Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash
Setting the stage for any holiday feast begins with the table. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family gathering or a large holiday party, designing a festive table is a great way to get everyone into the holiday spirit. That being said, styling a dinner table can be a lot of pressure. You want everything to look perfect, but sometimes it feels like you just don’t have the time or the resources to make it happen.
Luckily, we’re here to help! This guide will break down some of the trendiest decorating styles and techniques for creating a show-stopping table guaranteed to impress your guests and get them into the holiday spirit.
Table decorating techniques for any time of year
Of course, nailing down a style or theme for your table is important. But before you jump right into decorating, there are specific design techniques that will make your tablescape look its best. So, before you get started, here are a few suggestions to consider when creating your tabletop design:
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First, always use odd numbers when arranging your centerpiece. This will create visual interest and balance.
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Vary the heights of your elements. Try stacking books or placing items on top of cake stands or boxes to add depth to your centerpiece or display.
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Don’t be afraid to mix different textures. Incorporate glass, wood, metal, and various fabrics, or textiles into your design for a cohesive yet eye-catching look.
Create a focal point
Every great tablescape has a focal point—a place where your guests’ eyes will naturally be drawn when they sit at the table. A festive tablecloth or runner is always a good place to start. For extra impact, try layering multiple runners of different textures and patterns. Here are some other ways you can create a masterful centerpiece for your table this holiday season:
● Using a scarf as your table runner is perfect for creating that fall vibe.
● Create a focal point by grouping several various glass jars or vases filled with flowers, leaves, pampas grass, or seasonal greenery around the table.
● For a more dramatic effect, you should consider using fairy lights to create something more dynamic than just using festive foliage and fall decor.
No matter what you choose, having a focal point at your table will make your next party one to remember!
Get into the fall spirit with seasonal produce
One of the easiest ways to style a festive table is to incorporate seasonal produce into your design. Whether hosting a Halloween party or a Thanksgiving feast, there are plenty of ways to dress up your table using seasonal produce and natural elements. Vegetables and fruits like gourds, squash, pumpkins, and apples can easily become part of your centerpieces or place settings.
For example, try filling a large vase with small gourds and placing a pillar candle in the center. Then, surround the vase with pumpkins and votive candles to create a stunning arrangement perfect for any fall gathering.
If you are feeling extra crafty, you can gut the inside of a pumpkin and use it as a vase for fall florals and leaves. That being said, if you aren’t so keen on the mess that comes with carving pumpkins, plenty of plastic or styrofoam options are available during this time of the year.
Add warmth with candlelight
Another way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere is to use candlelight. Consider using pillar candles of varying heights clustered together in the center of the table. Or use tea light candles placed inside decorative votives and lanterns. Then, surround the candles with fall leaves, acorns, pinecones, or seasonal produce.
Let’s not forget about the scents, either. I think we can all agree one of the best things about this time of the year is the smells. So, try incorporating candles with seasonal fragrances like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or evergreen for an extra special touch. Whatever way you choose to use them, candles are an easy way to add a touch of warmth and ambiance to your fall gatherings.
Bring nature indoors
Incorporating nature into your tablescape is a great way to add color and texture while also paying homage to the beautiful natural details that only occur at this time of the year. If you want something simple and understated, try placing greenery sprigs, twigs, or small branches along the table’s length or tucking them into napkin rings. Including holly, pinecones, seasonal flowers, and berries in your arrangement will give it a more traditional feel with a touch of elegance.
Set the Table Properly
Now that you created a masterful centerpiece, it’s time to start setting the table. If you’re using chargers, those should go down first, followed by your dinner plates. Make sure to leave enough space between each plate so that your guests will have room to comfortably eat their meal.
On top of each dinner plate, you’ll want to add a salad plate and soup bowl if you’re serving multiple courses, followed by the utensils your guests need. Place forks on the left side of the plate and knives on the right side, with the blades facing inward toward the plate. You can also place your linen napkins on the plates after setting since this is the first thing they will grab.
Next, you’ll want to consider drinkware. Wine glasses, champagne flutes, or simple water cups are all helpful to have at the table, even if they aren’t used. Plus, they help add depth to the rest of the space.
And don’t forget about dessert! Add small dessert plates and forks above the dinner plate/salad plate setting on the right side of the table.
Add Some Finishing Touches
The little details make all the difference when setting the table for a special dinner party, and no tablescape is complete without some final touches like personalized name cards or seasonal napkin rings perfectly placed in the middle of the dinner plate.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to put everything, take a step back and look at your tablescape. This will help you see where items are needed or where some might need to be removed. You might be surprised at how easy it is to find that perfect balance when stepping away.
Kaiyo can help!
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and feasting. But, suppose your current dining room furniture is looking a little lackluster. If that’s the case, getting into the spirit of entertaining can be tricky. Fortunately, Kaiyo has a wide selection of vintage and modern dining tables and chairs that will help set the scene for whatever intimate gathering you want to host this year. With inventory from some top-rated brands at up to 90% off retail, we have something for anyone and any budget.
So, whether you’re looking for a sleek and contemporary setup or a charming and rustic one, we can help you turn your dining room into the festive gathering spot you’ve always wanted it to be.
