The end of the year is perfect for gathering your loved ones under one roof, sharing conversation and warm food. And it only takes a little bit of sprucing up to turn your regular dining table into a warm, inviting space that your family and friends will love to linger around.
Watch this video for a simple step-by-step guide to creating a stylish place setting:
Whether you’re ultra-busy or have a bit of time to spare, get inspired with these easy yet elegant table settings for a cosy and relaxing dining space:
Use the traditional colours of Christmas for your tablescape with sprigs of holly berries (you can get fake ones!) on green salad plates. A checkered table runner adds vintage flair.
Don’t have a table runner or tablecloth? Spruce up your dining table with flowers and foliage instead, and keep the rest of the dining ware simple for a clean look. Simple, handwritten place cards with your guests’ names on them offer a homely but thoughtful touch.
This simple yet super festive idea is so easy to replicate; all you need are candy canes, ribbon and place cards. Tie two candy canes together and use them to prop up your guests’ names to make them feel extra special.
For a more subtle look, ground your tablescape with a neutral grey tablecloth and clean white plates and napkins. Then, tie a small wooden tree or other decorative ornament around each napkin, along with a small sprig of dill or herb. So simple!
A simple polka-dotted table runner is the perfect accent piece for a last-minute table setting. Pepper is with succulents for a fresh and lively feel, before the food comes out.
White and black is a classic colour combination, so go for a crisp white tablecloth and black cutlery. Add Black-and-white plates with interesting decorative patterns give a fun twist to the monochromatic look. Of course, don’t forget to balance out the look and prevent it from looking flat with live greenery.
Here’s an easy way to play with colour: Work with three analogous shades (that is, three colours that sit near each other on the colour wheel) for a chic, retro feel. Start with a dinner plate at the base, then a napkin, and a salad plate on top. Let everyone have a different colour for a more interesting twist. Then, jazz up the setting with fancy gold or brass cutlery.
Channel the jungalow vibe with trendy monstera leaves beneath each guests’ dinner plate. Write their names on a separate leaf and wrap it around the salad plate. Wood and green go perfectly together, so you don’t even need table linen!
A deep, forest green tablecloth is the perfect backdrop for a dark and cosy atmosphere. It will also make your brass and glass pieces pop, so don’t hold back with gold cutlery, candleholders and more. Black or dark blue plates help balance the overall look.
If you’re really short on time, but still want to impress your guests, this look doesn’t take more than five minutes to pull together. Simply lay round textured placemats at each seat, followed with a simple white starter or dinner plate, with a rolled napkin on top. A simple vase of flowers instantly elevates the tablescape.
Create a cosy feel with a linen table runner and green tinsel or an artificial garland with fairy lights wound around it. Arrange red napkins on the plates for a classic, traditional and feel, and use a napkin ring if you’re feeling fancy.
If you’re not big on the traditional Christmas elements, go your own way with a more modern table setting. This one has a minimalist Japanese aesthetic, with wood and white elements. You still have the essentials of a table setting – such as a napkin, place card, dinner plate, cutlery, glass – but instead of a typical base plate, why not opt for a rectangular board, for instance?
Got clear plates? Place a pretty leaf underneath each one as an accent piece. Natural elements like rattan, wicker and bamboo help enhance the natural, botanical theme.
No snow, no problem-o. Create a frosty, wintry tablescape with dinnerware that have a glazed, light green and textured finish. Gold cutlery and napkin rings add a glamour factor to the space.
White textured bowls and plates paired with glimmering copper or brass accents are a sure-win.
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