Putting together an elaborate holiday spread, but uninspired with your table settings? Our very crafty Events and Outreach Marketing Manager, Abby Graham, has put together this helpful tutorial to set a beautiful, creative and inexpensive holiday table:
My favorite way to decorate for the holidays is to totally deck out my dining room table. If you’re hosting a gathering, this is one of the many things you can get done the night (or week!) before so you can focus your attention on that delicious beef rib roast in the oven. I’m a firm believer that it’s all about the details when it comes to entertaining but when things get overwhelming during the busy holiday season I have to remind myself of my mantra: as long as there is good wine, good food, and good company, nothing else really matters. Here are a few tips to help you create a stunning holiday table.
The basics
- Start with a good neutral base and build from there. Whether that’s a khaki colored linen, or a beautiful wooden table, find items that are classic and can be used year-round. My favorite basic tablecloths are the Threshold brand from Target. They have lots of colors, fit many tables, and are affordable enough that if someone spills red wine it won’t ruin your night!
- Don’t forget how to properly set a table, but make sure to have some fun with it! As long as all the place settings are consistent and everyone knows which fork is theirs, it doesn’t matter too much.
- Lastly, add some fun items to your table and change up your table runner, garland, votive holders, and other accessories to fit the season. This is the fun part!
Use what you have
Don’t go out and buy expensive items that you will only use once a year. Use what you already have growing in your yard. There is so much pretty produce out there right now that look like décor anyway. Use things like pomegranates, persimmons, lemons, cranberries, pine cones, magnolia leaves, and tree trimmings.
Step it up a notch
My favorite way to elevate a table is to print menu cards. Get some pretty paper, find a great online template, and voila! your dinner party just jumped off the elegance charts.
Lighting is everything!
No table is complete without candlelight. Mixing different heights and sizes creates interest in your tablescape. As an added bonus, get yourself a beautiful jar of matches like this one, pretty enough to leave on your table.
Don’t forget the wine
Use a decanter that will fit in with the beautiful table you just created or buy a large format wine that comes in a stunning etched bottle.
Happy holidays from Miner Family Winery!