3 Holiday Tablescape Designs to Try

Go with a classic woodland-inspired look, a glamorous style or a boho-inspired approach

December 11, 2017
Houzz Contributor. Faith Towers is a designer, writer and crafter with a passion for all things creative. She received her art degree from Skidmore College, and her work has been featured in Forbes and Yahoo. She writes her blog called Design Fixation and also spends her days designing wedding invitations and stationery.
Houzz Contributor. Faith Towers is a designer, writer and crafter with a passion... More
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December is the perfect time to invite a few people over for a festive holiday dinner party. Here we’ll show you how to step up your tablescape game with three distinct looks.
by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Traditional Dining Room by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Contemporary Woodland-Inspired Tablescape

Fresh evergreen branches, pine cones and a stylish buffalo check plaid tablecloth come together in this nature-inspired look.
by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Materials
  • Buffalo check plaid tablecloth
  • Brown kraft paper runner
  • Evergreen branches
  • 4 to 6 white pillar candles
  • White chalk marker
  • Pine cones
by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
1. Place your tablecloth and runner on the table, and arrange the evergreen branches in the center. Nestle the pillar candles amongst the branches.
Traditional Dining Room by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
2. Set the table and place one pine cone on each folded napkin. Use a chalk marker to write each guest’s name by his or her place setting on the kraft paper runner for a personalized touch.

The plaid tablecloth paired with brightly colored napkins adds the perfect amount of modern flair, so the look doesn’t feel too rustic.
Traditional Dining Room by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
3. Light the candles and you’ll be ready to host your dinner party.
Traditional Dining Room by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Classic Holiday Glam Tablescape

This look has a classic color palette, using a traditional lace runner; a red, white and green floral centerpiece; and unique snow globe-inspired place markers made out of clear ornaments.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Materials and Tools
  • Clear round ornaments
  • Table salt
  • White chalk marker
  • Red twine or ribbon
  • Gold or brass urn-style vase
  • Floral foam or floral frog
  • Scissors
  • Dark red and pale pink roses
  • Greenery
  • Lace runner
  • Gold or brass candlesticks
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
1. Create your snow globe place markers. Remove the tops from the ornaments and fill each one with about 2 tablespoons of salt — enough to keep them from rolling around haphazardly.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
2. Replace the tops and write one guest’s name on each ornament using a chalk marker. Slip a piece of red twine or ribbon through each top and double knot it.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
3. Create the centerpiece. Place the floral foam or frog in the center of the vase, trimming with scissors or a knife if necessary to make it fit snugly. Fill the vase with water and insert the pale pink roses into the foam. Insert the greenery next, making sure to poke some pieces in at horizontal angles on the ends of the foam. Last, insert the red roses evenly throughout the arrangement.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
4. Now it’s time to set the table. Put the lace runner in the middle of the table, with the floral arrangement centered on it. Set out plates, silverware and glasses. Goblets work well for this tablescape.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
5. Fold napkins into rectangles and place them on the plates to create a spot for the ornament place markers. The classic look of this tablescape will set the tone for an elegant dinner party.
Traditional Dining Room by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Warm Boho-Style Tablescape

This look has a free-spirited, bohemian vibe. It uses fresh herbs, white flowers and candles of different shapes and sizes.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Materials and Tools
  • Brown kraft paper
  • Scissors
  • White chalk marker
  • Hole punch
  • Small round gold ornaments
  • Jute twine
  • Fresh rosemary, sage and thyme
  • Variety of small clear vases and jars
  • White flowers
  • Variety of white candlesticks and pillar candles
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
1. Cut a small flag shape out of kraft paper for each guest, and write a name on each one with chalk marker. Punch a hole in the end.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
2. String the name flag and an ornament onto a piece of jute twine and tie the twine around a rolled-up napkin. Add a sprig of rosemary between the napkin and the twine. Repeat the process for each guest’s napkin roll.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
3. Set the table and begin your centerpiece. Place a few white flowers in each small vase and scatter the vases around in the center of your table. Place the fresh herbs in vases as well, and intersperse those throughout the flowers.
Traditional Dining Room by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
4. Place candlesticks and pillar candles of varying shapes and sizes among the flowers and herbs.
Traditional by Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]
This last tablescape has a warm, festive feel, with a touch of bohemian style thanks to the floral-and-herb arrangement.

More
Holiday Party Prep: Plan Your Table Settings
Houzz Guide: How to Set a Table
Find white dinnerware
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Comments (5)
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Robin Gladstein
Oops - that should say “decor from this past weekend”!
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Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo
mkaybe33
Kept it simple and vintage…perfect for my restored loft~vintage milk bottles used as Bud Vases, reclaimed lace, and my Grandmother's Depression Glass.
8 Likes    
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Sachie
Ready set eat and be merry!
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