I wrote last week about an impromptu holiday dinner party and my Easy Beef Tenderloin Recipe.    Today I am sharing my holiday table setting from this party.

My Casual Holiday Table Setting

I kept the tablescape very casual, using my everyday dishes and silverware.  I wanted everything to be able to go into the dishwasher.  My friends were helping me with the clean up.  I’m still a little limited on how much I can do as I recover from an arm injury.  It felt so good to be entertaining again!

Simple Yet Pretty Low Holiday Centerpieces

I enjoyed pulling together a couple of floral arrangements for my holiday table setting.  I like making small centerpieces that are low so that everyone can look across the table and easily converse with each other.

I just bought two small bunches of white astromaria and went into my yard for some evergreen cuttings.  Simple, easy and inexpensive.

 

Pashminas as Table Runners

I am not one for ironing whole tablecloths!  Since we were only having six at the table, I chose to use Pashmina Shawls/Scarfs.  They make great table runners, are machine washable and require no ironing if taken right out of the dryer and hung on a hanger.  These Pashminas are available at Tabletop Trends.  Enjoy 20% off with Coupon Code OMG20.

Instead of spreading the six of us out over our large table, I like a more intimate arrangement with three people on each side.  We reserve the end chairs for our larger gatherings.

Setting the Holiday Table

White dishes have always been a favorite of mine.  They are versatile and food always looks good on white!  My dishes from Crate & Barrel are an open stock item so you can purchase as many dishes as you want.  I have sixteen so I can accommodate large groups.

Since I was going for easy clean up, I also chose to use my stemless wine glasses.  They fit in the dishwasher and come out crystal clear.  Hand washing glasses never seems to be as good as the dishwasher.

Accessorizing the Holiday Table

 

 

One of my pet peeves is seeing a beautiful tablescape that is not functional!  Tall centerpieces and candles simply don’t work.  Who wants to sit across from someone and not be able to see the guest across from them.

Low Floral Centerpieces

I have a selection of small vases that are perfect for low floral arrangements.  Since our table is so long, I usually do a minimum of two arrangements unless I make one long and narrow centerpiece.

Candles add Ambiance to your Holiday Table Setting

I have several crystal and plain glass votive holders.  I also have the votive inserts which I buy in bulk.  I like the clear votive cups as sown above instead of the aluminum metal cups.

The pashminas protect the table yet offer exposure of the wood table.

I like placing a candle in front of each place setting for extra ambiance at the evening dinner table.

Evergreen clippings add a festive touch to the holiday table setting.

There is nothing better than having loved ones at the dining room table to share a meal.  Good food, good conversation and best of all friendship and family.

Do you prefer a casual or formal table to entertain?  Any holiday table setting tips?

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More Holiday Decorating Inspiration

You may also like these holiday decorating posts:

16 Gorgeous Christmas Wreaths

Gorgeous Christmas Urns

Pretty Christmas Staircases

A Collection of Festive Christmas Mantels

Festive and Creative Orange Pomanders

12 Ways to Use Evergreen Cuttings in Your Holiday Decor