’Tis the season once again for decorating to the hilt for the holidays! With family dinners or quick get-togethers just around the corner, plan to dress up your table with seasonal sparkle with these fun ideas. Then get merry!
You don’t have to be a domestic diva to set a beautiful holiday table. You may be thinking, “I don’t have enough place settings, or my plates are mismatched.” Well, then, who knew? — you’re right in style! Today’s table fashion is to mix and match old patterns with new, the finest china with the humblest pottery. Even a casual holiday buffet will have a festive ring to it with colorful, decorative paper plates. Either table is successful with the right holiday spirit!
Keeping it simple starts with a swing by your local shopping mall for inexpensive holiday settings. If you’re like me, you can’t resist a new theme, therefore, you purchase a complete set each year ... and then find a set you like better the next year. Here’s a solution for this dilemma:
Each year, purchase one place setting of this season’s new discovery; next year, choose a different place setting and purchase one complete set. Before you know it, you’ll have 10 to 12 different place settings and they are all your favorite! You’ll be creating wonderful memories as you collect your holiday table settings.
Setting a festive table should be fun, not stressful; so take the pressure off with these easy decorating tips:
Get creative and have fun! Use a color theme such as evergreen or cranberry red and accessorize with linens and candles. Pick up some pretty netting or iridescent material and use it as a table runner. Randomly bunch it along the top, placing a string of white Christmas tree lights underneath to create a luminous backdrop for your centerpiece.
Use candles and your cut-glass wine goblets for a unique table setting. First, place broken candy in the bottom of each wineglass, then drop in a votive candle for the elegance and illumination of candlelight.
Add some dazzle by pulling out your silver and crystal pieces. Why save them for “special” when “special” is now!
Tie napkins with wire-edged silver or gold ribbons, threaded with tiny ornaments to match your theme. For panache, use cloth napkins in holiday colors.
Animal prints don’t have to be put away for the holidays. Continue to enjoy this decorating trend by mixing jaguar and other brown, gold, and black animal patterns with gold and silver. You’re sure to find animal print Christmas ornaments for your tree; mix them with solid gold and silver balls in a clear glass bowl for a trendy take on table centerpieces.
Make this time with your guests or family even more special by leaving them a special ornament or jewel-toned votive for them to take home. This will start a new family tradition to carry forward next year!
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