It's the Holidays | Setting Your Holiday Table

Thanksgiving is in 2 days!  Can you believe it?!  We love the holidays for a number of reasons--great food, time with family, and lots of reasons to decorate and re-decorate.  Since you've most-likely already decorated your home for Fall/Thanksgiving, the last thing that needs to be done is setting the table.  Of course, you can go about setting the table in the traditional way with a floral centerpiece and napkins and utensils set on the outside of the plate, or you can spice it up a bit--go for a little more interesting look that's fun and inviting but still appropriate for the holiday and functional for guests.  Today we're going to discuss a few items to consider when putting together your holiday table.  These ideas can be combined or you can pick and choose which ones you want to incorporate into your table decorating.

Name Tags/Place Card Holders.  Name tags are an easy way to personalize your holiday table without paying a lot of money.  They can be made out of paper, small pieces of wood, mini chalkboards, leaves, any item that's small enough to sit on plate but large enough to out someone's name on.  Make sure you pick something that goes with the theme of your table but doesn't steal the show!  You want the whole look to be cohesive just like any other space you're decorating.

Interesting dishes.  Instead of going matchy-matchy on everything you have on your table, try mixing up the dishes and trays to highlight food.  Make sure your table has serving pieces at varying heights so everything is easy to see and access.  Water pitchers and drinking glasses can be unconventional too!

Consider the area around your table as well--if you have a hanging light fixture or something above the table that garland or baubles can be hung from, be sure to use it in your table decorating scheme.  The goal is to make the entire eating area to look like one big vignette that invites guest to come, sit down, chat, and eat.

If the weather is nice and you have the seating, a holiday table setting outside could be a great way to switch up the traditional "dining room" feel.  Making your outdoor picnic table into a festive holiday table or even setting up tables on your lawn under the branches of your trees, will really take guests to another place.

Even though a table with just a floral arrangement in the center can be boring, adding fresh flowers to a well-set table can be the finishing touch.  Live plants in a tablescape  always create an organic, earthy sense that reminds guests of freshness.  Not to mention the fragrance is always an added bonus.  If you don't have the space for one large arrangement, 2 small arrangements could work as well.  Or, even a mini arrangement  next to each place setting as a favor.

While a "candle-lit" dinner may be a little too formal for your holiday meal, candlelight can create a relaxing ambiance that guests will be sure to enjoy!  Small taillights scatter atop the table or one large pillar in the center---whatever it is, consider firelight in your table setting, if possible.

We hope we've given you some useful ideas for setting your holiday table!  We wish each and every one of you a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving!