Setting the Christmas Dinner Table

For some reason it never occurred to me to set a dinner table days before an event. While visiting my friend, I noticed her Thanksgiving table all set a week before turkey day. It was a light bulb moment for me. I typically (and with stress) set the table on the same day. Ever since then, I find that setting the table ahead of time is a time-saver. It also allows me to be more creative and truly enjoy it, without rushing. What took me so long to figure this out..

New Holiday Place Setting

As I have mentioned before, I bought these sweet plates during a fabulous sale at Ballard Designs. The salad plate depicts a pretty winter scene with shades of pink and red. Perfect for the Christmas dinner table.Be sure to check Ballard Designs holiday sale for dishes.

After experimenting with multiple chargers, I like the white melamine ones the best. It breaks up the busy pattern on the tablecloth and dinner plate. Flatware is Wallace Napoleon Bee and can be found at Wayfair, Neiman Marcus, Costco or Amazon. Also, I did purchase the white scalloped melamine chargers from The Enchanted Home, but it appears they are sold out.

The white napkins with a bright red trim are from Williams Sonoma (similar found here)

Tying into the Tree Theme in the Dining Room

I’ve struggled with holiday decor in the dining room due to the heavy influence of the rug colors. Once I allow for shades of pink, blush and greens, decorating this room is now joyful.

On the mantel, bottlebrush trees of various sizes and colors inspires the “tree theme” for the dining room table.

Tinsel, evergreens, and a few extra bottlebrush trees create a centerpiece forest down the center of the table. Both shiny and flat ornaments in blush and pink make up the “forest” floor. More of the same ornaments are in the crystal bowl on the mantel. Votive candlelight and tapers in Waterford crystal candlesticks, reflect back with a warm ambiance.

Etched pink stemware (similar here) picks up the same color pattern as the Indian block tablecloth from Just Darviny. Incorporating pink into a holiday table can be a challenge, but I think it all works well here.

Extra Touches

I am always looking for ways to add sparkle to the table. Sparkle=special and having our entire family together is a great reason to elevate the setting.

These glittery blush pinecones tuck nicely into the ornaments on the table. I actually found some more of these pretty pinecones on Poshmark.

Sweet, little evergreen trees in a small galvanized container make the perfect holder for the place cards. Purchased many moons ago from Pottery Barn, I did find something rather cute and similar on Amazon. Place cards are from Caspari, a company who makes beautiful tabletop accessories and paper.

Red knitted mittens can hold silverware, or in this case, act as a pretty topper for the plate. I place freshly cut pines inside with a brass bell for fun. Again, a very old purchase from Pottery Barn, but there are cute ones available on Etsy.

I hope you enjoy a look at our holiday table. If feels good to check this off my list of things to do!

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