when you're hosting, a lot goes into the overall vibe, theme, the feel you want to provide for your guests...
something along the lines of cosy, home-like, but pretty and put together.
i love decorating the dinner table each night, even when it's just my man and i, but christmas.. i get to have a little more fun.
what you'll need:
table runner
garland
candles
lots of levels
a centerpiece (optional)
home decor (optional)
place mats & /or chargers (between your mat + plate)
napkins that aren't paper
wine glasses, serve wear, dinnerware
table runner
i never use our everyday runner for holidays. chances are mine will get ruined with garland, candle wax, and a slew of other things. this year i bought this cheese cloth runner off amazon.com and it was exactly what i was looking for.
if you want something more festive, Crate and Barrel has some beautiful options as well as any discount store like Home Goods or Home Sense, TJ Max, Marshalls...
garland
i searched high and low for decent faux garland, and i was unsuccessful. pines all over sounded messy so i used some eucalyptus leaves. but there's nothing like the real thing, tree garland looks beautiful and smells great. just be prepared for a bit of clean up. with that said you can get garland almost anywhere, i saw some at home depot but they are available at almost any grocery stores in December or anyplace that sells trees. check the length of the garland, depending on how long your table, you may need two.
centerpiece
this actually isn't exactly necessary, you can just throw some candles in between the garland, and keep the whole table consistent and cohesive without a main attraction piece in the middle.
if you do love a centerpiece, it doesn't have to be major, or stress inducing. i honestly had no idea what i was doing with my table when i started. for two weeks i shopped online and in store for holiday decor and just bought what i really loved. that means nothing cute or necessarily red or green (at least for me). i have to gravitate toward an object and really fall in love to actually purchase it.
i found these feather trees at Nordstrom and had to have them. unfortunately i cannot find them on the site anymore, but other similar options i love are these white trees from ZGallerie and this glitter tree from Pottery Barn.
if a tree isn't your style, it can be anything that gives a little statement. something as simple as a pretty bowl filled with pine cones or ornaments. it can be a floral arrangement or a lantern / candle hurricane holder.
if you have a chandelier or something beautiful to hang above your table this can serve as your centerpiece!
candles
i stick to faux candles even though i prefer real ones. with a puppy in the house, candles aren't the safest option. keep this part simple or you can get fancy and buy glitter candles, ones in the shapes of christmas trees, anything you want! i saw gorgeous ones at Pottery Barn and they just went to 40% off!
i also love these simple brushed nickle candlestick holders (that will have candles in them) from Target.
lanterns or candle hurricane holders can also be part of the decor instead of or in addition to your centerpiece.
if you really want to keep things super simple, just get an array of different size candles and place them wherever. it doesn't have to be strategic, just play around and see what you like.
holiday decor
again, not necessary, but i like adding in a few pieces if i have a large table to work with.
string lights are another decor option that i really enjoy working with each year. personally i stick to larger snow globe fairy lights but the small ones work well to wrap around the garland.
levels
make sure you have levels to work with. some items that are tall, some that are shorter. some that are larger and some can be smaller. variation in a table is a good thing.
place setting
always use a placemat or charger or both for under guests plates. it makes the setting inviting and overall look of the table more put together. our placemats are from Ikea, and we use them all the time. however if you want more festive ones, especially if you kept the above table decor simple.
napkins... this is not the time to use paper. seriously go get yourself a set of linen napkins. i'd keep these simple so you can use them for all holidays. ours are an oatmeal color, but any neutral color that goes with your overall aesthetic will work. you don't even need a ring! just fold it nicely between the two plates. you can even tie a not in the center and place it on top of the plate. this is where youtube comes in handy.. i have no idea how to tie a napkin.
be sure you have proper bar-wear. if nothing else, put out wine glasses. you don't need red and white although as you grow your collection of glassware i would invest in both; to be honest, i use red for everything - they're bigger.
personally, i like an area to the side, either a counter space or bar cart that holds coffee mugs for post dinner and some whiskey / scotch glasses as well for the men or whomever would like a cocktail. my favorite drink to make is an old fashioned at Christmas so i keep sugar cubes in a small bowl as well orange peels.
have the table set with your decor put together and guests will no only feel welcomed but special because you put together a space for everyone to enjoy and evening together. a couple pretty water pitchers filled along the table is always a good idea too! and will help fill the space...
have fun with it! make it your own
there really are no rules... the table can be a clutter of things or just some candles and garland. this is your home and your space. inviting people into it should tell them something about you but should also show that you care about their comfortability. your guests should want to sit at the table, not be afraid to touch anything... your home is not a museum, this is not about perfection; this is about family and friends, good food and wine, and a time to celebrate birth, love, and let's be honest.. winter! Happy Holidays!
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