One of the many highlights that the holiday season brings is enjoying delicious meals with the ones we love. Gathering around the holiday table is as much about indulging in decadent dishes as it is about connecting with your family and friends. Of course, how you serve dinner might be just as important as what you’re serving. With so much time, effort, and love that goes into planning and preparing amazing holiday dishes, don’t forget to set the stage for your culinary magic with a commensurate tablescape.
Tablescapes are arrangements that are used to reflect a particular mood, theme, or occasion. During the holiday season, a thoughtfully designed tablescape creates anticipation, heightens the holiday sensation, and provides the backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime.
Before you begin putting together a seasonal tablescape that is sure to impress your family and guests, it’s important to start with a great foundation. A beautiful dining room table is the cornerstone of any eye-catching tablescape (or holiday meal, for that matter). Regardless of what your home decor style may be, it’s a good idea to choose a table that provides plenty of space for your family to gather around and is built to last. Likewise, the chairs that you pair with your dining table should be comfortable, so that everyone will feel right at home as they linger over lively dinners with lots of conversation.
Creating an amazing tablescape isn’t always about adding elements to your table; it’s often about getting unnecessary pieces off the table while still being easily accessible during mealtimes. With this in mind, having a serving table nearby can help you keep your holiday tablescape looking its best. China cabinets, buffets and consoles complete a dining room and offer lots of handy storage space too. Once you’ve prepared a lovely foundation with a quality table, comfy chairs, and a convenient serving table, you’re ready to create an eye-catching holiday tablescape. Check out these tips from the trusted Star Furniture design team to keep the process simple and fun:
Elements of a Great Tablescape
Beautifully arranged tablescapes don’t happen by accident! They’re strategically designed from the napkin rings to the centerpieces. Because of this, it’s worth setting aside a bit of time to consider what aesthetic you’d like to create with your holiday tablescape as well as what pieces you need to make your vision come to life. Here’s what you need to make a great tablescape that your family and friends won’t soon forget:
Choose a Theme
Selecting pieces that embody a specific theme is the best way to ensure that your tablescape arrangement is cohesive and attractive. Since it’s the holidays, don’t be afraid to have fun with it by incorporating elements that feel slightly more special or unexpected than your everyday table might. Whether you choose to stick with a traditional style or something more contemporary, remember less is more. You don’t have to go overboard with colors or accessories to pack a punch with your theme.
Understand the Components
While there are countless approaches to designing a fabulous holiday table, there are a few components that each one has: layers, table settings, and a centerpiece. Once you’ve dressed your table with a tablecloth or runner, you’re ready to set out each person’s place setting.
If you don’t set a traditional table setting on a daily basis, you’re not alone. Luckily, the process isn’t complicated. Place the plate in the center of the setting with the fork on the left and the knife on the right. The napkin should be folded and placed under the fork or neatly folded on top of the plate. A drinking glass goes slightly above and to the right of the knife. Finally, your centerpiece can be placed in the middle of the table. Be sure to not overcrowd the table with too many dishes or decorations.
Get Creative with Your Centerpiece
Your holiday meal may be delicious and the table settings lovely, but make no mistake, your table’s centerpiece will be the star of the show! Along with acting as a focal point for the space before and during the meal, your centerpiece will continue to bring holiday cheer to your home after the food’s all gone and the dishes have been washed. For this reason, it’s important to put your holiday centerpiece together carefully.
Sure, flowers and candles are classic options that can provide elegance to virtually any table, but they certainly aren’t the only options. Thinking outside the box in terms of what pieces can be used to convey your theme can take your holiday tablescape from ordinary to extraordinary. Some items to consider using as part of your next table centerpiece include books, ornaments, picture frames, and even balloons. Just remember to choose pieces within your theme to achieve a result that’s polished and cohesive.
Your holiday meal itself is the main event, the ultimate centerpiece, so to speak! Seasoned hosts and hostesses will tell you that creative florals and centerpieces are often temporarily removed from the table when dinner is served.
Don’t Forget the Dishes
When it comes to outfitting your holiday table, your dishes have a major role to play. If you’re lucky enough to have pieces that have been in your family for generations, now’s the time to break them out! If not, no worries. New pieces can be equally as festive and stylish. Even your everyday dishes can shine bright during your holiday season when paired with the right accessories. Bottom line? Use what you have to make the occasion feel merry.
Elevate Your Choice of Glassware
If ever there was a time to partake in your favorite libations, it’s during the holidays. With this in mind, including a variety of glassware options on your festive tablescape can prove to be both stylish and practical.
Along with a water glass, be sure to include a wine glass for each table setting – whether you’re toasting with sparkling water or a special bottle of bubbly. Once again, this is the ideal opportunity to break out pieces that you might not use on a regular weeknight. Even if you or your guests don’t consume alcohol, sipping their drink from a wine glass or champagne flute is a simple gesture that can help elevate the meal.
Be Thoughtful About Linens
No matter how beautiful your dining room table may be, there’s something about dressing it with a tablecloth or table runner that can instantly make it feel more “holiday-ready.” The style and design of the tablecloth or runner you use will ultimately be determined by your personal taste and theme.
It’s best to choose one that will complement your tablescape, not compete with it. If your dinnerware and centerpiece are elaborate and dramatic, a simple tablecloth is the way to go. Similarly, if your table settings and decor are understated, feel free to use something more detailed or bold, such as plaid.
Consider the Lighting
Your dining room lighting will set the mood for your holiday meals. If you’re striving to create an aesthetic that’s intimate and warm, harsh overhead lighting is a no-go.
Instead, consider sprinkling soft accent lights around the space, such as table lamps on your serving table and candlesticks incorporated into the centerpiece. To make the most of your ambient light without making your dining room feel stark, add a dimmer so that you can control the level of brightness within the space.
Tablescape Tips from Our Designer Pros
You don’t have to be a professional designer to create a holiday tablescape that looks like it was made by one. With some quality furnishings, thoughtful accessories, and a plan, you might surprise yourself with how you can transform your everyday dining room into a holiday wonderful. Of course, having some professional guidance along the way couldn’t hurt. As you’re making your tablescape list and checking it twice, keep these pro tips in mind from the Star Furniture experts:
Remember the Kid’s Table
Even the most spacious dining room tables can only accommodate so many people. If you’re hosting a large group this holiday season and not everyone can be center stage at the main table, don’t worry. Creating an assortment of “satellite dining areas” can help everyone feel included and comfortable.
This is especially helpful for homes with children. What kid doesn’t look forward to dining at the coveted kid’s table? The trick to executing satellite dining areas effectively is to put the same level of attention and care into each one. Using the same theme and decor throughout will help your dining areas look their best while making sure that everyone experiences holiday comfort and cheer.
Decorate with Found Objects
Chances are that you’re going to have to purchase an item or two to bring your dream tablescape to fruition. Before you buy anything, however, be sure to assess what you have in your own home and backyard. You may be surprised to find dinnerware or serving pieces that can be useful this holiday season.
Likewise, elements from nature can create decorations that are charming, contemporary, and, most importantly, free! For instance, arranging branches and twinkle lights in a glass vase or pine cones in a white bowl can create an easy yet tasteful centerpiece.
Keep Guests in Mind When Creating Centerpieces
It can be easy to get so caught up in putting together a beautiful holiday centerpiece that you forget about the people who will be enjoying them: your guests. While it’s a nice gesture to curate a tablescape that is festive and thoughtful, it’s more important to ensure that your guests are comfortable when dining in your home.
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to avoid using florals, candles, or other decorations that will make it difficult for your family and friends to see one another or converse. Rather than using arrangements that are tall or bulky, stick with pieces that are short. This way your table looks fabulous while allowing everyone to chat with ease.
Add a Magical Touch
Holiday meals shouldn’t feel like your average weeknight dinner. They should feel special, elevated, and even a bit magical! To ensure that you set the tone of magic in the air, it’s important to incorporate a few special touches. Anything that adds sparkle, shine, or light is fair game. Some ideas that we love include twinkle lights, votive candles, mirrored accessories, and metallic drinkware.
Set the Table Your Way
Not everything you display or serve at a holiday meal has to be made from scratch, expensive, or over the top. On the contrary, we’re here to give you permission to make holiday entertaining easy wherever you can.
If that means using paper plates and plastic dinnerware instead of fancy china, do it! The holidays are meant to be a time of leisure and joy. If you’d prefer to spend the time after dinner spending time with your family rather than washing dishes, we support you.
Star Furniture: Your Go-To Decorating and Design Experts
Decorating your dining room table for holiday entertaining should be an experience that’s exciting and fun. Of course, you can’t just snap your fingers and achieve the look you have in mind. Working with an experienced interior designer can help you every step of the way. With over 100 years of decorating experience, the trusted Star Furniture knows a thing or two about curating a festive holiday tablescape, from getting started with the right dining tables, chairs and serving pieces to color schemes and creative tabletop themes. We want your dining room and holiday tablescape to be a unique reflection of your personal taste.
Whether you’re planning to enjoy a quiet holiday meal with your immediate family or you’re hosting a large crowd, we have everything you need to create beautiful, comfortable living spaces that you’ll look forward to entertaining in this holiday season. Visit us online today or stop by our convenient showroom location to check out our large selection of dining room tables, chairs, serving pieces, and lighting solutions that can bring your holiday decorating dreams to life. We look forward to helping you make this holiday season the best one yet!