• Introduction
• Creative Holiday Table Settings

Creative Holiday Table Settings

Happy Harvest: Think about how to use fall fruits and vegetables to decorate place settings and centerpieces. Items like pumpkins, squash varieties, apples and grapes can be arranged beautifully in the center of the table. Incorporate a rustic table runner and cozy candles in the centerpiece. On each plate, set a miniature pumpkin with a personalized name tag. Other natural items like acorns, twigs and leaves can also be used for a harvest-themed table setting.

Homespun Christmas: If you prefer a cottage chic or country look, consider creating a homespun table setting. Use a quilt as the table cover. Quilts with hexagon patterns or patchwork suggest a modern yet down-to-earth look as well. If you don't have an entire quilt to use as a cover, consider making patchwork quilted place mats. Tie silverware sets together with seam binding.

Create napkin rings from simple wooden rings purchased at the craft store and yo-yos. Making a yo-yo is super simple. Make a circle template that is twice as large as the desired size. Fold over and finger-press a 1/4-inch hem around the outside of circle and sew a long running stitch on the edges. Pull the thread to gather into a tight circle and shape the yo-yo with your fingers. Sew a button over the hole in the center to finish.

Woodland Creature Thanksgiving: Owls and other woodland inhabitants such as foxes, deer, mushrooms and squirrels have been popping up in crafting and sewing projects for some time. Why not invite these cute motifs to be part of your Thanksgiving gathering? Kids will especially get a kick out of seeing a tree-themed centerpiece with deer included. Use a recycled container such as a potato-chip canister to create the base of the tree. Paint a large plastic foam ball green and add wool felt leaves to create a tree. Use shaved tree trunks for coasters. White birch wood, used to create a variety of items such as napkin rings or place markers, can be purchased in craft stores or online if birch is not available in your area.

Sophisticated Winter Wonderland: If you are planning a winter-themed celebration that can be used for any of the winter holidays, maybe a snow-themed table scape is a good idea. For a sophisticated twist, use white and silver with a touch of blue. Incorporate simple motifs such as snowflakes. A favorite idea of mine is to use plain white vases to showcase spray-painted branches. Use white dishware with some sparkly silver chargers. Consider covering the chairs with white chair covers and adding handmade snowflakes to the back of each chair tied with silver ribbon.

Dollar Store Table Setting: This is an idea that can be used for any holiday. Challenge yourself to create an entire table setting using items found at the dollar store. Local dollar stores are rich sources of simple dishes, glasses, place mats, candles and napkins. Clear glass plates are the perfect item for decorating with paint markers or glass paint as you can create the design from the side of the glass that doesn't touch food. Personalized plates would be the perfect place marker, and your guests could take them home as a party favor.

Whether you opt for a traditional table setting or a wildly creative one, nothing sets the tone for an event quite like a beautifully decorated table. The table is the focal point of the celebration. Use your creativity to think of themes that your family will enjoy. Most of all, make your table decorating stress-free. Guests will mostly remember the mood of the host rather than the details. If you are not hosting a holiday celebration yourself, offer to bring along something that will help your host carry out her or his theme. It will be a most welcomed hostess/host gift.