8 Tips for Setting a Beautiful Holiday Table
8 Tips For Creating a Holiday Table
I love creating a pretty dining room table when entertaining family and friends in our home. I enjoy changing the theme each month. Steve and I often invite folks over last minute, so I like having my table ready to go. That way, I'm prepared for a dinner party of 10+ guests with 24 hours' notice. And I'm also prepped for the last-minute, spontaneous bash for 75+. Buffet or sit down, and we're good to go!
Over the years, my friends have asked me, "How do I create these festive holiday tables?" For me, it's a labor of love. I genuinely enjoy putting these tablescapes together. With that in mind, one December pre-COVID, as my holiday table was coming together, we took pictures to document how it progressed from start to finish.
STEP 1 - Clear the Decks
"Clear the Decks." If you need to switch up the dining and living rooms, this is the time to do it. With 22 coming for Christmas dinner, Steve and I moved the table into the living room. Add all the extra table leaves and then polish them until they gleam.
STEP 2 - Create a Theme
Pick a theme for the table and add layers of fabric to achieve a "crumpled look" for the centerpiece. For example, this holiday table has 3 yards of soft batting under 3 yards of red velvet fabric. A top layer of white organza is encrusted with pearls and silver embroidery.
STEP 3 - Start With the Centerpiece
Gather all your DIY holiday centerpiece ideas together. I filled an antique wooden bowl with tons of sparkling snowflakes and glass ornaments. On Pinterest, I saw a table I liked with pillar candles running down the entire length of the table, so I thought I’d try a modified version.
I have a closet for my table decorations so they can be reused and recycled repeatedly. For example, American Plant in Bethesda, MD, has a treasure trove of fantastic holiday decorative home decor pieces that are perfect for saving and are used year after year. In addition, I've collected sterling silver candlesticks sold on eBay at bargain prices. The silver reindeer were gifts from many years ago. Finally, I kept my mother's red ball Christmas tree ornaments from the 1960s.
STEP 4 - Prepare Linens, Napkin Rings, Candles, and Crystal Stemware
Give yourself plenty of time to pull this all together. Shine sterling silver flatware and candlesticks. Press your linen napkins. Make sure your crystal stemware sparkles and is free of spots. Select fun napkin rings to add a festive element to your table. I also love Colonial Candle’s 12-inch Cranberry colored candles for the holidays. I secure them in the candlesticks with “Stick-Um” candle adhesive.
STEP 5 - Pay Attention to the Details and Personal Traditions
With the basics completed, it’s time to pay attention to the details. On one snowy branch, I placed two wooden seagulls. These birds remind me of Cape Cod, MA. I also put a tiny cardinal and bluebird on another snowy branch. Most of your guests won’t notice these details. That’s ok since, for me, it’s all about LOVE. All my tables include love birds, dragonflies, or butterflies. They also have candle cups to add to the table’s glow.
STEP 6 - Set the Table 101
With the small details completed, it's time to set the table. I chose gold chargers, crisp white linens, Claire Leighton plates, and Orrefors "Harmony" crystal. The antique sterling silver flatware is Watson "Windsor Rose," and it belonged to my mother-in-law. I also enjoy using place cards on the table, so friends and family can sit down effortlessly. There are plenty of books and websites on "Table Setting 101." Don't be shy; go ahead and use them. I need a refresher course all the time.
STEP 7 - Create Floral Arrangements
The day before the dinner party, I add flowers to the table. They can be a focal point or a small, simple compliment to the table. Since this DIY holiday table already had a lot going on, I added small bud vases filled with red/white roses.
STEP 8 - Double-Check Everything is to Your Liking the Day Of
Once the table is complete, it’s time to double-check that everything is in its proper place. Is everything still lined up correctly? Do you have enough chairs? With 22 guests, we rented champagne-colored chairs with white cushions from Allied Rentals in Beltsville, MD.
Preparing a table for friends and family makes me happy. So please don’t stress if it’s not your thing. In all honesty, being together and sharing the love and laughter of dear friends and family is what everyone will remember in the years to come. Not the decorated table or the DIY holiday centerpiece. So go ahead, throw open the front door with love and excitement! Welcome your family and friends home! Enjoy!