Consider simplifying your holiday table setting with these 5 fresh styling tips that also work year round!
The holidays are nearly here and we’re excited to celebrate the season with friends and family. We like to keep things simple when we host, allowing a few substantial items to do the heavy lifting. Hosting doesn’t have to be a chore for it to still feel like a celebration. Cheers!
In This Post
1| Start With a Runner
A runner anchors the table setting and is a great opportunity to add color and texture. If your table is wood or neutral toned, consider adding color. If your table is colorful, think about leaning in to natural, textured fabric like jute.
2| Add Garland
Adding garland or something natural (faux works!) adds texture, variety and height. We like this as a second step to really bolster the centerpiece and add central mass to the tablescape.
3| Add a Light Source
Adding candles or LED strand lighting brings depth and shadow play into the picture. The highlights and lowlights created by a central light source bring drama that can’t be provided by overhead lighting alone. We also like to stagger candlestick height whenever possible for some perfect imperfection.
4| Set The Table
Now that the tablescape is complete, set the table. We keep it super classic here with only the necessities based on what we’re serving. Just remember that napkins and forks go on the left, plates go in the center and spoons, knives and glasses go on the right. If you’re ever unsure, there are approximately 8 million versions of table setting diagrams available online for reference.
5| Accessorize
Once the table is set, accessories like place cards, small sprigs of greenery or other personal touches can be added. We often skip this step in order to keep things simple and casual. We like to encourage people to sit wherever they feel comfortable.
That’s it! A simple, elegant table setting with just a few easy ‘ingredients’. Here’s how to get the look.
Get The Look
1. set of 6 acrylic drinking glasses | 2. 16-piece ceramic dinnerware set | 3. 20-piece flatware set | 4. striped dinner napkins | 5. 75″ faux garland | 6. 100% linen table runner | 7. set of 6 acrylic goblet | 8. solid wood candlestick | 9. 12-piece taper candles
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Here are our favorite holiday card tips, more holiday hosting tips, host(ess) gift ideas, and even more table setting tips!
Ah yes, nothing says simple quite like $600+ worth of candlesticks and $300 gold flatware.
Thanks for your comment! This post was intended as a jumping-off point for inspiration. We hope that our resourceful readers can use this step by step guide as a reference point. A similar look to this is certainly achievable with vintage, thrifted or on-hand items. In our opinion, simple can equate to well-designed heirloom quality pieces that will last a lifetime.