Holiday Table Decorations

Holiday Table Decorations – Before you Begin

Although you should certainly let your imagination be your guide when you are choosing your holiday table decoration themes, there are a few factors you need to weigh before you can let the decorations begin. Considering these practical matters in advance will help you ensure that your table is the best it can be (and save you from shelling out for that centerpiece that is the size of a toddler for your table built for two):

• Your table – The shape of your table will be important when you are shopping for tablecloths and table runners of course, but that one is easy. The thing many people forget to do before they hit the shops for tablecloths is to measure their table. You need to know the length and width of your table so you can size up cloths/runners. If your table is especially tall or short, take a measurement of the height as well, so you can be sure the table covering you are buying will hang over the edges just right.

Are you planning on putting the leaf into your table to accommodate extra guests? Don’t forget to measure with the leaf in place.

• Who is going to be sitting at your table? – Are you serving up an adults only feast, or will the kids be out in full force for your holiday meal celebration? The grown-ups can (in theory) navigate a holiday meal without making a casualty of your table décor, but kids will make your linens looks like they’ve been through the wars. And this is all before your consider what will happen when you add the good crystal and china into the equation. Save yourself the hassle and heartache of ruined tableware and set your holiday table with your audience in mind.

• What do you already have? – The holidays are expensive enough without having to go into debt for your table decorations. Before you hit the shops, do a quick inventory of the things you already have on hand that would make great holiday table decorations. Think outside the box – you may have more than you realize.

Commence Decorating!

Now it’s time for the fun stuff – the actual decorating. There are many different directions you can take your holiday table decorating – the only rule is to have some fun. For inspiration, give these ideas a whirl:

Old World Holiday

The holidays go hand in hand with the rich colors seen in Old World style design. Rich red, forest green, deep plum, gold, and silver are perfect for holiday décor and will work well to create a classically elegant table setting. Consider a deep red tablecloth and napkins, with gold chargers under your plates and a centerpiece made of natural materials: poinsettias, wood, and faux flowers and fruits (think faux sugar plums) would all make great additions. Add a few taper candles in ornate holders and dine in the flicker of the soft light. This style is definitely formal, so get down the china and dig out the fine silver.

Casual Cool

If a more laidback style is your thing, go uptown chic, yet simple, with your design. Silver and gold accessories, like napkin rings, chargers, and candle sticks, are Rat Pack style holiday cool, and you can add a splash of color by turning a glass bowl filled with baubles into a centerpiece. Instead of going for a tablecloth, opt for a table runner in white or a holiday color of your choosing. White plates and simple glassware complete this look. Don’t forget to throw some Sinatra holiday classics on the stereo.

Kids’ Holiday Tables

Whether you plan on sticking the kids at the table in the corner or they are going to be front and center for the celebration, you can easily incorporate holiday table decorations with them in mind. Forgo the tablecloth and drape the table with butcher’s paper or a large sheet of colored paper so they can doodle while the adults blabber. Create centerpieces that feature their favorite holiday characters. If you’re dining with a lot of children, you might want to leave the real candles in the cupboard, but you can get the same effect by using battery operated candles for that warm holiday glow.

Other holiday themed table decorations to try:

• Place cards for all of your guests
• Christmas crackers
• Floating candles
• Holly
• Cranberries
• Wreaths

Your Ideas

Do you have a holiday table setting idea that can’t be beat? Share your design inspiration by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.