Table Settings for the Holidays

[Dreamgoddess]

A beautifully decorated table is a wonderful way to set the mood for your festive holiday party. Let the soft glow cast from flickering candles and the warmth of laughter from your family and friends weave their magic around your holiday table.




Whether you choose to have a relaxed and casual party, or you opt for a more formal dinner party, you'll find a wealth of ideas for making your table sparkle and shine at your next holiday party.




A lovely table setting doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A few candles and sprigs of greenery tucked in between a few glass ornaments in your chosen color make a lovely centerpiece for your table without breaking the bank.






Try using non-traditional holiday colors for your next party!






Here are a few more suggestions for your holiday table settings.

The setting is as important as the foods you’ll be serving. Plan your table setting in advance. That’s one less thing you’ll have to do when it’s time for celebrating!

If using a buffet for serving, don't forget to add in some seasonal holiday decorations there as well.

Charger plates make an elegant platform for your dinner plates and they can be purchased quite economically this time of year.

If you have lots of crystal or silver pieces, use them! They’ll sparkle and glow beautifully in candlelight.


Do you have any tips or suggestions to share with us? We would love to hear them! Please feel free to share photos of your Table Settings for the Holidays!

[Bonnie G #2]

Lovely photos and some great information. I'm trying to think of something simple but pretty for our table this year as we'll be having such a small gathering.

[Dreamgoddess]

Bonnie, what do you have in mind for your setting? What colors are you going with?

[Bonnie G #2]

I'm thinking I'd really like silver and red as I've already got silver chargers and I'm going to buy some red material to make napkins - what kind of material do you think would be good for that?

[Dreamgoddess]

You know, Bonnie, I bet red and silver will be gorgeous together! I've seen blue/silver or red/gold used together, but if I've seen red/silver used in a setting, I can't remember it. I think that's going to be stunning!

For the napkins, if you want something just a little fancy, you could always use damask to make them. I love the look of damask napkins, but for ease of use, I also love just plain old cotton napkins. Cotton seems to hold up very well and it's so easy to clean.

[Bonnie G #2]

Dreamgoddess wrote:
You know, Bonnie, I bet red and silver will be gorgeous together! I've seen blue/silver or red/gold used together, but if I've seen red/silver used in a setting, I can't remember it. I think that's going to be stunning!

For the napkins, if you want something just a little fancy, you could always use damask to make them. I love the look of damask napkins, but for ease of use, I also love just plain old cotton napkins. Cotton seems to hold up very well and it's so easy to clean.

I love the idea of damask and hope I can find a pretty red and then maybe trim them in silver

[haree]

Awesome decoration, i personally very much like to the table that is designed with indigo candles. thanks for sharing

[Dreamgoddess]

Haree, welcome to Table Settings! I hope you'll stick around and join in the fun!

[Dreamgoddess]

Bonnie, I love the idea of trimming the napkins in silver. I bet they are going to be beautiful! Can you post photos of your table? I would love to see how it turns out!

[Dreamgoddess]

This is my first table setting for Christmas. I know y'all are probably sick of my pink Christmas table, but it's my favorite one (in fact, you can see it in my first post in this thread). I'll definitely be doing more settings in more traditional colors before Christmas.

Here's an overhead shot with the candles lit.



A closer photo of the centerpiece.



Handpainted chargers have pink roses dusted with snow and snowy pine branches with white berries.



Clear glass sherbet dishes hold pink Christmas ornaments decorated with sheer pink ribbons.



I'm thinking either a blue/silver setting or blue/gold one next! Just have to figure out what to use in my centerpiece.

[Bonnie G #2]

Oh that is lovely, I love pink but had never thought of it for the holidays - your table looks like an artist designed it.

[Zurie]

Dreamgoddess, I just LOVE your introduction!! Beautiful.

I thought of posting something like this in the Food Photos forum, but if I do, it will be different, don't worry.

[Zurie]

OR!! Heyy!! Better idea! Direct them here -- to post photos of their tables and/or dishes. ???

(Make this a Sticky, please. I'll post it now).

[Zurie]

Posted, Food Photos Forum:

http://www.food.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?p=5582140

[Dreamgoddess]

Brilliant idea Zurie! Thank you for posting that!