As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves juggling a myriad of tasks—from planning festive meals to organizing holiday parties.  But before we make it to our first holiday gathering, there is one rather huge task looming over us–THE DECORATIONS.  It can be easy to get swept away by the spirit of the season and all of the wonderful ideas on Pinterest and Youtube, but what if you don’t have the time for a full out display.  What do you do then?  Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, one simple yet effective way to ease the stress holidays is to set a table.  Making the table where you will dine with your guests the focal point of your home is a great way to add a touch of elegance and charm to any occasion with very little effort.  Here are 5 super simple tips to help you achieve a table that your guests will be talking about. 

1. Start with your personal style

Using your personal style as the inspiration for your holiday table decor is a wonderful way to make the season feel uniquely yours.  The dining table often serves as the centerpiece of holiday gatherings and family dinners, so it is essential that it feels both welcoming and familiar.  By grounding your table setting in your individual aesthetic, you will not only derive greater enjoyment from the process but also create a space you’re more likely to use throughout the festive season.  While exploring various home decor styles can be an inspiring endeavor, the key is to select elements that resonate with your personal taste and lifestyle.  

2. Choose a theme

Choosing a theme is different from determining your personal style, and it is second on this list on purpose.  You must understand your personal style before you choose a theme, because if you choose a theme that is not consistent with your personal style, you will find this task to be difficult and you may abandon it altogether.  And we are all about embracing ease during the holidays.  So keeping your personal style in mind, what will be the theme of your Christmas table?  If your personal style is playful, then you might do a theme that includes different Santa figurines or miniature toys.  Maybe your personal style is minimalist, and you want 1 or 2 main colors that are displayed in your table linens and Christmas dishes and a few taper candles in the center of the table for a simple, yet classic look.  There are countless Christmas themes to choose from, so be sure to consider your personal style first or you can really go down the rabbit hole on this one.

3. Include items that are special to you

If you are like me, you love browsing through holiday magazines admiring the latest trends in Christmas decor.  It can be fun to try out new styles and create new traditions.  Just remember to incorporate a few cherished items from holidays past.  One of my personal favorites is the little bag of reindeer food that one of my elementary school teachers gave me for Christmas.  It’s 30 plus years old and a little worn, but seeing it on the table throughout the holidays brings back fond memories from my childhood.  It also serves as a fun story to share with friends during holiday gatherings, especially younger children with lots of questions about Santa and his high flyers.

4. Mix it up

Use a variety of heights, textures, and layers to give your table some interest.  If you use a tablecloth, try pairing a cotton or satin tablecloth with a velvet table runner.  Layer beaded placemats with your favorite Christmas dishes and chargers to add a little sparkle to the table.  If you like candles, mix pillar candles with votives or use taper candles of different heights and colors to highlight your theme. 

5. Dine by candlelight

Now that your table is decorated, light the candles, have a seat and enjoy!  You don’t have to wait until Christmas.  Enjoy the beauty of your table throughout the holiday season.  This is a great opportunity to have dinner with your family.  Dining together by candlelight encourages everyone to slow down and appreciate the meal and each other.  When everything is arranged thoughtfully, it fosters a sense of ritual, encouraging everyone to engage in meaningful conversation and savor each dish.  This mindfulness can turn a meal into a memorable experience, rather than just another hurried holiday obligation.

Setting the table may seem like a small detail, but its impact during the holidays can be profound.  By focusing on this singular area of your home, you can embrace ease while creating an elegant space to enjoy and host holiday gatherings.  So this season, take a moment to embrace a lost art and set the table.  It could be the secret ingredient to a more joyful holiday experience.

Happy Holidays!  

💜Jenny