Table settings that wow: Elegant ideas for holiday dinners

To ensure an attractive and well-received holiday feast, you need to properly set the table — both figuratively and literally. After all, this four-legged rectangle will serve as the handsome canvas for your edible art and express your creativity in the presentation of the meal.

“Your table is the heart of your party. A well-planned table setting — especially around the holidays — creates a sense of warmth, anticipation and thoughtfulness that people remember,” says Adrian Aviles, a professional florist and event organizer. “When your setting feels intentional, guests can relax and feel welcome. But if it’s thrown together last minute, it can look chaotic and feel impersonal.”

When it comes to items that are typically included in a holiday formal table setting, Amanda Van Der Moere with Crystal Signature Events says the standard configuration is “3-2-1,” meaning three forks, two knives and one spoon, plus a napkin, water glass, white wine glass, red wine glass and bread and butter plate. For a less formal meal, there may be less flatware, especially if you choose buffet service.

“Make sure your chairs are evenly spaced. Then, place the salad fork to the farthest left, aligning with the left side of your chair — indented a thumbnail’s worth from the edge of the table, followed by the entrée fork directly to the right,” she continues. “Knives are placed side-by-side, aligned with the right side of the chair, with the spoon directly to the right of that — also indented a thumbnail’s width from the edge of the table, like the salad fork. The top of your dessert utensil should face to the right if it’s a fork and to the left if it’s a spoon. Your water glass is typically placed directly above the spoon, with the white wine glass placed at 10 o’clock in relation to the water glass and the red wine glass at 10 o’clock in relation to the white wine glass.”

Formal holiday place settings typically include china, according to Bonnie Bontempo, owner of Bon Bon Fete Events.

“You can often find vintage china sets in thrift stores and estate sales. If you are buying new, I always suggest plain white china because food looks best on solid plates and white allows for so much versatility as a blank slate for your other décor. Mixing patterns of similar sizes also works if you don’t own china and is a very sustainable approach to place settings you may not use often,” she says.

Luxury tabletop designer Kim Seybert prefers a beaded place mat and a dressy tablecloth for formal dinners.

“I also layer an embroidered napkin with a hand-beaded napkin ring, and I love to use multiple candlesticks to give height to the tablescape — as well as lots of flowers,” she says. “When designing a more casual table, I think about how to make it whimsical so that kids will love it just as much as adults. I usually use a fun napkin ring and a place mat that’s easier to wipe down.”

Give careful thought, as well, to your table centerpiece. It could be, for instance, a real or artificial wreath, ensconced with candles.

“If your party is in November, think lush and autumn and work with colors like deep orange, mustard yellow and plum. In December, go with a beautiful greenery garland centerpiece complete with votive candles and candle holders that match your holiday vision,” recommends Danielle Rothweiler with Rothweiler Event Design.

Place cards are often appreciated when guests gather, so that there’s no confusion.

“You can get creative with place cards, such as writing on something other than paper — like a leaf or etching out a guest’s name out of acrylic,” adds Van Der Moere.

Party favors atop the table are also recommended.

“Display a keepsake bottle opener, keychain, or Christmas ornament, for example,” Van Der Moere continues.

Using fresh flowers and greenery is also advised, “but avoid really large floral arrangements on dining tables — if they are too wide, they eat up precious table space for the necessities like silverware and plates,” cautions Bontempo.

Rothweiler seconds those sentiments.

“Never overcrowd your table. It’s easy to fall in love with a thousand ideas, but not all of them need to make the cut,” she says. “Your guests should have room between each other and not have to be concerned that they will knock something over if they aren’t careful.”