Tips for Setting a Beautiful Holiday Table

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Setting the table on most days doesn’t involve a beautiful tablescape. It might look like this:

A stack of paper plates, a wad of paper towels, and a pizza you picked up on the way home from work tossed on the kitchen counter.

Cut the pizza and let everybody snag a couple of pieces of pie. 

After dinner toss everything in the (recycling can) trash and that’s it for cleanup.

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Other meals are about more than just filling empty bellies. Some meals are meant to create memories or to carry on traditions. Sharing meals with people that you want to spend time with.  Your friends, family, or people you want to get to know.

Setting a mood for this kind of meal requires more than plopping plates and napkins down on the table. They should at least be artfully arranged.

The rules for setting a proper table are easy and setting a beautiful table does not have to be super expensive if you follow a few simple tips.

Formal Table Settings and Manners

A group of unruly, ill-behaved kids can easily sabotage all of your efforts to create magical holiday memories.

I remember when I was growing up my siblings and I had to endure a fairly regular Formal Dinner in our home. We were being taught what a formal table looked like. 

• What fork to use and when
• That it was the napkin and NOT the sleeve that was used for wiping one’s mouth
• No reaching across the table, no tossing of the crescent rolls, no licking of the butter knife
• How to behave in a formal setting so as not to embarrass our parents

Check with Emily Post on how to set a proper table and other rules of etiquette. It’s quite useful information.

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Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use. – Emily Post

The rules haven’t changed much over the years.

• Silverware is placed on either side of a plate – forks on the left (except for the fish fork), spoons, and knives on the right. Utensils are placed according to when/how they are used.
• Start with the outermost and work your way in. There are minor variations depending on the level of formality. Soups, salads, and desserts require separate utensils.
• Don’t put out more silverware than is needed. No soup on the menu? No salad on the menu? Then leave these utensils off the table.
• Use the napkin and not your sleeve to wipe your mouth…um, to daintily dab your mouth.

As far as the unruly, ill-behaved adults go, well, you might consider rethinking the guest list.

Tableware Basics

Setting a beautiful table is limited only by your imagination. It can be super-expensive if you buy an entire department store tablescape display…every season. 

OR  

It can be affordable if you follow some common-sense tips.

Don’t underestimate the power of classic white dinner plates. They may seem dull at first, but trust me, they’re the perfect foundation for any table setting.

Food looks better on white plates. 

It doesn’t get lost in the glaze color or pattern of the plate.

You can easily transform the look of your tablescape for any season or event by simply incorporating colorful placemats, napkins, tablecloths, chargers, or centerpieces. 

To add more color and interest, consider using a collection of dessert or salad plates that don’t necessarily match. Each place setting will have its unique flair, adding extra charm to your table. 

It’s like adding a beautiful piece of jewelry to a plain sweater. It makes a statement.

Themed Tableware

Choose a specific color scheme or theme to make simple items look cohesive and festive.

• Choose a specific color scheme (e.g., red and white, gold and silver) to create a cohesive look
• Mix and match dishes and glassware with similar colors for an elegant and coordinated feel
• Incorporate holiday-themed items like napkin rings, place cards, or charger plates to tie the theme together

Thrift Store Finds

Visit thrift stores for affordable and unique tableware and decorations. Old pieces evoke the memories of generations past. (Most families have a drunk uncle story to tell).

• Find unique, inexpensive plates, glasses, and silverware that can create a charming, eclectic look
• Discover vintage table linens or candleholders to add a touch of nostalgia
• Search for decorative holiday-themed items, such as figurines or serving dishes
• Find vintage pieces, such as salt and pepper shakers at tag sales, yard sales, or estate sales to add holiday spirit to a simple Christmas dinner table

Add Lighting to the Table

Adding taper candles to the table is a classic look but, more than that, candles cast a glow that makes everybody look better. How can that be? I don’t know, but subdued lighting seems to enhance every skin tone. 

So, do your friends a favor. Dim the artificial light and light the candles.

For a rustic look bring out the mason jars. Use a few as part of the centerpiece of the table. Pop in a votive candle, tie a little burlap or grosgrain ribbon around the rim and you have inexpensive farmhouse chic. Group a few together in the middle of the table and mix and match with seasonal greenery, flowers, berries, pinecones, and pumpkins. You get the idea.

If you have candlesticks that you are using in other parts of your home, enlist them for temporary duty on the dining room table if you want to create a more formal setting. Thrift shops or Goodwill are places to look for low-cost options if you don’t own anything that will work.

Mason Jar Candle Holders 

Use mason jars with tea lights as rustic candle holders.

• Paint mason jars in festive colors or decorate them with ribbons and use them as candle holders
• Fill mason jars with items that reflect the holiday season; red jingle bells for a simple Christmas table, pastel M&M’s for Easter, or colorful jelly beans for Cinco de Mayo
• Insert small LED candles or short flameless tapers for ambient light that produces a safe and cozy glow

Candles in Wine Bottles

Repurpose empty wine bottles with candles for a cozy look.

• Using clear wine bottles, remove labels, fill them with holiday greenery, and top them with a candle
• Paint wine bottles with metallic or chalkboard paint for a customized look
• Group wine bottles of different heights and colors for an eye-catching centerpiece

String Lights

String lights aren’t just for the Christmas tree. Use LED fairy lights around the dining room for a cozy and magical ambiance. You can find lights in multiple colors and shapes to reflect every holiday.

• Hang string lights around the table, on a mantle, or in a glass vase for a warm and inviting atmosphere
• Use battery-operated string lights to avoid the need for outlets
• Choose lights with holiday shapes or colors for a festive touch

Make a Beautiful Centerpiece

Use flowers or fresh greenery from your yard (or your neighbor’s yard if you have that kind of relationship) for a natural and affordable addition to your table. Sprigs of nandina, Burford holly, or beautyberry are stunning for autumn/winter arrangements. If this isn’t available, try Dollar Tree or Michaels for floral accents that can be used for multiple occasions.

For a summer party incorporate terracotta pots, plain or painted, and seasonal plants or flowers that will last the rest of the season. Better yet, go for perennials that you can plant in your garden at the end of the season to come back the next year.

Use baskets, jars, or even tin cans to create centerpieces for a rustic look. Check out Pinterest for inspiration.

Avoid flowers or greenery with a strong sweet smell. You don’t want gardenias to overpower the aromas of the food.

You probably already own pieces to use as a foundation for your next centerpiece. By adding a few seasonal accessories you can create a stunning display without spending a lot of money.

Check out stores like Dollar Tree or Michaels for table decorations that are on sale. Look for those craft items to use to make napkin rings, runners, and centerpieces. When making purchases, consider their potential for multiple uses.

Choose the style that you think is best, but whatever it is avoid tall elements unless it’s for a backdrop on a buffet table. You want everyone seated at the dining table to be able to see over the centerpiece and have conversations with people across the table. Unless they don’t like each other, then it might be time to rethink the guest list.

DIY Centerpieces 

Make centerpieces using items from your garden, like pine cones, branches, or flowers.

• For DIY mason jar centerpieces, fill with holiday-themed items like Christmas ornaments, small candies, or pinecones
• Arrange a collection of mismatched vintage vases with fresh or silk flowers
• Fill a glass bowl with water and floating candles for an elegant Christmas centerpiece

Natural Elements

Collect fallen leaves, acorns, or pine branches for a natural, rustic look.

• Arrange a variety of colorful leaves on the table for a vibrant, natural look
• Scatter pinecones, acorns, and dried berries for a woodland-themed table
• Incorporate fresh herbs or potted plants for a fragrant and earthy centerpiece
• White birch branches in a vase for a modern, minimalist look

Edible Decor

Decorate with apples, pears, or citrus fruits for a colorful and edible centerpiece.

• Create a fruit centerpiece with a mix of apples, pears, and clementines for a fresh and colorful arrangement
• Use a clear glass trifle bowl to display layers of colorful holiday candies
• Place a bowl of nuts in their shells as both decor and a snack for guests

Paper Snowflakes

Create small paper snowflakes to hang as decorations or larger ones to use as placemats.

• Create intricate paper snowflakes and hang them from the ceiling for a whimsical, winter wonderland feel
• Attach smaller paper snowflakes to string or white ribbon and use them as a garland
• Use snowflake-themed paper doilies as placemats or table decor

Homemade Wreaths

Create wreaths from seasonal material to decorate the table. Consider readily available natural elements, or craft supplies that you have on hand such as fabric, yarn, or ribbon.

• Craft wreaths using materials like twigs, vines, or evergreen branches
• Hang mini wreaths on the backs of dining chairs for a festive and unexpected touch
• Add bows, pinecones, or ornaments to your wreaths to match your holiday decor

Upcycled Decor 

Reuse old glass jars or bottles as vases or candle holders.

• Empty glass jars and bottles can be turned into vases for flowers, candles, or utensils
• Wrap old tin cans in decorative paper or burlap for a shabby chic look
• Repurpose old wooden crates as rustic serving trays or display stands for appetizers or desserts
• Fill a vintage champagne flute or wine glasses with pastel mints for spring events or baby showers
• Use silver goblets in a white color scheme for an elegant wedding or bridal shower tablescape

Customized Place Cards

Creative ideas for name cards abound on Pinterest and holiday issues of popular magazines.

• Attach name cards to pinecones using twine or ribbon for a rustic and personalized touch
• Paint pinecones with metallic or holiday-themed colors to match your decor
• Combine pinecones with greenery or sprigs of holly for a natural place setting
• Make simple candy cane place card holders for a festive dining table
• Use candy canes in different colors for any holiday dinner party

Holiday Ornaments 

Use holiday ornaments as part of your table decor, not just at Christmas time, but any time of year.

• Hang ornaments on a small decorative tree branch placed in a vase as a unique and festive centerpiece
• Attach ribbon or twine to ornaments and suspend them above the table for a magical, floating effect
• Use oversized ornaments to create a bold and eye-catching holiday table decor
• Fill a tall vase with wooden or plastic Easter eggs for a fun spring holiday dinner table
• Miniature pinatas, flags, gold coins; there are ornaments for every holiday

Add Interesting Linens and Accessories

Make it a point to shop after-holiday closeout sales to find interesting fabric napkins, placemats, and maybe a lovely linen tablecloth at greatly reduced prices. White napkins are perfect for formal events, but let your style shine when preparing for a festive feast. 

Consider those items that can serve double duty.

Think about table linens in red to use for Christmas table settings, Valentine’s Day, the 4th of July, and even Cinco de Mayo.

Try warm plaid patterns on napkins or placemats for Thanksgiving, autumn birthdays, or dinner parties. 

Pastels are perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, and especially a Baby Shower.

Getting multiple uses out of the accessories you buy and shopping post-season are effective ways to stretch your entertainment dollars.

Fabric Napkins

Use inexpensive cloth napkins that can be washed and reused.

• Fabric napkins can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice 
• They are available in an endless variety of colors, patterns, and textures
• Cloth napkins are reusable and can be washed, reducing waste
• You can fold them creatively or tie them with twine, ribbon, or decorative napkin rings for added flair

DIY Placemats or Chargers

Make placemats from fabric scraps, burlap, or paper.

• Create placemats from various materials, such as brown craft paper, old newspapers, or wrapping paper
• Craft personalized placemats by printing out holiday-themed designs or family photos on large sheets of paper 
• Layer colorful paper or fabric under clear plastic sheets for an easy-to-clean and visually appealing placemat

Homemade Place Cards 

Create personalized place cards with cardstock or fold index cards in half.

• Make place cards using craft paper, and add a personal touch with hand-lettering or stamps
• Use mini chalkboards as reusable place cards
• Create simple place cards using holiday-themed stickers or washi tape

DIY Table Runner

Make an inexpensive table runner to ground the centerpiece.

• A burlap table runner adds a rustic, country-chic touch to your table setting
• Pair linen and lace for a charming, vintage look
• Decorate a length of kraft paper with photos, stickers, and sketches for a child’s birthday party

Tablecloth Alternatives

• Reuse an old quilt or a large piece of fabric as a makeshift tablecloth.
• Repurpose in holiday colors to use as table runners or layer as a table covering.
• A roll of craft paper for the kid’s table is genius.  Add crayons and markers to keep them occupied throughout dinner and beyond

An idea that I love, it wasn’t mine originally, is using kraft paper on the kid’s table. You can draw placemats right on the paper. Put crayons or markers on the table and let them draw or play tic-tac-toe or otherwise entertain themselves after dinner while the adults linger over coffee and dessert. The surface is completely kid-friendly and cleanup is easy-peasy.

Entertaining a Crowd on a Budget

Buffet Style

Opt for a buffet-style dinner, so you don’t need individual place settings.

• Opting for a buffet-style dinner eliminates the need for individual place settings, reducing costs
• Set up a self-serve station with dishes, utensils, and condiments, allowing guests to serve themselves
• This informal style encourages mingling and creates a relaxed, communal atmosphere

Potluck Gathering

Ask guests to bring a dish, making it a potluck-style dinner to share the cost.

• Hosting a potluck-style gathering can significantly reduce the cost of the holiday meal
• Assign dishes to guests, such as appetizers, side dishes, desserts, and drinks
• Encourage guests to bring their specialty dish but within the assigned category

These ideas should help you add charm and creativity to your holiday table without exceeding your budget. Mix and match these concepts to suit your style and create a memorable and festive atmosphere for your guests.

Spend time with your friends and family enjoying good food in a beautiful setting that you created. Whether it’s for a traditional holiday meal, or a birthday celebration, sharing a meal is a universal expression of love and hospitality. (The occasional formal Sunday dinner is also a good way to teach the kids how to behave in that situation).