On Christmas Eve, the table is the center of everything. You don't need to buy it all: follow these six steps for a beautifully coordinated holiday table.
1. Pick two or three colors
Red and green for tradition, white and gold for elegance, or pine green and natural wood for a rustic look. Stick to two or three shades: that's the secret to a table that looks polished.
2. Lay the base: tablecloth or placemats
A plain tablecloth makes everything stand out. For a more modern style, woven round placemats, non-slip and heat-resistant, define each place setting.
3. Create a centerpiece
In the middle, a red berry and pinecone candle ring surrounds a candle or decorates the neck of a bottle. Add a few artificial pine picks or a Norfolk pine garland laid flat down the middle of the table. Keep it low so guests can see each other.
4. Get the lighting right
Turn off the ceiling light and use small points of light: flameless LED candles along the table, or battery fairy lights tucked into the centerpiece. No flames near decorations: it's safer, especially with kids around.
5. Add a touch at each place
A small pouch, a name tag, a pine sprig: one detail is enough. For dessert, serve hot chocolate in ceramic Christmas mugs or a magic mug that reveals its design.
6. Think about after dinner
Set out a soft throw and knitted cushions on the sofa to keep the evening going in comfort.
The full selection is in our Christmas Table & Cozy Living collection. And for the rest of the house, read our 10 Christmas decorating ideas.