Holiday Tablescaping 101
While a well-planned menu shapes a memorable holiday dinner, a thoughtful host helps guests feel welcomed and comfortable before the first dish is served.
Tablescaping is the art of designing and arranging a dining table by combining tableware, centerpieces, linens and decorative elements to create a setting that is inviting and visually appealing. But it goes beyond simple table setting. Anticipation and effort are expressions of care. Using themes, colors, textures, nature and personalized details, a host can transform a meal into an unforgettable experience.
As the host in my family, I’ve built a tablescaping inventory amassed over decades. It is a mix of objects inherited and new sourced from thrift stores, estate sales, auctions, boutiques, artisans, friends’ garages, even backyard foraging expeditions.
What will you put on your table? May this guide inspire you to share your creativity with guests this holiday season.
How to Begin
If you are new to tablescaping or need a tabletop edit, start with essentials and add decorative elements gradually. If buying new tableware feels out of reach, this is an invitation to get creative with sourcing and creating a cohesive vision.
For dinnerware, opt for a set of high-quality (not likely to chip) white or neutral ceramic plates, bowls and mugs that can timelessly transition between casual meals and formal events. Think about how many guests you are likely to accommodate. Choose dishwasher-safe pieces that are easy to store and stack, especially if space is limited.
In time, you may add a set of contrasting salad plates or expand your quantities. (Recently, I purchased a set of 12 white dinner plates from a thrift store for $8 that look nearly identical to what I already own.)
Serving dishes, bowls and platters that match or complement your dinnerware will be well-used, whether you serve your meal tableside or buffet-style. Think about your menu and how to best present each offering: sliced meat on a platter, mashed potatoes in a bowl, gravy in a pourable vessel and condiments in small dishes.
For flatware, choose a dishwasher-safe set that balances practicality and elegance. A setting typically consists of a dinner fork, salad fork, knife, soup spoon and teaspoon. It is a bonus when additional utensils are included such as extra dessert forks and teaspoons, butter knives and serving pieces. Make sure to match the number of settings to the number of plates.
Stainless steel flatware is durable and available in a variety of patterns and finishes, even black and gold. Sterling silver, however beautiful and valuable, requires special care.
Select multi-purpose clear water and wine glasses that work in both formal and casual settings. Stemless wine glasses, for example, can double as tumblers. Sometimes I use tall water glasses as vases.
Choose machine-washable fabric tablecloths and napkins in white or beige. Later, you can add patterns, colors or textures for variety. Ideally, opt for linens that do not shrink or need ironing.
Accent pieces, such as chargers (decorative underplates), placemats and runners can be added over time, along with napkin rings, holiday-themed accessories and statement pieces.
Setting the Table
Lay place settings on the table to determine how much room you have for centerpieces and how many you want. Round tables typically feature one arrangement and rectangular tables two or three. Keep centerpieces low and sightlines clear so conversation flows easily. Balance vases of seasonal florals and greenery with candlesticks, votives or lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere and warm glow.
A thoughtful host can also anticipate guests’ needs. Ensure that decorations do not overcrowd the table or interfere with serving (or eating) food. Set out extra napkins, water pitchers, salt and pepper shakers and small condiment dishes for convenience. Regarding dietary considerations, display a menu or small card near each dish explaining ingredients.
Personal touches such as handwritten name cards or rosemary sprigs tied to napkins can make each guest feel individually welcomed. Surprise a child with a special toy or coloring book waiting on their plate.
Lastly, small details can signal that the occasion is special. When used tastefully, ornaments, bells, ribbons, baubles, metallics, pinecones, mini potted plants, garlands, figurines and wrapped chocolates can add to the celebratory spirit.
MEET OUR TABLESCAPERS
When interior designer Kirsten Baer transforms her Maplewood barn into a holiday dining room, her guests bask in every detail.  “When you love to entertain, setting the ‘stage’ is my favorite part,” she says. Her signature tablescape style is monochromatic against a white backdrop with an elegant modern farmhouse sensibility. She shops for flowers first and takes inspiration from what is in bloom, looking for a pop of color as an accent. Next, she “shops” at home in her own collections. “People are often too predictable with a theme,” Baer observes, preferring a nod to the season. Instead, she goes over-the-top by adding layers of interest with textured linens, candles, serving pieces, salt and pepper shakers, natural elements, convenient extras and show-stopping flower arrangements.
 Judy Nunn may be best known for her mom-next-door TV commercial roles, but in Maplewood circles, she is the go-to resource for tabletop treasures freshly plucked from her favorite thrift store. She loves the feeling of “stumbling into someone’s history,” imagining who used each object and how. Daily, she hunts for beautiful quality items to add to her overflowing collection of plates, glasses, linens, serving pieces and accessories. “I didn’t grow up with many valuable things,” she explains. “To put my hand on a piece of Steuben or Baccarat crystal found in a thrift store literally shocks and thrills me.” As a hobbyist online reseller, Nunn’s rule of thumb is to acquire only those objects she’d be happy to own if they do not sell. “People are coming back to entertaining,” observes South Orange resident Kathy Nye, co-founder of the auction house Nye & Company in Bloomfield with her husband, John. “They want to set the table and serve their family and friends.” Inspired by her passion for china, sterling silver and flowers from her garden, she sets a table that feels comfortable, not fussy. “Buy what you love,” is her best advice for anyone seeking to make an acquisition. |
Ilysse Rimalovski is a well-seasoned home chef, writer and culinary producer living in Maplewood with a background in specialty food, media and design. Have food questions or need inspiration? Visit Ilysse’s Facebook page, Ilysse Ideally or send email to forilysse@icloud.com.
Comments