4 Ways to Set Up an Inviting, Festive Table
Here are 5 easy ways to put together a memorable dining table
Anuradha Varma
17 November 2016
Houzz India Contributor. A journalist and social entrepreneur (www.TheGoodwillProject.in). I love decor, abstract art and anything handmade!
Houzz India Contributor. A journalist and social entrepreneur.... More
The festive season is here. And when you’re having people over, the table setting has to be up by a notch! With a few simple touches, you can host a brunch or a dinner that your guests will forever remember. Here are our tips to set up a festive table that is sure to spark many a conversations. Remember to dim the lights and turn on the music.
1. Bring in thematic touches
There are simple, yet stunning ways that can make your table a winner. If you want to show off a beautiful dining surface, pick glass plates and transparent candle-holders. Or create drama with coloured crockery, contrasting napkins and ribbons. Let in the sun if it’s a lunch – it ensures a warm vibe all around. And nothing beats the welcoming scent of freshly-picked flowers. You can consider placing the flowered branches in a vase for an artistic touch. Planning place-cards? Get some dry leaves and pen your guests’ names onto these. It’s that simple! To make a colourful fruit basket more attractive, scoop out the top of an apple and place a tea-light there. And how about pine cones picked from your trip to the hills? Get some spray paint and string them up near the table for a festive feel.
Browse more looks for a dining table that is set up for a party
There are simple, yet stunning ways that can make your table a winner. If you want to show off a beautiful dining surface, pick glass plates and transparent candle-holders. Or create drama with coloured crockery, contrasting napkins and ribbons. Let in the sun if it’s a lunch – it ensures a warm vibe all around. And nothing beats the welcoming scent of freshly-picked flowers. You can consider placing the flowered branches in a vase for an artistic touch. Planning place-cards? Get some dry leaves and pen your guests’ names onto these. It’s that simple! To make a colourful fruit basket more attractive, scoop out the top of an apple and place a tea-light there. And how about pine cones picked from your trip to the hills? Get some spray paint and string them up near the table for a festive feel.
Browse more looks for a dining table that is set up for a party
2. Colour-code it, or not!
When we say colour-coding, we don’t mean everything must match. Keep it organic and simple, like a basket of cranberries, oranges and grapes, teamed with some fresh flowers. Hand-painted ceramics lend a warm, earthy feel to an intimate gathering of friends and family. Bamboo placemats go well with this look.
Blue tones are great for a brunch, and coupled with a striped tablecloth, they keep the vibe casual. You could tie up the napkins with bright bows. For a more festive occasion, try a combination of red, gold or both together, toned down with bits of white. But if you prefer to bring more sparkle to the table, drape a sequenced stole across as a runner.
Remember, classic white never goes out of style – you can jazz up your lace tablecloth and white crockery with your favourite glassware and sparkly silver.
When we say colour-coding, we don’t mean everything must match. Keep it organic and simple, like a basket of cranberries, oranges and grapes, teamed with some fresh flowers. Hand-painted ceramics lend a warm, earthy feel to an intimate gathering of friends and family. Bamboo placemats go well with this look.
Blue tones are great for a brunch, and coupled with a striped tablecloth, they keep the vibe casual. You could tie up the napkins with bright bows. For a more festive occasion, try a combination of red, gold or both together, toned down with bits of white. But if you prefer to bring more sparkle to the table, drape a sequenced stole across as a runner.
Remember, classic white never goes out of style – you can jazz up your lace tablecloth and white crockery with your favourite glassware and sparkly silver.
3. Add mood lighting
If you already have good overhead lighting, that should do the trick. Particularly if it’s an attractive pendant or a chandelier. If not, set up some twinkling, floating candles in a not-too-large bowl and, for effect, sprinkle some flowers in the water. Or consider bringing mini lamps and lights to your table like shown in this image.
If you’re up for some more DIY, get hold of a thick branch, cut out holes big enough to place tea-lights. You can also paint this in the colour you think will match your table setting. If you have mason jars lying around, you can place tea-lights inside and embellish the jars with colourful ribbons.
Find a designer for your next home improvement project
If you already have good overhead lighting, that should do the trick. Particularly if it’s an attractive pendant or a chandelier. If not, set up some twinkling, floating candles in a not-too-large bowl and, for effect, sprinkle some flowers in the water. Or consider bringing mini lamps and lights to your table like shown in this image.
If you’re up for some more DIY, get hold of a thick branch, cut out holes big enough to place tea-lights. You can also paint this in the colour you think will match your table setting. If you have mason jars lying around, you can place tea-lights inside and embellish the jars with colourful ribbons.
Find a designer for your next home improvement project
4. Focus on the details
Keep it basic with wine and water glasses. If you’re planning on using more glasses – remember to place the water glass closest to the right, and the rest behind it to the left. Keep some spares close to the table within easy access. If you’ve joined two tables, cover them with separate table-cloths (if you’re using any), so that the gap is clearly visible and there are no accidental spills.
Keep it basic with wine and water glasses. If you’re planning on using more glasses – remember to place the water glass closest to the right, and the rest behind it to the left. Keep some spares close to the table within easy access. If you’ve joined two tables, cover them with separate table-cloths (if you’re using any), so that the gap is clearly visible and there are no accidental spills.
5. Alluring centrepieces
If you’re looking for a no-fuss look, a bright, patterned runner will brighten up the table setting. Or pretty flowers in a vase. Whatever the focal piece, keep in mind that it shouldn’t block the view of the diners. You can also upcycle wine bottles by using them as vases for colourful sprigs. So, are you ready to send out the invites?
Read on more DIY tips:
What to Do With Diwali Lights When Diwali is Over
Houzz Forum: Diwali Decor Tips From 4 Acclaimed Designers
Tell us:
Which tip did you find most useful? Share some of your ideas with us about setting a great table in Comments below.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss look, a bright, patterned runner will brighten up the table setting. Or pretty flowers in a vase. Whatever the focal piece, keep in mind that it shouldn’t block the view of the diners. You can also upcycle wine bottles by using them as vases for colourful sprigs. So, are you ready to send out the invites?
Read on more DIY tips:
What to Do With Diwali Lights When Diwali is Over
Houzz Forum: Diwali Decor Tips From 4 Acclaimed Designers
Tell us:
Which tip did you find most useful? Share some of your ideas with us about setting a great table in Comments below.
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