You’ve figured out that the fork goes on the left side of the plate and the knife and spoon go on the right. However, you want your holiday table to do more than just show your good etiquette. With holiday planning in full swing, you’ve started to think about inviting your family and friends to dinner. Your guests and elegance level of the meal will help guide you to the perfect table setting where everyone will be both comfortable and impressed!

Sophisticated, Modern Table Setting

Set your table to impress your guests with elegant china, stemware, flatware and linens. Added touches of beautiful florals, seasonal embellishments and elegant stationery will show your style. You don’t have to rush out to purchase matching, high-end table settings. Mix your grandmother’s china with a modern vase filled with beautiful florals that represent the season.

“One of the fun parts of setting a table is to use treasures from the past, i.e.: silver, flatware that has been handed down, or china from your wedding, and blend with new patterns that you love,” says Jacob Neal, owner of Jacob Neal Home Collection. Some quick updates are as simple as new linen napkins or napkin rings. “My vision for a table setting is very simple. Just make it pretty. Pretty flowers, pretty candles and pretty accessories that show you care,” adds Neal.

Holiday Dinner Buffet

A buffet is a way for your guests to enjoy your hospitality in a more casual setting, while mingling with other guests. The trick is to set the buffet in a thoughtful way. Start with plates and napkins (cutlery always goes at the end of the buffet) and then fill the buffet with your most plentiful items first, working down toward the more expensive entrée items. Always have the bar/drink table located in another section of the room to avoid lingering.

The same added touches of décor apply to the buffet. Show your style and add seasonal touches and beautiful, clearly labeled stationery for each item on the buffet. The holidays are a time for celebration. They are for spending time with loved ones. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to set the perfect table or decorate an amazing buffet. A little planning and creative thinking goes a long way to creating an elegant, stress-free holiday that everyone will remember.