Decorating Guides
Luxurious Holiday Table Settings for Less
Pair colorful glasses, gorgeous garden finds and hand-stamped napkins for a holiday table that looks positively rich
A memorable get-together is made of wonderful moments with meaningful people in an inviting atmosphere. The holidays are a wonderful time for this — they provide the perfect excuse to gather with loved ones. And how better to celebrate the season with friends and family than by sitting around an elegantly appointed table? Whether you host an intimate event or are bursting at the seams with guests, you can elevate your tablescape with chic, eclectic accents and uncommon but luxurious decor.
Add a Creative Centerpiece
Place loose branches or fruit bunches down the center of the table for a beautiful, nontraditional centerpiece that looks relaxed and chic. Take a walk outside and see what’s available. Look for branches, covered in flame-colored autumn leaves or bare as a bone, with an interesting shape or texture, such as covered in lichen or with peeling Eucalyptus bark.
Small citrus fruits are also gorgeous when grouped together with the stems and leaves on. They suggest that a bountiful feast is going to be had.
Place loose branches or fruit bunches down the center of the table for a beautiful, nontraditional centerpiece that looks relaxed and chic. Take a walk outside and see what’s available. Look for branches, covered in flame-colored autumn leaves or bare as a bone, with an interesting shape or texture, such as covered in lichen or with peeling Eucalyptus bark.
Small citrus fruits are also gorgeous when grouped together with the stems and leaves on. They suggest that a bountiful feast is going to be had.
Fill a variety of vintage decanters with water and then submerge Spanish moss, sprigs of rosemary or stems of orchids in them. Group them together interspersed with candles for a magical, apothecary-style setting.
Create a Showstopping Fall Centerpiece That Lasts
Create a Showstopping Fall Centerpiece That Lasts
Varga Art Springtime crystal glassware
Include Touches of Crystal
Nothing elevates a table more quickly than crystal. A cut-crystal goblet is a harbinger of fancy occasions and special toasts. Think jewel-toned glasses mixed and matched at each place setting.
While these stunning glasses are high end, thrift shops are an excellent place to find gorgeous glasses at rock-bottom prices. Stick to a similar style and size when mixing colors. For instance, use all long-stem goblets for wine and shorter ones for water.
Nothing elevates a table more quickly than crystal. A cut-crystal goblet is a harbinger of fancy occasions and special toasts. Think jewel-toned glasses mixed and matched at each place setting.
While these stunning glasses are high end, thrift shops are an excellent place to find gorgeous glasses at rock-bottom prices. Stick to a similar style and size when mixing colors. For instance, use all long-stem goblets for wine and shorter ones for water.
A group of actual crystals on the table will turn your dinner into a wonderland that feels rich and exclusive. You can buy large polished spheres and points online and give them to your guests at the end of the evening.
Personalize Other Table Details
Don’t overlook mismatched cutlery as a great way to give your table an unexpected twist. Mix different patterns at every plate for a Shabby Chic feel or go modern with a DIY dip-dye look.
Use nail polish to paint the lower half of inexpensive silverware in colors to match the mood. High-quality polish will have better coverage and stay on through hand washing. To remove it postparty, use nail polish remover.
Don’t overlook mismatched cutlery as a great way to give your table an unexpected twist. Mix different patterns at every plate for a Shabby Chic feel or go modern with a DIY dip-dye look.
Use nail polish to paint the lower half of inexpensive silverware in colors to match the mood. High-quality polish will have better coverage and stay on through hand washing. To remove it postparty, use nail polish remover.
Napkins can also help create a memorable moment. The classic placement of a dinner party napkin is in the center of the plate, adorned with a napkin ring.
Instead of a napkin ring, use a thin ribbon to tie a small sprig of leaves, an acorn on a branch or a gilded leaf around each napkin.
Instead of a napkin ring, use a thin ribbon to tie a small sprig of leaves, an acorn on a branch or a gilded leaf around each napkin.
Napkin Garland by Linea Carta
Embroidered linens are the height of old-world luxury, but you don’t have to spend a lot to get the look. Etsy is an excellent source of hand-screened napkins in every imaginable motif.
Tip: Use fabric ink and a large rubber stamp from the craft store on inexpensive or vintage napkins to get a similar look. Be sure to test your stamp on a scrap first.
Tip: Use fabric ink and a large rubber stamp from the craft store on inexpensive or vintage napkins to get a similar look. Be sure to test your stamp on a scrap first.
Finishing Touches for the Home
Incorporate interior accents or architecture into your party decor. Drape hanging mirrors with strands of pearls or a faux crystal garland. Tie together boughs of lightweight branches and place them across the tops of picture frames. Fill silver ice buckets, rustic urns or glass apothecary jars with a mixture of fruits, acorns, glitter-dipped pinecones and ornaments and place them on bar carts, occasional tables or the serving buffet.
Incorporate interior accents or architecture into your party decor. Drape hanging mirrors with strands of pearls or a faux crystal garland. Tie together boughs of lightweight branches and place them across the tops of picture frames. Fill silver ice buckets, rustic urns or glass apothecary jars with a mixture of fruits, acorns, glitter-dipped pinecones and ornaments and place them on bar carts, occasional tables or the serving buffet.
Mercury Votive Holders
Light small votive candles in the guest bath to keep the party atmosphere consistent.
Tell us: How do you think creatively when decorating your home for the holidays?
More: 25 Scrumptious Holiday Tablescapes by Houzzers
Tell us: How do you think creatively when decorating your home for the holidays?
More: 25 Scrumptious Holiday Tablescapes by Houzzers
Set the Mood
For this season’s festivities, consider creative details when it comes to your holiday table. Setting the mood can be as simple as stringing fairy lights around a door frame or hanging votive candles from tabletop arrangements. Flickering light makes everything feel warmer and more romantic.