In my house, gathering around the dining table is a highly anticipated holiday tradition. There’s something so warm and comforting about our family being together in one room, pouring drinks for each other and laughing over a delicious meal.
Having a space intentionally designed for celebration and connection (like my dining room that I shared about last year) adds a certain sparkle to the season that is difficult to put into words. If you know, you know. If you don’t, it’s a little late for a renovation (maybe next year!), but there is plenty you can do to add a bit of magic to your table right now.
Yes, I’m talking about tablescapes. They look stunning, set the mood, and transform any gathering into an event to remember. And because beautiful tablescapes play such a big part in bringing the room to life, we include fully styled tables in most of our design projects.
Keep reading for some general table-setting tips, along with 4 pre-curated holiday tablescapes to inspire your next celebration…
Elements of a Full Table Setting
If you enjoy entertaining, full table settings are an investment worth making. We recommend starting with a great base collection and growing from there. (You can store them in a beautiful sideboard or credenza.) When we style tables for client projects, typically we include:
- Placemat/charger
- Water glass
- Wine glass
- 5 piece flatware set
- Dinner plate
- Salad/app plate
- Soup bowl
- Cloth napkin with ring
- Statement-making centerpiece (like a sculptural bowl, votives, etc.)
There are plenty of “correct” ways to set a table, so choose what feels right for your occasion and guests. Extra pieces can include place card holders, champagne glasses or coupes, dessert and bread plates, and a table runner or table cloth.
Adding Holiday Touches
When styling a table for a special holiday event, we recommend beginning with staple pieces such as white dinner plates or neutral placemats. From there, layer in the holiday “wow” with colorful glasses, unique salad plates, or fun napkin rings. These smaller items are easy to switch out for different holidays, too.
Lastly, don’t forget to layer your centerpiece, as well. Incorporate greenery, candles, a beaded garland, and ornaments or lights for that winter glimmer.
Holiday Tablescape #1: Coastal Christmas
The Ambiance: Coastal and wintery, this tablescape is inspired by picturesque shores and coastlines, soothing salty air, and a light color palette of blues, whites, greens, and neutrals. We kept things airy with natural materials, lightweight linens, and a touch of holiday spirit.
Get the Look: Woven Charger / Chambray Stoneware Salad Plate / Norfolk Pine Garland / Wood Bead Garland / Porcelain Dinner Plate / Green Gingham Napkins / White & Champagne Flatware / Level Wine Glass / Blue Crystal Water Glass / Nutcracker Napkin Ring
Holiday Tablescape #2: Season’s Sparkle
The Ambiance: Bold and colorful, this tablescape will bring joy and brightness to dinner with the luster of warm metals, jewel tones, gold accents, and tasteful patterns. All paired with a pine garland for a grounded, natural feel.
Get the Look: Gold Fortessa Flatware Set / Emerald Charger / Gold Rim Tumbler / Red Wine Glasses / Fair Isle Dinner Plate / Gold Border Napkin / Tuxedo Napkin Ring / Jingle Bell Garland / Pre-Lit Pine Garland
Holiday Tablescape #3: Natural Elegance
The Ambiance: Soft, natural, and delicate, we mixed a muted color palette with an olive and myrtle leaf garland to create a soothing, relaxing environment. This collection also includes stoneware, a linen and leather, and brushed metals with a subtle gleam.
Get the Look: Linen Napkins / Green Stoneware Dinner Plate / Olive Leaf & Myrtle Garland / Leather Look Placemat / Snowflake Salad Plate / Matte Black Flatware / Amber Wineglass / Optic Glass Tumbler
Holiday Tablescape #4: Tastefully Traditional
The Ambiance: This tablescape is for those who love the traditional decor of Christmas but don’t want Santa Clauses or cliché holiday motifs everywhere. Classic reds and greens pair with plaid and festive plates for a setting sure to evoke fond memories and inspire new ones.
Get the Look: Plaid Placemats / Merlot Dinner Plate / Country Estate Salad Plate / Reindeer Napkin / Burgundy Wine Glass / Plaid Crystal Highball Glasses / Satin Flatware Set / Christmas Cheer Garland / Antler Napkin Ring
Happy Holidays from Us to You…
Whether you assemble one of our tablescapes or create your own for the upcoming holidays, I hope you find joy in designing a space where you and your loved ones can gather, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate each other.
Xoxo,
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