Most holiday traditions, at some point, center around sharing food and drinks with family and friends. Don’t you think holiday meals tend to take on a life of their own? Everyones favorites are made and we eat ourselves sick in the process. None-the-less, memories are made at the dinner table and nothing sets the tone better for your holiday meals than a spectacular tablescape to welcome your guests.
Here are few things to keep in mind as your dress your tables this gastronomically rich time of year:
1- CONSIDER A THEME. And once you’ve picked one, stick with it. If Woodland Winter is your choice, for example, work with a natural color palette of whites, greens, and browns. A punch of red can make a great accent used sparingly. “Garnish” your table with items that bring in the great outdoors and mimic snowy fields, filled with plants, woodland animal figures, dried grasses, birch logs etc… If whimsical North Pole is more your look, incorporate more vibrant reds & greens, candy canes, gum drops, small wrapped packages, elves and such. If you want a more elegant table, stick with gold and silver, winter florals, fruits, nuts and berries that compliment your color palette. More than anything, don’t stray from your determined theme. Your look will become muddled and hodgepodge.
2- KEEP IT SIMPLE. Don’t get too complicated with your color. And follow the rule of thumb that less is truly best. After all, your tablescape should visually enhance the eating experience rather than become an obstacle for guests. That brings us to our third rule of thumb.
3- KEEP DECORATIONS SMALL. Consider this size of your table and the number of guests you’ll be entertaining. While fewer, larger accessories can make a more dramatic statement, it is equally important to avoid large centerpieces that detract from your place settings. Smaller, scale-appropriate centerpieces allow for face-to face conversation and will help the table and meal flow better. Placing smaller items on mirrors will double their visual impact without overwhelming the table.
4- PRACTICE TABLE SETTING. As simple as it sounds, furnishing each place with the appropriate amount and correct arrangement of plates, glassware and silverware also helps your guests feel relaxed and prepared to enjoy the meal, uninterrupted. Let the following graphics guide you as you set your holiday tables based on the style and time of day. (Images courtesy of Replacements.com).
Buffet Style
Luncheon
Formal Dinner
Family Dinner
With a little advance preparation, you’ll have one less thing to stress about this holiday season. Your table will look thoughtful and planned and your guests will enjoy a meal that won’t soon be forgotten.
Happy Tablescaping and Bon Appetit from Decor Designs.
From Decor Designs Owner & Chief Creative,