3 Holiday Tablescape Designs to Try
Go with a classic woodland-inspired look, a glamorous style or a boho-inspired approach
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.
Materials
- Buffalo check plaid tablecloth
- Brown kraft paper runner
- Evergreen branches
- 4 to 6 white pillar candles
- White chalk marker
- Pine cones
1. Place your tablecloth and runner on the table, and arrange the evergreen branches in the center. Nestle the pillar candles amongst the branches.
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.
The plaid tablecloth paired with brightly colored napkins adds the perfect amount of modern flair, so the look doesn’t feel too rustic.
3. Light the candles and you’ll be ready to host your dinner party.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This look has a free-spirited, bohemian vibe. It uses fresh herbs, white flowers and candles of different shapes and sizes.
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
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.
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.
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.
4. Place candlesticks and pillar candles of varying shapes and sizes among the flowers and herbs.
This last tablescape has a warm, festive feel, with a touch of bohemian style thanks to the floral-and-herb arrangement.
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Fresh evergreen branches, pine cones and a stylish buffalo check plaid tablecloth come together in this nature-inspired look.