By Roxanne Hughes Packham,
Co-Author of the Hospitality Book: Inspired Design
In today’s rough economic climate, keep
in mind that although I hope to inspire you to set a beautiful
Thanksgiving or Christmas table the real beauty comes from the thought
and love you show your friends and family. Beautiful tables comprise
equal parts from the “Inspired” & the “Design” categories. See
examples: www.
Inspired
~Place cards
I love to use the ceramic place cards that
can be written on with a wipe-off marker. You can quickly write
people’s names, a favorite quote or sentiment. Friends love that you
thought about them before the dinner and even something as simple as
writing their names on the place cards really makes them feel
remembered.
~Welcome Sign
It is so welcoming, to have a sign
somewhere near the front door to greet your family and friends. From a
very personal “Welcome Smith Family” or a seasonal “Merry Christmas” to
“We are so glad you are here” on a casual chalkboard or an elegant
mirror or glass framed, and write with a wipe-off marker, that welcome
sets the tone for the rest of the event. I used an antique French
cupboard door and painted it with chalkboard paint on the raised panel
part.
~Quote or Scripture
The most inspirational part of the Holiday
table is the beautiful quotes and scriptures. It depends on the
occasion, but a quote that is either inspiring or focused on gratitude
is the favorite. There is nothing like feasting your eyes, and then your
thoughts, on what we can be thankful for, especially as an example for
our children. Scattering them around the home (powder room, end tables,
above door jam’s) is a great way to elevate your family and friends
thoughts.
Design
~Fresh Greenery
Sometimes we mistakenly think a tabletop
has to have flowers as a centerpiece to be really elegant and festive.
Greenery is a wonderful, fresh and festive way to make a beautiful
Christmas table. Simply cut a few small twigs of trees/bushes like pine
or ivy, or my favorite boxwood branches, bay tree and magnolia leaves
and put them in three smaller glass or crystal vases.
~Candles
No table is complete, in my opinion, with 5
to 7 little glass votives with white candles in them. The light
sparkles and makes everything else on the table more beautiful and sets a
soft, relaxing, often more romantic tone.
~Seasonal Piece
By seasonal I suggest a “Santa” figurine
or such, a gingerbread house, or a standing cross to have in the center
of the table. A clear jar of candy canes, M&M’s or such would do
just fine, as well. Think: Something available only at this time of
year. I usually have plenty of items in the Holiday Decor that I switch
out to put on the table for each dinner.
~Napkin Rings
These can be such a pretty way to pull a
linen napkin through to set on a place and make a really beautiful table
setting. You can use french ribbons, or plain silver rings and they
help to really make a bigger impact for an inspiring table.
~Sparkling Glasses
Whether crystal or glass, tall freshly
washed glass sparkle so much with the votive candles that it is hard to
wrong with this combo. A tall glass and short glass of whatever kind you
like is very dramatic and beautiful, set together. Whether colored or
clear the sparkle is crucial for the holiday table.
~White Plates
Although I love to use seasonal chargers
and salad plates a crisp white plate is the most beautiful element to my
favorite tables. They can be dressed up or down, and makes each setting
look fresh and not heavy and overdone.
~Seasonal Linens
Of course, linen napkins add the most
wonderful touch of elegance to any table, and Christmas plaid or red and
green are no exception. My grandfather, who was a “Silversmith to the
Stars”, loved a bare table with only plates (or placemats) but wasn’t a
fan of covering a beautiful wood table. I have followed suit. Try
leaving the wood table bare! The natural elements together is beautiful
and simple.
“I tell you, the more I think, the more
I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” ~
Vincent Van Gogh
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