No. 16 The Holiday Table
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients
of a truly merry Christmas.”
~ Peg Bracken.
Tick………..tock……… time, what is that this time of year? I have this fantasy……I would love to sit in front of the fireplace one afternoon, drink mulled cider, read a Christmas story, enjoy my house decorated and just relax. OK…… well that’s not happening! I still have shopping, baking, wrapping, and entertaining to do, yes it is a busy time of year. Even with all this to do, I love this time of year, especially the entertaining! Here are some of my secrets to dressing your dining room this holiday season in a flash!
For the sit down dinner party
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Try to keep a theme with your table dressing.
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Use unique place cards. Think about ‘place cards’ that can double as gifts! Christmas balls with the guests name (keep them from rolling away by setting them on a couple of large washers) Personalized votive candle holders or mini picture frames
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Keep center pieces simple and low. Row of votives on a mirror, low bowl of Christmas balls highlighted with some fresh greens or antique pictures frames filled with black & white photos ……… maybe these are photos of you and your guests from holidays gone past? Finish off the frames with a few candle sticks and candles.
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Use chargers under your plates, this sets off the plates and creates the opportunity to do a little more with the places setting!
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Use cloth napkins and tie them off with non-traditional napkin rings. Ribbons! Coordinate the colors with your theme
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Dress the chairs with bows or a stocking
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Use table runners to add interest to the table cloth………..you can also use multiple runners and weave them across and down the table.
For the buffet
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Here is where your center piece can make a statement! Fill a large vase with fresh greens & roses ( from idea No. 13) Use a large hurricane fill with orange slices, cranberries and holly leaves fill with water and white lilies! No time for the florist? Fill a large bowl with ornaments stick a candle in the center and highlight with a few fresh greens.
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Vary the height of the of dishes. Raise plates on dessert tiers, raise platters on an angle by simply sliding a small plate upside down under the platter.
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When using paper napkins, consider two colors and alternate them for a little punch of color.
There you go a quick easy dinning room …………….now call the caterer!
