Holiday Party Ideas: An Elegant Table With Handmade Details

Add a personal touch to your holiday party with handmade details and simple recipes you can create in advance. From the food to the table setting and decor, follow our easy instructions to create an elegant, homey holiday gathering.

Get creative from the start with some embellished invitations that will help set the tone for the party to come. Anything goes, from burlap trim to buttons, yarn, sequin and glitter — the idea is to add your own handmade "stamp" to a simple printable invitation. To create a matching envelope liner, trace the shape of a 5-by 7-inch envelope onto scrapbook paper and cut around it, a third of an inch smaller. Then secure it to the inside of the envelopes with double-sided tape. Punch out a 2-inch printable cupcake topper with a 2-inch round paper puncher to use as an envelope seal.

Take inspiration from nature and the rich colors and scents of the season with luscious cream hues, cinnamon brown and a touch of gold. For a simple DIY table cloth, find a piece of upholstery fabric large enough to fit the length of your table. Iron in about 2 inches off the the edges — no need to hem. Top with a length of burlap as a runner to create a rustic but modern style that oozes handmade elegance. Use matching scrapbook paper to embellish candle holders for a coordinated look.

By framing and displaying your festive menu, you are sure to delight your guests' tastebuds even before your start serving. Simply print our blank menu cards, add your text by hand or using a digital photo editing software, and display inside a 4- by 6-inch rustic photo frame.