The holidays are here, and even if your celebrations are more intimate this year, you want everything to be perfect. So, to help you get started, we’ve put together a guide to creating a beautiful table – layer by layer – that celebrates the love and the cherished traditions that make this season so special.
Start with Linens
The foundation pieces of a comfortable, well-appointed table are the linens. A seasonal runner down the middle of the table forms a perfect backdrop for the layers to come while colorful placemats and cloth napkins keep everything tidy and organized. We love these basketweave placemats from Chilewich. Tightly woven with a unique vinyl yarn made from renewable soybeans, Chilewich placemats are as environmentally sensitive as they are beautiful and easy to clean. And they stay that way for years thanks to triclosan-free antimicrobial protection.
Add Festive Serveware
Special occasions call for special presentations – and doesn’t everything taste more delicious when served from a festive bowl or platter? Charming prints and familiar characters spark memories and inspire conversation, while the unusual sounds from that amusing Gurglepot will get the smiles going with every refill.
Dress It Up
The perfect holiday table is a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite. A coordinated collection of tabletop decor adds interest and texture to the dining experience and lets you share a little of your personality and favorite traditions too. Start with a faux botanical garland layered casually on top of the runner, then tuck in your favorite pieces – lanterns, small trees, ornaments, and seasonal figures – along its length for everyone to enjoy.
Add That Warm Glow
Whether it dances with a twinkle or warms with a soft glow, light has always been a meaningful part of the holiday season. At the table, candlelight softens everything around it – tensions and cares drift away on the warmth of a flickering flame and the comforting seasonal scents. If you love those classic holiday scents of evergreen, spice, citrus, and vanilla, look for some of our favorites from Thymes, Voluspa, and Aromatique. Or for something a little different, you might try our two new scents from Illume – Woodfire or Balsam & Cedar.
Now, Something to Remember
Let each guest know how much they mean to you with a gift to remember this time together. A carefully selected mini glass ornament is a small – but uniquely personal – way to show you appreciate what makes each person special. With lots of novelty options available in The Ornament Shop at our store, there’s a perfect choice for each loved one at the table.
Gather in Love
We know gathering this year may look a little different, but there’s so much to share around a table with those we hold closest to our hearts. And a beautiful table can inspire that feeling of closeness we enjoy during the holidays. Come explore The Christmas Shop at our store and find everything you need to make this year’s gathering special. And as always, if you need a suggestion or two, just ask. We’re always happy to help.
