2 Simple Holiday Table Settings
Don’t greet your holiday guests with the same old table setting. Mix it up with two fun table settings that are festive enough for a party but simple enough for a small seasonal gathering. Read on as we break down both looks.
Look 1: Vintage Christmas
Our first take on a holiday table was inspired by vintage Christmas decor. This retro look features red, white and mint.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Start with a simple butcher paper base and a sparkling red runner. Add mint green bottle brush and mercury glass trees to capture the vintage vibe in one of the season’s hottest hues. Repurpose cookie jars as a cute vases for red and white flowers.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
A cute cake stand is the base of this table’s centerpiece: a giant snow globe! Add battery-powered LED lights, top with Epsom salt "snow" and add mini bottle brush trees, animals and vintage finds.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Start each place setting with an organic polka dot placemat. Top it off with blue vintage-inspired dishes, red-and-white napkins and a cheery retro coaster.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Steal Santa's cookie plate to house coordinating sweets, like these red velvet cupcakes. Let the vintage party begin!
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Look 2: Palm Springs Holiday
Feeling more modern? This sophisticated, black-and-gold party theme gets a fun twist from bold geometric accents and colorful cacti.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Now it’s time to set the table with black, white and gold. This look starts with a black-and-white runner layered with lots of tall, white candlesticks. Mix candlestick and pillar candle sizes for a designer look.
For a fun twist on classic holiday décor, tuck mini cacti inside bright candleholders, or add a colorful cactus arrangement right in the center of the table.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
If you haven’t heard of himmeli ornaments, prepare to be obsessed. Use black plastic straws and colorful yarn to create a simpler, sturdier version of the Finnish ornaments, which are traditionally made from straw. Create a bunch for a graphic hanging centerpiece.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Wood chargers painted with geometric shapes add bold hues beneath each place setting.
Liz Gray, © 2013 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Riffing on the geometric vibe, rock candy doubles as place card and favor. Add a section of gold washi tape, trim the ends in a pennant shape and write each guest’s name.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Add a sparkling touch to each glass with a gold sugar rim. Simply dip the edge of each glass in about a quarter-inch of water, then dip in sugar.
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Cheers to two new ways to celebrate this season!