This post was sponsored by The Folding Tablecloth. All ideas and opinions are my own.
In this post, we are sharing some of our favorite ideas for pulling together a formal holiday table.
How many of you have additional guests during the holiday season? I know in our family, we welcome extended family and friends during the holidays each and every year. While we would love to seat them all at our formal dining table, that isn’t always an option. So, we pull out our folding tables and chairs, add a stunning floor length linen from The Folding Table Cloth, and instantly create additional seating! Once you have created enough seating for your holiday dinner party guests, it’s time to set the table. So, we are sharing a few tips for setting an elegant holiday tablescape using a simple folding table as a base below. We hope you find inspiration and a few new ideas for your upcoming holiday events!
Formal Holiday Tablescape- Setting the Table
First, add a floor length linen. This is of particular importance when using a folding table, as it will cover it’s legs. For our formal holiday tablescape, we chose this amazing red color from The Folding Table Cloth. Choose a complimentary linen to your space and your selected place settings.
Next, choose items to incorporate into your place settings. For visual interest and dimension, mix colors, textures and patterns. Our formal holiday tablescape place settings utilized gold, glass plate chargers, white porcelain dinner plates, and festive nutcracker salad/dessert plates. We selected monogram napkins with a red border to tie into the red table cloth and to add yet another textural component to each guest’s place setting.
Thirdly, add glassware. For a formal affair, consider adding wine and water goblets at each place setting. For a more casual get together, display a number of glassware options in a bar area or beverage station for guests to utilize.
Finally, add your table’s decor details. We are sharing tips for choosing a centerpiece and adding personalized details below.
How to Choose a Holiday Centerpiece
The most important factors to consider when selecting a holiday centerpiece are the table’s size and shape. For our rectangular folding table, we selected a long, narrow arrangement that fit perfectly between our place settings. Round, or groups of florals are ideal for a 60″ or 72″ round tablecape. Ultimately, your table’s centerpiece should work in harmony to its shape and size.
Consider scale when choosing an arrangement design. The perfect centerpiece arrangement will fill negative space within a tablescape, without intruding onto place settings or impede dinner conversation. For example, if guests will be engaged in conversation during your dinner or event, choose a low floral arrangement so that it doesn’t inhibit a guest’s view. For large scale events with multiple tables, consider adding a variety of arrangements; a mix of low and tall for visual interest. Another component to scale worth considering is the centerpiece’s dimensions. You should select a larger centerpiece for a 72″ round table than for a 60″ round table.
Holiday Tablescape- Add Personalized Details
The final, yet often most important detail to any tablescape is personalization. One of my favorite details to add is a place card. They are such a simple, yet meaningful gesture. For our formal holiday tablescape, we added script printable place cards using red font at each place setting, using these amazing brass bell holders as a stand out piece. These small details are what will set your event apart, making it memorable for all guests in attendance.
We hope you found inspiration and a few tips in the holiday tablescape ideas shared above! Don’t forget to head over to our friends at The Folding Tablecloth for their amazing full fabric coverage tablecloths, that can easily add stylish seating at your next holiday gathering.
Alexandra says
October 3, 2018 at 7:30 pmWhat a stunning table setting! I absolutely love this idea! The colours are so beautiful and appropriate. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Pippa says
October 4, 2018 at 1:09 amYou have such an aesthetic eye for this! What a lovely table setting, such beautiful colours.
Preet says
October 4, 2018 at 1:28 amWhat an awesome idea for holiday 🙂 I really can’t imagine that a few months to go and it’s Holiday already.
Annick says
October 4, 2018 at 3:07 amthis table setting got me all excited for the festive season now. I love, love, love the festive ~vibes~ in Decembers!
Monidipa Dutta says
October 4, 2018 at 3:20 amThis is such a beautiful table setting. I totally love this idea. I am not having guest this year, but would definitely keep this idea in mind.
Clint says
October 4, 2018 at 4:27 amGreat post. I guess we need to step it up a few notches for Christmas dinner this year lol
Catherine Santiago Jose says
October 4, 2018 at 6:09 amI am not good when it comes on table setting and your tips will really help me in doing this in a better way.
Nikki says
October 4, 2018 at 2:41 pmI never thought about holiday table settings! These are a great tips!!
Jasmine Hewitt says
October 4, 2018 at 3:25 pmsaving this for Christmas in the new house in a few months! This really is beautiful!
Juli says
October 4, 2018 at 3:52 pmI love this as well as the colours that were chosen, so very elegant.
Sara Welch says
October 4, 2018 at 8:59 pmI am totally going to use these tips. I have really been looking for some great new ideas.
Julie Verville says
October 12, 2018 at 10:17 amThank you!
Shannan P says
October 4, 2018 at 11:03 pmThis is so lovely! Even when it’s just the 4 of us, it feels so much more special to have a beautiful table for holiday meals.
Julie Verville says
October 12, 2018 at 10:17 amSmall details can really make any table feel special, even at a simple family meal.
Daphne' Adams says
October 4, 2018 at 11:30 pmThis setting is beautiful. Perfect for this time of year!
Julie Verville says
October 12, 2018 at 10:16 amThank you!
Nailil says
October 5, 2018 at 6:51 pmThese tips are what I need. I am yet to set up my table for the holidays. Maybe this year, I’ll give it a try.
Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
Julie Verville says
October 12, 2018 at 10:16 amThank you! Definitely give it a go this year….
Rachel says
October 7, 2018 at 4:51 amGreat tips and lovely pictures, this has made me super excited for the holidays! EEEEK!
Julie Verville says
October 12, 2018 at 10:16 amThank you! I cannot believe how quickly the holidays are approaching!
London Mumma says
October 12, 2018 at 1:48 amI am loving the table setting it looks so dreamy and I can not wait for Christmas so I can set mine.
Julie Verville says
October 12, 2018 at 10:06 amThank you!