How to Set a Beautiful Christmas Table

Christmas decorations help set the mood for the holiday season. Although you may not have the time to decorate your entire house, setting the holiday table is an important part of the overall celebration. Make it as festive as you can with the right colors and decorative elements. Let your Christmas spirit and creativity take over as you set the table for your holiday feast. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

For a traditional look, use a red or green tablecloth. Don't limit yourself to vivid red or bright green. Forest green and burgundy can also work. If you're feeling especially adventurous, consider a lime green tablecloth, which can funky and whimsical when paired with bright red. For a more sophisticated table, consider gold, silver or white. Or draw any color from your china. When adorned with Christmas decorations, a blue, yellow or even beige tablecloth can work just fine. Alternatively, use place mats and a table runner if you have a table made of handsome wood.

2

Place dishes at each seat for your guests. Basic ceramic or glass dishes are fine. If you have china that you rarely use, now is the time to take it out and dust it off. Place a wine glass at each setting. Each occupant should have a cloth napkin. Although you could use synthetic-fabric napkins, nothing matches the look and feel of crisp, white cotton napkins. Fold the napkins, or for a festive touch, use holiday napkin rings and put the napkins in the center of the dishes. Or wrap the silverware inside the napkins and hold them together with the ring.

3

Place a low-profile centerpiece in the middle of the table. Although you're always safe with a small poinsettia flanked by two candles, consider alternatives. Make a row of small, evenly spaced poinsettias down the middle of your table. Or buy roses at your supermarket, and arrange them in a low pitcher or bowl. Use florist foam to make the arrangement, and cover the foam with moss. Fill a clear-glass bowl with bright Christmas ornaments in the same color and use that as a centerpiece.

4

Scatter smaller decorative items, such as berries, pine cones and small ornaments, around the table. Not too much, as you don't want it getting into anyone's food. Place votives around the table, as well. For an elegant finishing touch, make half-fold place cards for all your guests, and stand them up at each occupant's dish.