We are T minus 11 days away from the big day at the time of writing this post. It’s probably less by the time you see this.
I’m talking about Christmas. That just reminded me I still need to wrap up my shopping but here I am thinking about the family dinner we are about to host.
It doesn’t matter what faith you might believe in, pretty much everyone marks these holidays with family gatherings. It’s one time of the year when most of us seem to have the same days off and for a lot of us it might even be a whole week of time off. Or two, if you are lucky!
That means we have time to finally host the family, close friends and colleagues. And that also means it’s time to think about how to decorate your dining table for this festive season.
If you’ve heard the term tablescape, that’s exactly what I’m referring to. You create your tablescape by focusing on the centerpiece(s) and the table settings.
Choose a Colour Palette for Your Tablescape
Like all things we do here at Daakor, our first tip is to choose a colour palette that compliments your overall home decor.
Some of our favourite colour palettes for the holidays take on an obvious Christmas theme, like choosing red and green, but it doesn’t have to be a Christmas theme.
Key is to choose something that you like and it helps if your dinnerware compliments the chosen colour palette.
Centerpiece Ideas for Your Holiday Table
Let’s talk about centerpiece ideas we absolutely love for 2023.
Always start with a great table runner. I’m not the biggest fan of table runners that have loud holiday themes. Instead, choose something that has a subtle metallic finish or even something that works for an everyday, run-of-the-mill kinda dinner party.
With the runner, all we are looking for is to create a backdrop for all the good stuff we’ll be using to create the holiday tablescape.
Use florals, greenery, candles, holiday tree ornaments and vases in combination along the center of the table. I love using lanterns and string lights to add a little extra pizazz to the holiday table too.
Be sure to pay attention to the height of your arrangment. Your guests should be able to see and talk to those who sit across from them at the table.
You can make this part of the decor as simple or as ornate as you like!
You can also choose something grander for the center of the holiday table, if you prefer as well.
Some ideas to consider are a larger vase filled with a beautiful floral arrangement. Or some larger pieces of holiday decor. Or a set of 3-5 larger candles grouped together. A taller candelabra works well in the center too.
Place Setting Ideas for Your Christmas Table
I’m always in favour of keeping things simple. And the holiday place setting is one of those things I prefer to keep simple.
In my books, there are only two things you need to remember to do, when you set your holiday table.
First is to use a charger plate underneath your plates. Choose one that works with your colour palette but creates contrasts when paired with your actual plates. This will create a little drama for your tablescape.
The second is to add some decorative element to style the plate. This could be using a beautiful napkin with an equally beautiful napkin ring. Or adding a twig of holly. Or just some greenery tied with a beautiful ribbon. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple and elegant is what you’re going for.
And voila, you’ve got a place setting that your guests will remember for the whole year!
Now that you’ve got a holiday tablescape worthy of your soon to be legendary Christmas dinner, all you’ve got to do is master one great holiday cocktail recipe.
Happy holidays to you and yours. From all of us here at Daakor.
