Tablescapes for the Holidays
With the holiday season on the horizon, there are so many tablescape possibilities when it comes to china, centerpieces, flatware, and linens. From a traditional autumn Thanksgiving dinner to an eclectic Christmas feast, creating beautiful tablescapes can be delightful.
A tablescape is a beautiful way to express your personality. Whether it is a formal business gathering or casual dinner with family and friends, the way you set the table will determine the mood for the meal. A formal place setting includes both red and white wine glasses, water goblet, flatware for each course, along with several plates. Whereas the casual place setting simply has a single wine and water glass and fewer utensils next to the dinner plate. As a rule of etiquette, flatware is set in the order they should be used working from the outside in. Forks on the left and knives and spoons on the right with the knives facing towards the plate. With the formal place setting, the dessert spoon and fork are placed above the dinner plate and the butter knife is placed on the bread plate at the top.
Centerpieces are most definitely the star of the table but can create a conundrum while decorating and setting the table. Take into consideration the height of the centerpiece, as well as the table size and shape when designing the focal piece. Keep in mind you don’t want the centerpiece to be too small or too tall but want it to be a cohesive part of the tablescape so you don’t have to remove it during the meal.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match formal metals, like candlesticks, with farmhouse chic pieces, such as linens and wood plates. Fresh flowers or pine branches add texture and go bold by adding vibrant color with napkins, ribbons and ornaments you probably already have around the house. Be creative and have fun this holiday season making a tablescape that is uniquely you!