The holidays are an exciting time. For many families, it is the one time a year when everyone comes together to celebrate the season. If you are hosting your holiday get-together this year, you want it to be extra special, right down to the dining room table where everyone will enjoy a meal together. For this reason, we have put together these five tips on styling your dining room table for to make it beautiful and impactful.
1. Choose the Right Dishes.
Holiday dishes can be the central décor element that draws everything else together. For this reason, it is important to choose your dishes carefully. You will want to keep in mind their how you will build the rest of your dining room table décor around them, while choosing something you truly love.
Aside from the colors and patterns of the holiday dishes you choose, be sure to choose dishes that suit the types of food you will be serving at your holiday meals. After all, your holiday dishes need to be functional. And don’t forget the silverware and the glasses, from water glasses to wine glasses to the coffee cups for after the meal. Each of these has a special function and can really make all the difference when serving the perfect meal
2. Tablecloth and Napkins
The tablecloth and napkins should compliment each other and the dishes you have chosen. They should also have a holiday design that really draws the room’s holiday décor together. Other functions of the tablecloth include hiding any imperfections in your table and protecting your dining table’s surface, which is particularly important if you have a solid wood dining table. If you don’t want a full tablecloth, you can also consider a table runner.
When choosing napkins, make sure they are fabric napkins to give your table that feeling of elegance that will help your guests feel extra special. You can fold the napkins in a fancy way, or you can use napkin rings to add an extra layer of extravagance to the décor.
3. Placemats
The placemats should stand out against the tablecloth, while matching the colors and general theme of the décor. It is recommended with the placemats, as well as the tablecloth, that you go for less busy designs.
If you have decided to use a table runner, instead of a full tablecloth, and you have a narrow or oval table, you should avoid using placemats altogether. The alternative is to leave the table runner out and just use the placemats.
4. The Centerpiece
The centerpiece is the first thing that catches the eye when you walk into a well-decorated holiday dining room. A holiday centerpiece is often made from natural materials, such as pine branches and pinecones adorned with ribbons and ornaments. Feel free to use these or other natural materials to create a centerpiece you’ll be proud of.
An alternative to a single centerpiece, particularly if you have a large table, is to have a few smaller pieces placed along the table. This enhances the décor and gives a warm and welcoming feeling.
5. Lighting
Finally, let’s talk about lighting. If you are using your overhead lights, try putting in softer lightbulbs to create a welcoming ambiance. If you have a dimmer on your lights, that is ideal. An alternative is to use candles, which can be placed on the table and on fixtures around the room. Candles are a wonderful choice as they can add to the rest of the décor to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
A Final Word
When you are planning your holiday dining table, try to shop locally. This will ensure your money stays within your community as you support your local businesses. And if you do have to order anything, keep in mind that it may take some time for items to be delivered and that there have been supply chain issues that may limit your choices.
Local interior decorator and designer Keri from Keri Kuzma Interiors helped us style our table for this holiday season! We highly recommend you check out her website and Instagram profile for all of your decorating needs.
Other tips for styling your holiday table include:
Make sure all the elements of your table design fit with the vibe you are going for.
Plan your guest list ahead of time and ask those invited to RSVP so you know how many settings you will need.
Set up your table the day before so that you can focus on your guests when they arrive the next day.
And that’s it! The most important thing for you to remember is to let your personality shine through with every element of your holiday décor. And have fun! While we all know hosting over the holidays can be stressful, if you plan ahead, you can alleviate that stress and simply enjoy the occasion.