you find something that fits your menu. The shop also features a wine bar and tasting experience, giving visitors a chance to discover new favorites.
Hosting Tip: Choose a few versatile bottles that pair well with different dishes, and keep a sparkling option on hand for a festive toast.
HIVE Market | Cheviot
Want to serve a signature holiday cocktail without spending the evening playing bartender? HIVE Market has a creative solution.
Located in Cheviot, this locally owned boutique features home goods, gifts and locally made products, including its signature HIVE Craft Cocktails infusion kits.
These ready-to-infuse jars combine dried fruits, botanicals and other flavorful ingredients, taking much of the measuring and preparation out of homemade cocktails.
Popular options include:
- Old Fashioned for bourbon lovers
- Spicy Margarita for something with a kick
- Sassy Sangria for a festive, shareable drink
The shop also carries barware and entertaining accessories to complete your holiday drink station.
Hosting Tip: Prepare a batch cocktail ahead of time and set up a self-serve drink station with glasses, garnishes and a nonalcoholic option.
Set the Scene
The food may bring everyone to the table, but the little details make a gathering feel special. From colorful linens to beautiful serving pieces, these local boutiques can help you create a welcoming atmosphere.
Hoste Shoppe | Walnut Hills
At Hoste Shoppe, gathering together is the inspiration behind the entire store.
Located in Walnut Hills, this thoughtfully curated home and gift boutique celebrates the art of entertaining with pieces that make everyday moments feel special.
Browse colorful tablecloths, unique dinnerware, whimsical glassware, artisanal candles and specialty pantry goods that add personality to your dining table.
Whether your style is traditional and cozy or colorful and eclectic, Hoste offers plenty of inspiration for creating a table that feels warm, welcoming and uniquely yours.
Hosting Tip: Start with a statement tablecloth or interesting glassware, then mix in pieces you already own for a collected, personal look.
The Pines Gift + Home + Art | Linwood
For beautiful entertaining essentials with a little personality, stop by The Pines Gift + Home + Art.
Housed in a historic former Masonic lodge in Cincinnati’s Linwood neighborhood, this locally owned boutique offers a carefully selected mix of home décor, original art, gifts and tabletop accessories.
You’ll find everything from patterned table linens and decorative serving bowls to colorful taper candles, elegant trays and thoughtful hostess gifts.
It’s a great place to find something that complements your existing décor while adding a fresh touch for the holidays.
Hosting Tip: Layer patterned napkins, candlelight and decorative serving pieces to create a festive table without replacing your everyday dinnerware.
Take Something Off Your Plate
One of the best hosting tricks is knowing when to ask for a little help. After all, spending time with your guests is much more enjoyable than spending the entire gathering in the kitchen.
Goosefoot Cook & Grow | Cincinnati
For hosts who want to serve a memorable meal without handling every detail themselves, Goosefoot Cook & Grow offers a thoughtful approach to entertaining.
Founded by Chef Maggie Lawson, this Cincinnati-based personal chef and meal delivery business focuses on seasonal, farm-to-table cooking using ingredients sourced from local farms and producers.
Their offerings include:
- Chef-prepared meals and seasonal menus
- Private dining experiences and custom gatherings
- Holiday meal options and entertaining support
Goosefoot also emphasizes sustainability through reusable glass containers and thoughtful food preparation practices that help reduce waste.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or a larger holiday celebration, it’s a way to spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the table.
Hosting Tip: Choose a few dishes you love making yourself, then consider outsourcing the more time-consuming parts of the menu.
Save Room for Dessert
A holiday meal isn’t complete without something sweet. And when dessert comes from a beloved local bakery, it’s one less thing to worry about before guests arrive.
The BonBonerie | O’Bryonville
For a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, The BonBonerie has been a Cincinnati favorite since 1983.
Located in O’Bryonville, this European-inspired bakery is known for its scratch-made cakes, pastries, cookies and other elegant sweets.
Its signature Opera Cream Torte, featuring layers of chocolate chip cake, opera cream filling and rich chocolate glaze, is a local classic. Other favorites include the Bumbleberry Torte, decadent brownies, lemon squares and beautifully decorated cookies.
During the holiday season, the bakery also offers festive sweets and seasonal specialties that make wonderful additions to a dessert table.
Hosting Tip: Create a dessert spread with a mix of small treats and one larger centerpiece dessert so guests can sample a little of everything.
A Few Simple Ways to Make Holiday Hosting Easier
The most memorable gatherings don’t have to be the most elaborate. Sometimes, a few thoughtful details make all the difference.
- Start with something ready to share. A charcuterie board gives guests something to enjoy as soon as they arrive.
- Choose one signature drink. A batch cocktail or festive mocktail keeps your beverage menu simple.
- Mix old and new. Pair family traditions with a few new serving pieces or seasonal decorations.
- Let local businesses lend a hand. Prepared dishes and desserts free up time for the parts of hosting you enjoy most.
- Focus on the gathering. Good company matters more than a perfectly planned menu.
Make Room for What Matters Most
The holidays are about more than what’s on the menu or how the table is decorated. They’re about the people who gather around it, the traditions we share and the memories made along the way.
From gourmet food shops and specialty wine stores to neighborhood boutiques and beloved bakeries, Cincinnati’s local businesses offer plenty of ways to make holiday entertaining feel more personal.
So whether you’re hosting a full house or inviting a few friends over for a cozy evening, shop local, enjoy the preparations and remember that the best part of opening your home is sharing it with the people you love.
Looking for more ways to celebrate the season? Explore more Cincinnati shops, local favorites and things to do on Haus & Home.
