How to Design a Tablescape for a Christmas Dinner Party

Christmas is one of the best times of the year for celebrating with friends and family. If you plan on throwing a dinner party, having a tablescape for guests to enjoy while they are seated adds a festive touch to the party and the overall decor of the house. Designing a tablescape takes a little creativity and not much money. There are decorations that can be purchased on any budget, without compromising style or elegance. You can design a simple tablescape, or go all out on the decor.

Instructions

1. Place a cream tablecloth in either linen or lace on the table. Using a cream tablecloth gives the look of elegance, while providing a neutral background for decorations. A deep red tablecloth also works well, but be sure to use more neutral dinnerware and napkins so that the tablescape does not clash.

2. Set up each place setting with the proper dinnerware. Break out the best dishes and glasses, providing each guest with a dinner plate, bread plate or soup bowl, and glasses for wine or water. Napkins should be cloth and look best in a deep red or forest green to complement the cream tablecloth. Fold napkins in a professional manner at each place setting, or put them through elegant napkin rings.

3. Add a table place card to each seat for the guests. This cuts down on any confusion guests may have when determining where to sit, and can can add a sense of elegance. There are many different types of place setting card holders, or you can make your own using elegant tree decorations.

4. Set tea lights throughout the table. They provide elegant lighting as well as a beautiful ambiance. Use pillar candles as a centerpiece, selecting scented candles to provide both light and a fragrant aroma. Add festive decor such as mini pine cones or small groups of pine branches with holly berries and pine cones surrounding a large pillar candle. Candy canes work well with any decor; place them in glass vases along with a tea light.

5. Play elegant holiday music in the background. For a dinner party, instrumental Christmas carols or music is best so that it does not drown out the conversations of the guests, but still provides music for enjoyment.