How to Set the Table for a Holiday Dinner

Rules on how to set the dinner table are well known; a quick online search brings up several sites that describe and illustrate the Emily Post basic table setting guides in detail. What you want to do is take your holiday table setting beyond having china and flatware in their proper places. How do you add pizzazz and enchantment to your holiday dinner table layout? Here are some suggestions. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Review the Emily Post site (see link in Resources below) for the basic table setting guidelines, just in case your guests expect you to follow the rules. It's alright if your table has slight deviations. For example, if you don't have all of the required glassware.

2

Check the china, flatware, glassware and table linens you already have. You don't have to purchase new items; matching dinnerware is ideal, but tastefully mixed items have their own special appeal. If necessary, and possible, consider borrowing sets from relatives and friends.

3

Set a table theme. Depending on the holiday being celebrated, decide on a focal point for the table decorations. For example, large autumn leaves for a Thanksgiving dinner and assorted pinecones for a Christmas gathering. Working with the focal point, add coordinated decorative touches to various items on the table.

4

Use themed napkin rings instead of just folding the napkins. For example, tie the napkins with hemp twine and insert decorative fall leaves under the knots--or glue small pinecones onto wooden napkin rings for Christmas dinner. Strung beads and glittery ribbons also make great napkin ornaments.

5

Create a centerpiece. A table setting exudes a personality with a unique centerpiece. It doesn't have to be fancy, just creative, and preferably handmade. For example, spread fall leaves on a wicker basket and pile some apples, oranges and fruits of the season on top for a cornucopia-style Thanksgiving layout--or spray paint some pinecones into white, gold or silver, then arrange them among pine tree branches, berries and red roses on a long silver tray for Christmas Eve.

6

Add creatively crafted placement cards and holders. Placeholders could be handmade decorative pieces that guests can take home as a souvenir, like pinecone turkeys, gift boxes, small booklets, personalized coasters and tiny picture frames. Edible placeholder ideas include mini pumpkin pies or fruitcakes with names written in icing.