How Do You Set a Holiday Table? A Simple Layered Guide
, by Divya Chatani de Tourani, 1 min reading time
A simple order for setting a holiday table: glasses first, then napkins and finishing details, then something to serve from.
Start with the glasses, add a few finishing details, then finish with something to serve from. A holiday table looks considered when a few pieces are chosen well, not when everything matches. Every piece below is in our Set the Table collection, so you can add one or two to what you already own.
What should you put on the table first?
Glasses set the tone. The Red Dhari Glasses (set of 4, US$30) bring a festive red to the table, and the Chiara Water Glass (US$14.15) is blown glass in a softer shade, so you can mix the two along the table.
What finishing details make a table feel special?
Napkin rings do a lot for plain napkins. The Dayra, Ira and Laini napkin rings are gold and US$7.70 each, and the Silver Etched Napkin Ring (US$4) is a quieter option. Add the Zanabaq Yellow Napkin (US$8.30) for a pop of colour, and set it on a round beaded placemat like the Sundara or Ohana (US$25.50 each).
For candlelight, the Noel Candle Holder (US$7.50) and Sita Candle Holder (US$9) are small enough to line down the middle of the table.
What should you serve from?
The Lulu Tray with Bowls (US$48.50) is a mother-of-pearl serving tray with sauce bowls, good for starters or sweets. The Margarita Serving Plate (US$23) is hand-painted white ceramic with a yellow border. For salad, the Ruva Salad Servers (US$42) are gold.
What about dessert?
The Samira Dessert Plates (set of 6, US$86) are hand-painted in green with a gold pattern, and they sit well next to the red glasses.
How do you keep it simple?
Pick two colours and stop there. If you have red glasses and gold napkin rings, let the plates and candles be white or neutral. Three or four new pieces are enough for the table to feel new.
Browse the full Set the Table collection.