Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive Christmas feast, setting the table is such a joy! In this post, I share simple, easy tablescape ideas that add a special touch to your holiday meals.
Hear this post on the Bildirimlerim Podcast with Rita Joy:
If you know me, you know my favorite part of any special meal is setting the table. Maybe my love of pretty table settings started with my “chore” from Mom: setting the table whenever we had a big family dinner.
Or maybe it came from the four years of Sunday lunches at Grandma Jennie’s when I was in college. Every time I walked into her small apartment after church, her ’50s chrome table was set with a pretty tablecloth and a color-coordinated place setting and centerpiece. It made me feel so special and loved.
That’s the feeling I want others to have when they come up to the dinner table and find it set in a “special” way.
Must-Have Items to Collect for an Effortless Christmas Tablescape
I mentioned earlier that I’m a Christmas minimalist when it comes to decor, limiting my decorations to what fits in 2 plastic totes.
But I might be considered a “collector” when it comes to table setting pieces! I do keep things within the space I have, but here are the items I always watch for on sale, at thrift stores, or at yard sales. I like pieces that mix and match easily with each other.
- Paper napkins – both seasonal and neutral patterns. Look for them as the seasons wind down, since they often go on good sale.
- Cloth napkins – Choose ones made from fabric that washes well. I have a small collection of both vintage cloth napkins and new ones in different patterns.
- Plate chargers – My wicker chargers are my absolute favorites and the ones I reach for most often. Close seconds are my leather-look and wood-look chargers. They add so much style to a table setting.
- Placemats – Sometimes I use placemats with chargers, and sometimes I use placemats alone. Again, look for ones that wash well. One of my favorite sets has lasted nearly 34 years and still looks amazing after many washes. Personally, I prefer machine-washable placemats over hard-to-clean wipeable ones.
- White dinnerware – Although I have some very sentimental china from Mom (you can see it here), I most often use my set of plain white dishes. They go with everything!
- Neutral tablecloths – If your table is in good shape, you might get away without a tablecloth. Mine, however, is a bit of a mess, so I always keep one on it. My favorites are a white linen one and a beige one with a ruffle, which also goes with everything!
- Table runners – Oh, how I love a good table runner. It’s one of the star players in setting the scene!
The Art of Layering for a Stunning Christmas Table
After studying many photos and reading tips for pretty Christmas tablescapes, I realized much of the beauty comes from layering. Using the photo above as an example, here are the basic layers I’ve started using for a lovely tablescape:
- Tablecloth
- Table runner
- Placemat
- Plate charger
- Dinner plate
- Napkin #1
- Dessert plate
- Napkin #2
- Decorative placecard holder
- Centerpiece in the middle
Of course, that’s just a suggestion, but I find this fun mix works best for me. It leaves plenty of room to mix and match different patterns and textures.
Add a personal touch for each guest at the table
I love the idea of creating something special at each place setting. Placecards with each person’s name are one option. Here are a few more ideas:
- Make DIY placecard holders that look like little gifts, using scrap wood and fabric.
- Fold napkins in a fun way, such as a pocket to hold the silverware. You can see that idea in this post for a simple Christmas table.
Disclosure: The following links are affiliate links provided for your shopping convenience.
Winter Table Settings from My Online Shop
Here are some mix-and-match table setting pieces that work for Christmas or all winter long!
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