- Pick a Palette
Red, green and white is a Christmas color combo that never goes out of style. Keep it classic by choosing dishes, linens and decor in these three colors, then make it interesting by mixing patterns.
- Silverware: What Goes Where?
Place setting 101: Start with a charger (check your local dollar or craft store for inexpensive options), followed by the dinner plate. Top it with a smaller salad plate, followed by a place card or favor. To the left, place the napkin and fork, to the right: the knife (blade turned in) and spoon. Voila, a beautiful place setting in a snap.
- Play with Patterns
When planning your place settings, ditch matchy-matchy and mix different patterns for a designer look. Try mixing a Scandinavian-inspired embroidered napkin with a porcelain plaid dinner plate topped by an inexpensive melamine striped salad plate.
- Craft Easy Upcycled Vases
In just a few steps, you can turn dollar-store, shatterproof ornaments into mini vases to brighten up your holiday table. Add a handwritten tag so they can also serve as place cards, then send them home with guests as a blooming favor.
- Soften Seating
Ensure guests want to linger by cozying up hardback chairs with colorful throws or pillows. Choose materials that fit your classic Christmas theme, like a traditional tartan or festive Fair Isle knit.
- Light It Up
Nothing adds a magical glow like candlelight. Set your table alight with tapers placed down the center of the table.