Elevated Hosting: How to Set a Holiday Table

A holiday table is more than a place to sit – it’s the heart of the celebration, bringing people together over shared food, memories, and conversation. Setting an elevated holiday table isn’t just about elegance – it’s about creating a welcoming environment that feels festive, intimate, and just a little magical. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or an intimate gathering with friends, here’s how to set a holiday table that’s memorable and beautiful, with thoughtful touches to make every guest feel special.

1. Choose a Cohesive Theme

Selecting a theme will help you create a unified look and feel for your table. Start by choosing one or two main colours, like classic red and green, winter white with silver accents, or a rustic palette with deep greens and natural wood tones. From there, you can build on elements that complement the season, like subtle golds, soft metallics, or earthy tones.

For a winter wonderland theme, incorporate whites, silvers, and icy blue accents, with frosted decor like small glass ornaments or winter greenery. Or, if you're leaning towards a traditional holiday look, think deep reds and golds, pine branches, and plaid napkins. A theme sets the tone and brings all your elements – tableware, decor, and lighting – into harmony.

2. Layer Textures and Colours for Depth

To give your table a rich, inviting look, try layering different textures and colours. Start with a table runner or tablecloth that suits your theme – velvet and linen work wonderfully for the holidays, adding softness and depth. Next, layer chargers under plates for an elegant touch. Choose chargers in materials that fit your theme, like gold, silver, or even rustic wood.

Napkins are another opportunity to add texture. Try cloth napkins with a slight shimmer for a winter theme or flannel napkins for a cozy, rustic feel. Folding napkins or tying them with ribbon and a sprig of greenery creates a personal, festive touch. Mixing different materials and colours gives your table visual interest and makes each place setting feel carefully curated.

3. Add Personal Touches for Each Guest

Personal touches make every guest feel valued and add warmth to the holiday table. Try adding place cards with each guest’s name, handwritten or printed on festive cardstock. If you’re feeling crafty, create small personalized ornaments or tags they can take home as keepsakes. You might even consider writing a short, heartfelt message for each guest, thanking them for being part of your celebration.

For a touch of greenery, place a sprig of pine, rosemary, or thyme on each napkin. These herbs not only look beautiful but add a subtle scent that complements the holiday meal. Little touches like these make the table feel intentional and add to the overall experience. 

4. Incorporate Seasonal Centrepieces

A well-chosen centrepiece becomes the focal point of your table, adding elegance and charm. For a simple, timeless look, fill a low, wide vase with pine branches, eucalyptus, or even bare twigs. You can also mix in ornaments, pinecones, or small candles for a touch of sparkle.

Candles, whether they’re pillar candles, tea lights, or candlesticks, create warmth and ambiance. Arrange candles at varying heights down the centre of the table, or place a few in the middle with greenery or garland around them. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few faux snowflakes or glitter around the centrepiece for a winter wonderland feel.

5. Set the Mood with Lighting

Lighting can completely transform the mood of your table. Soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere that invites guests to linger and enjoy each other’s company. Use a mix of candlelight and dimmed overhead lighting, or string fairy lights along the table’s edge for a gentle glow. Candlelight is universally flattering, casting a warm glow that enhances food and makes your table look magical.

Consider choosing candle holders or lanterns that match your theme. Glass candle holders offer a minimalist, modern look, while vintage brass or silver holders create a traditional feel. And don’t forget to place candles on small mirrors or metallic trays to amplify the light and make the table really sparkle.

6. Arrange Thoughtful Place Settings

Each place setting should be both functional and beautiful. Start with a charger plate as the base, add dinner and salad plates on top, and place utensils on either side according to the order of courses. Glassware, such as wine glasses or champagne flutes, can be placed to the right of the plate.

Use a festive accent like a napkin ring or tie a ribbon around the napkin. Adding small holiday elements, like a mini ornament, pinecone, or cinnamon stick, brings the place setting to life. If you have festive coasters, place one under each glass for a small but thoughtful touch.

7. Play Seasonal Music for a Complete Atmosphere

Setting the holiday mood goes beyond visuals. Soft seasonal music playing in the background completes the atmosphere and enhances the sense of celebration. Create a playlist with a mix of classic holiday songs and low-key instrumentals that won’t overpower conversation.

By taking these thoughtful steps to set your holiday table, you’ll create a festive environment where every guest feels special and the meal becomes an experience to savour. Enjoy the 

process, and remember – it’s the care and intention you bring to each detail that truly makes your holiday table shine. Cheers to a beautiful, memorable celebration!

Complete your hosting experience by welcoming guests with elegant handcrafted mocktails, big batch cocktails, or simple two-ingredient cocktails perfect for the holidays! Not sure what to serve or how to pair it? Check out our blog on Cocktails to Pair with Your Holiday Dishes.