Sleighing Your Holiday Tablescape
Image generated by author using ChatGPT.
Once I was old enough to be trusted with the fine china, I was tasked with setting the table each holiday. I remember the awe of pulling the watercolored pink rose porcelain out of its special cabinet, eager to place it thoughtfully on the table. My hands always reached for the matching rose napkin rings as fast as possible.
The plates magically made their way down the table. The silverware marched into their rightful spots. The glassware glided into position. The folded pile of napkins somehow turned into beautiful gowns with ornate belts atop the stack of plates. Have I channeled my inner Beauty and the Beast yet? Be our guest!
Admittedly, I googled images of place-settings like the one below. I was desperate for help on how to make sense of it all.
What order do I set the silverware in?
Why are there so many glasses?
Who the heck needs a bread plate anyway?
A dessert spoon and a separate cake fork front and center are clearly a necessity and I’m thankful that they are labeled for two very special food groups. You don’t see a spoon for peas and a fork for broccoli now do you? Priorities.
“Place Setting Diagram for a Formal Dinner” - Krayl Funch
I always end up putting my own spin on the table decor, no doubt breaking the tablescape rules.
I find that your tablescape varies widely based on your table size, the items you have, and honestly how you want your dinner party to function! Depending on the crowd, you may need to minimize your design to make sure everyone has space… or we could pretend we are at a never-ending medieval banquet table that wraps around the entire hall, raising our steins loud and proud and requesting more ale. I’m joking - but I will address where less is more and when to have the more is more mindset.
It’s okay to bend the rules or frankly even throw them aside.
I’ve found that there are three things to keep in mind when planning your table for hosting:
Layering
Texture
Personal Touch
Let’s dive into it!
Layering
Christmas Table Setting Inspiration from Larisa Zakharov
This timeless approach uses traditional Christmas elements like fresh pine, cranberries, and the classic red green color palette. It’s an elevated combination, and you really can’t go wrong.
Notice that these table settings have a sophisticated simplicity to them. I assume the guest list grew long and the table space was limited. Keeping the linens and layered plates white allowed this hostess to focus on the centerpiece. The merlot colored candlesticks added the height needed to help the table not fall flat (literally). This is where less is more - letting the centerpiece (the desired focal point) shine.
Image generated by author using ChatGPT.
TREND ALERT: Bows are all the rage this season, and I’m loving the subtle velvet detail for a nontraditional approach to a napkin ring.
I also stumbled upon these plaid bow napkin rings which could’ve added a fun Scottish pop to the table settings above.
Stewart Plaid Bow Napkin Rings - Set of 4
Here’s a simple tutorial on how to fold your napkins into bows.
Texture
from @addictedtochina on Instagram
This “Grandmillennial” (think thrifty grandma meets modern) style shown above has been making headlines the last few years. Can you believe that just a few weeks ago I was given vintage plates very similar to these that were owned by my husband’s grandmother? You better believe they’ll be on our table this Christmas. More is more!
This maximalist table setting is successful for the following reasons:
Colored Plates:
Using the green chargers as the base, the pink dinner plates pop off of the green drawing your eye in. The smaller Christmas tree plate remains minimal overall, but the white background helps brighten the table while adding a vintage flair.
Patterned Tablecloth
Some would shy away from a bold tablecloth, but I find that this particular print works well. If you have a smaller tighter texture/print on your plates, use a large scale pattern for your tablecloth.
Textured Glassware
The green glass goblets add a fun texture and another pop of color to the table, tying it all together.
Scalloped Napkins
These scalloped napkins are the modern flair this table needed to not lean too grandmotherly.
Don’t be afraid to use non-traditional colors for your tablescape.
Personal Touch
It always makes me feel extra special when I walk into a room and I have a personalized name card. Spending the extra effort to create that personal touch will go a long way with your guests. It lets them know that you were thinking about them and also about where they would sit at your table.
Happy Hosting, Friends!
There are endless tablescape options, and this post only highlights a few! Get out there, get hosting, and tag @maison.de.molly on your instagram posts featuring your tablescape. I’d love to see what you create!