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Setting the Holiday Table

by on ‎11-22-2013 05:23 PM

Temp-tations Holiday Table


One of my favorite parts about the holidays, aside from cooking and eating delicious foods and sharing memories with friends and family, is the morning I set the holiday table. For me, it's like the equivalent of starting out with a blank canvas, and creating a simple and beautiful piece of artwork to please the eye, and make any experience at the table a little more fun.


Believe it or not, I actually like to be a little "impromptu" when it comes to setting the table. Don't get me wrong, I definitely have ideas and plans before hand, but it is sometimes fun to gather many options, variations, and pieces, to work in and switch around as you go.


Here are some tips, suggestions and ideas as you get started, that help me as I go!


1. Pick a palette you love. For the holidays, many people love sticking to colors that represent the occasion. But ultimately the holidays should be about what you love. We all love harvest colors and the greens and reds, but any combination can bring the holidays to life in a way that represents your life and your tastes. So don't be afraid to be yourself!


2. Don't be afraid to mix and match. Colors, textures, and contrasts can really bring a table to life. Sometimes too much matching doesn't allow any one piece, or accent to stand out. For instance, make every other place setting a different color or pattern that works well together, but adds some eye candy to the tablescape overall. Or use a different color or pattern of salad plate on top of an entree plate within an individual setting. 


3. Sometimes less is more. I particularly love a few bold centerpiece accents and fresh flowers/candles to adorn the table. For the holidays, it's always fun to throw in a nod or two to the occasion with figural pieces that have function, but add a little whimsy to the table.


4. Food makes any table beautiful. I love eating family style. When setting the table for the holidays, keep in mind that the food and the dishes they are prepared in may be the ultimate decor and beautifying element to the table. After all, this is the original thinking behind temptations. Food can be served beautifully, and therefore be part of what makes the table come to life visually.


5. Set the place settings first. Pick what you love and want to use, and THEN go for the accents and centerpieces. Once the table is set, its easier to look at what accents you love, pieces from around the home, and fresh flowers in season that will coordinate nicely.


All of the above said, the holidays are ultimately about the conversation, sharing, and love that happens around the table. So my goal is to make it easy and accessible to get that holiday table done beautifully, so you have more time to enjoy what happens once you pull up a chair.  Browse some of my favorite holiday pieces here and comment below with some of your favorite holiday table ideas. 


Happy Table Setting!