Creative Holiday Table Setting Ideas

When entertaining for the holidays, nothing sets the tone for your event quite like a beautifully decorated table. From linens to centerpieces, your table becomes the focal point of the room. Depending on the season, there are many ways to make your dinner table shine. Take inspiration from the outdoors and traditional celebrations to create an unforgettable holiday table. Does this Spark an idea?

Christmas/Hanukkah/Winter

Candles are holiday favorites and a great way to adorn your table. If you celebrate Christmas, choose candles in the traditional red and green colors. Put a modern spin on your table and opt for silver or gold. Arrange candles of different sizes in a group and place them in the center of the table or fill a glass bowl or vase with brightly-colored Christmas balls. These can be multi-colored or monochromatic, depending on the theme of your table. For Hanukkah, place a menorah in the center of the table. Winter greenery, such as sprigs of holly or pine cones, will also add some holiday cheer.

Using brightly colored chargers at each place setting can make a bold statement. Add in coordinating napkins and bring out your sparkling china, silverware and crystal for an elegant dining experience. Consider using festive place cards and napkin rings for that extra touch. For a creative napkin-holder idea, use silver or gold ribbon with small ornaments attached. For Hanukkah, incorporate the Star of David into your tablescape by using patterned napkins or placemats. As a special treat, set out a chocolate Santa, Christmas tree or dreidel at each place setting.

Thanksgiving/Autumn

A harvest-themed table can be strewn with the crisp colors of fall. Cornucopias filled with squashes, gourds and other seasonal foods, or an arrangements of small pumpkins, would be a perfect centerpiece for an autumn table. Make them stand out by brushing them with glue and rolling them in gold and orange glitter. Consider arranging some family photos on the table and using napkins at each place setting in rich colors like red, orange and yellow. Floral arrangements done in fall hues will bring a warm touch to your fall table.

Placemats, tablecloths or table runners will add interest to the table, and provide the surface some protection from drips and spills. Miniature squash or pumpkins can be set at each place setting and used as favors or place cards -- using a marker, simply write the name of your guest directly on the surface. Choose linens in earth-tone shades of brown, beige, orange, yellow or gold. Coordinating napkins and chargers will round out the table. Consider placing seasonal candies -- such as a brown maple sugar leaf -- at each place setting.

Easter

Brightly-colored Easter eggs can be arranged in small baskets tied with ribbon and placed at each seat. A decorative large basket can filled with colorful curled ribbon and decorated eggs and used as a centerpiece. Celebrate spring by adding fresh or artificial flower arrangements to the table. Pastel colors set the tone for this spring-inspired table.

Place a festive tablecloth on the table, or simply use a table runner and/or placemats in soft pastel shades. Choose coordinating napkins and tie them with curled ribbon in shades of pink, blue or yellow. Set out some festive favors at each place setting, such as chocolate eggs or marshmallow chicks. For a creative place card, you can also write each guest's name on a small piece of paper and attach it to the marshmallow chick with a toothpick.