How to Decorate a Tablescape for the Holidays

Choosing a theme for your tablescape is the first step. Knowing whether you want to create a maximalist table filled with florals, candles and placecards, or embrace a classic Christmas look, will save you time and money.

Go online and research holiday decor and trends. Take note of what you like and create a list of what you think you have the time and money to pull off.
It's also a smart idea to see what you already have on hand that can serve as inspiration for your tablescape.

When it comes to gathering the essentials, we recommend starting from the center of the table and working your way out.

Once you have chosen a theme and color palette, decide what your centerpiece will be. Whether your decor is pumpkin-inspired fall or rustic, mountain holiday, your centerpiece is the foundation of the table setting and will be the focal point of the meal.

While themes will change, the essentials are:

• Napkins
• Tablecloth
• Dishes and serveware
• Glasses
• Flatware
• Seasonal decor pieces
• Placecards or a small gift for each setting

The key to a great tablescape is to layer your pieces, no matter your theme, from the tablecloth up to the plates. This adds dimension and interest.

If natural elements like wood, flowers and greenery appeal to you, a farmhouse tablespace would be perfect for your holiday meal.

• Because this style is all about rustic simplicity, you can keep your centerpieces low and let the greenery and natural elements take centerstage.
• With this look, you can skip the tablecloth entirely, if you'd like. However, if you still want to use a tablecloth, choose one made from a natural fabric, like linen, or add a burlap runner.
• Mixing and matching napkins and plates is a key step in creating the farmhouse look. For fall meals, deep purples, maroons and greys play perfectly off mismatched white plates stacked atop charcoal or gold-embellished plates.
• Winter holiday tablescapes can incorporate a perfectly unmatched balance of red, green, blue or even plaid.
• If you can, use fresh flowers and greenery at the table. Fall tables incorporating big leafy garland, pumpkins and other harvest decor are extremely welcoming, while Christmas tables set with pinecones, branches, earthy elements and accents of copper set a rustic scene.
• For glassware, think copper cups or antique-style goblets.

Perhaps the most tried-and-true theme, the traditional holiday tablescape is easy to achieve and even easier to make your own.

The beauty of this theme is that there aren't many rules, because tradition means so many different things to so many people. For example, if nutcrackers are a tradition in your home, endcap each piece of your centerpiece with one.

While red and white usually play a role in this color scheme, the elements you add can put a new spin on an old tradition. If you prefer to keep the classic red and white theme, feel free to introduce a pop of color with your dishes and florals. Try red and gold.

Here are a few ways to achieve this tablescape idea:

• If you have a set of China that is reserved just for the holidays, this tablescape idea is for you.
• Simple and elegant, the foundation of this table is the patterned plates and the timeless stemmed glassware.
• Silverware is typically kept to classic silver and the table is dressed with a holiday-inspired runner or a festive tablecloth.
• Decorate the table with candleholders and try topping off place settings with an ornament, candy canes or a mini wreath for each guest.
• Stack plates on top of chargers in size order for a truly traditional touch.
• Choose poinsettias, pine, holly or garland for your centerpiece.

Turn your typical dinner table into a glam winter wonderland with metallics and blues. Given that it's the one time of year where over-the-top decor is welcome, decking your dining table out in all things metallic is the perfect way to capture to magic of the season.

Here are some glam basics:

• You don't have to stick to just the classic metallics. Feel free to make it your own by bringing in shades of blue or hints of rose gold.
• Mix your metallics or choose one of the shades and go all out with it.
• Be sure that plates feature a hint of silver or gold. If using all-white plates, stack them atop a metallic charger to keep the look cohesive.
• Incorporate touches of mercury glass and ornaments in the metallic finish of your choice for a polished look.

Simple and minimalistic, an all-white holiday tablescape turns your dinner table into a winter wonderland that can work just as easily for Thanksgiving as it does for Hanukkah or Christmas.

This look requires minimal updates to your current dining space.

• The centerpiece is kept very basic and low. Try using a small floral arrangement in all white, with hints of green.
• Plates and napkins can be white for a completely clean aesthetic, but let your glassware stand out with a hint or two of metallic sheen.
• Put the focus of the tablescape on the seating itself by using faux sheepskin rugs draped over dining chairs.
• If you need just a bit more shine to your all-white look, add a few ornaments in the mix.