The Perfect Holiday Table

You’ve taken the time to prepare a beautiful meal. Picked out the best wines and mastered that new dessert recipe you’ve been waiting to try. You want to make sure that your table reflects the beauty of the meal.

Start with the cloth, this is one time you will want to break out the iron. A tablecloth looks better without wrinkles and it saves your guests the embarrassment of spilling their wine having put their glass on a crease. The color of your cloth will be dictated in part by your china. Plain white or simple gold ring china lends itself to any color choice. A strong pattern can be complimented by a similar color choice or highlighted with a contrasting color.

For proper hang a table cloth should have an 8-10 inch drop, so add 16-20 inches to the length and width of your table top when choosing a cloth size.

Next layout charger plates. If this is something you would rarely use why not just pick them up at the dollar store?

Set water and wine glasses, silverware and name cards. Small inexpensive vases with fresh flowers and a hand printed card make unique and attractive place holders and can double as a gift for your guests.

Make sure that the center piece is not so tall that guests can’t talk comfortably. No one enjoys having to crane their neck to see around an arrangement no matter how beautiful it is.

Candles add a lovely glow to the table and help your silverware and crystal sparkle.