How to Style a Small Dinner Table for the Holidays.

Cook Style Eat

During the holiday season there’s tons of preparation, cooking and hosting for family and friends more than any other time of the year. And if you enjoy hosting small intimate dinners that are nice and elegant but are not sure how to make your dinner table match that fabulous menu. I will share with you some of the dining table essentials and how I styled my plain boring dinette table to look festive and elegant.

It’s obvious that when in need of some inspiration, most people scroll the internet. We have all been there, looking to find the latest trends, colors, and so forth. However, you might come across some amazing table settings that are beautifully displayed. But oftentimes I only see more of the nice long dining tables with nice dinnerware, flatware, and glasses. However, you’re not sure if you can turn your small dinette table to create a nice elegant look. Well, I’m here to tell you otherwise! If I can do it anyone can do it! Here I’m going to share how I create an elegant intimate table setting for a party of 4 without breaking the bank.

One of my favorite color themes for Christmas is Silver and Gold together. I love how the two colors serve elegance and a bit of glam. Plus it was an easy way for me to play off of the my Christmas décor theme that’s displayed throughout my home. But when it comes to creating the look that I want, I tend to play around with what I already have on hand.

Can I tell you that I am a huge advocate of shopping your home first! That’s right. The biggest savings is to use what you already have in your home. Only buy the things that are truly needed but choose when and how you would want to spend your money when styling your dinner table. I had to learn firsthand to stop overspending just to create a look or style that I am inspired by online. As a matter a fact for me I love to mix high and low items. My definition of High/Low is High-quality items at a lower cost or low costing items that looks high quality.

---

Disclaimer: I am not an Professional Interior Designer or Decorator, Any Information that I share are my personal interest, views, opinions and experiences. The information in this Blog is to share my love for table styling and products that I personally have purchased.

Now let’s add a little style to your dinner table

1. Table Linen (with or without)

Should you add table linen to your table? Honestly, it all depends on the look that you are going for. For example, I have a dark wood dinette table. Adding table linen softens up the overall look of the table. If you choose to do table linen, try to keep it a neutral color or a solid color. Choosing a simple solid color table linen keeps your table from looking too busy. Also, it’s like having a blank canvas where you can build and create your desired table setting. In the photo shown above, I used an Ivory table linen with a light marble pattern in the table runner from Homegoods. The table runner has little gold specks throughout which is just the right amount of pattern needed.

Without Table Linen – So what if you don’t have table linen, You can still create a beautiful table setting without it in my opinion. You can simply add a table runner or create a small runner using some sort of greenery such as garland and or picks. I find that my dark wood table gives more of a rustic look and feel.

2. Centerpiece

When it comes to centerpieces, the sky is the limit. However, let’s keep in mind that when creating a centerpiece for your table, the goal is to be able to see your guest. You probably don’t want the struggles of looking around your beautiful tall centerpiece or just having to remove it altogether. Remember that your table is small so it’s extra important that you’re able to see your guest at eye level. Here are a few ideas for you to choose from when it comes to creating your table arrangement.

Using Foliage

• Using foliage, Pine Garlands, and/or Eucalyptus Branches is a great way to bring the outdoor elements to your table.
• Try adding a small to mid size vase, placing it in the center of the table. I like to use fresh flowers most of the time. I love the look and smell of fresh florals.
• And since we are styling for the holidays, you can simply use what you have in your home such as Christmas tree picks, Red and Green Apples or Christmas ornaments and décor.

3. Dinnerware

There’s no secret when it comes to my love and obsession for dinnerware. I often use all white dinnerware simply because of its versatility from everyday use to special occasion dinning. In my opinion, you can find good dinnerware sets just about at any of your major well known stores and without breaking the bank. When it comes to choosing your dinnerware, there are so many different options out there. One of my absolute favorite dinnerware type is a set that’s Modern/ Casual set. Then of course you have the fine dining set which is more on the fancy side. And you will usually find special details, such as plate designs and added trimming with the set. Here is a few dinnerware essential to keep on hand no matter the type of dinnerware that you go with.

• Dinner Plates
• Salad plates and/or Soup Bowls
• Dessert plates

4. Flatware

Now when it comes to flatware, there’s two rules that I live by. I make sure that all the flatware on the table matches. And I never use plastic or disposables when hosting a sit down dinner. That is a huge no go for me. Even if there’s really nice disposable cutlery out there. My style and taste is constantly changing but whichever style that I end up with, I will always choose the flatware that has more details in the silverware in itself.

5. Napkins & Napkin Rings

Cloth Napkins is another table staple to have on hand. I always try and keep solid neutral colors on hand such as white, beige and gray. But I also have a few decorative print as well. It really all depends on the overall theme of your table décor. I recently just purchased a set of black buffet napkins from World Market. One of my favorite stores to shop when in need of table essentials. There’s so many colors to choose from and a great way to stock up your table linen.

And when it comes to napkins rings, I love love love them! I feel that it adds extra style to the overall look of your table. Me personally, most times I save money by creating my own napkin rings by using what I have around my home first. I’ve taken pieces from an old Christmas garland and wrapped it around the napkins. It’s simple but it works. Now depending on the theme, napkin rings are not necessary. There’s other ways to style your dinner napkins without the use of having napkins rings. So don’t think that you have to have them.

6. Drinkware

I always plan my table setting to match my menu. Which is why glassware is very much needed when hosting a dinner party. For certain you will find two types of glassware on my table that are often used. The water goblet and the wine glass. The glassware shown in the above picture, I purchased both sets from Bed, Bath & Beyond. I love their selection of tableware simply because the quality and affordable finds there.

Other table items used

• Candles
• Placemats
• Plate Chargers
• Coffee cups and saucers
• Salt and Pepper shakers