By Roxanne Hughes Packham, Co-Author of the Hospitality Book: Inspired Design
Inspired
~Place cards
I
love to use the ceramic place cards that can be written on with a
wipe-off marker. You can quickly write people’s names, a favorite
quote or sentiment. Friends love that you thought about them before the
dinner and even something as simple as writing their names on the place
cards really makes them feel remembered.
~Welcome Sign
It
is so welcoming, to have a sign somewhere near the front door to greet
your family and friends. From a very personal “Welcome Smith
Family” or a seasonal “Merry Christmas” to “We are so glad you are
here” on a casual chalkboard or an elegant mirror or glass framed, and
write with a wipe-off marker, that welcome sets the tone for the rest of
the event. I used an antique French cupboard
door and painted it with chalkboard paint on the raised panel part.
~Quote or Scripture
The
most inspirational part of the Holiday table is the beautiful quotes
and scriptures. It depends on the occasion, but a quote that
is either inspiring or focused on gratitude is the favorite. There is
nothing like feasting your eyes, and then your thoughts, on what we can
be thankful for, especially as an example for our children. Scattering
them around the home (powder room, end tables,
above door jam’s) is a great way to elevate your family and friends
thoughts.
Design
~Fresh Greenery
Sometimes
we mistakenly think a tabletop has to have flowers as a centerpiece to
be really elegant and festive. Greenery is a wonderful,
fresh and festive way to make a beautiful Christmas table. Simply cut a
few small twigs of trees/bushes like pine or ivy, or my favorite
boxwood branches, bay tree and magnolia leaves and put them in three
smaller glass or crystal vases.
~Candles
No
table is complete, in my opinion, with 5 to 7 little glass votives with
white candles in them. The light sparkles and makes everything
else on the table more beautiful and sets a soft, relaxing, often more
romantic tone.
~Seasonal Piece
By
seasonal I suggest a “Santa” figurine or such, a gingerbread house, or a
standing cross to have in the center of the table. A clear
jar of candy canes, M&M’s or such would do just fine, as well.
Think: Something available only at this time of year. I usually have
plenty of items in the Holiday Decor that I switch out to put on the
table for each dinner.
~Napkin Rings
These
can be such a pretty way to pull a linen napkin through to set on a
place and make a really beautiful table setting. You can
use french ribbons, or plain silver rings and they help to really make a
bigger impact for an inspiring table.
~Sparkling Glasses
Whether
crystal or glass, tall freshly washed glass sparkle so much with the
votive candles that it is hard to wrong with this combo.
A tall glass and short glass of whatever kind you like is very dramatic
and beautiful, set together. Whether colored or clear the sparkle is
crucial for the holiday table.
~White Plates
Although
I love to use seasonal chargers and salad plates a crisp white plate is
the most beautiful element to my favorite tables.
They can be dressed up or down, and makes each setting look fresh and
not heavy and overdone.
~Seasonal Linens
Of
course, linen napkins add the most wonderful touch of elegance to any
table, and Christmas plaid or red and green are no exception.
My grandfather, who was a “Silversmith to the Stars”, loved a bare
table with only plates (or placemats) but wasn’t a fan of covering a
beautiful wood table. I have followed suit. Try leaving the wood table
bare! The natural elements together is beautiful
and simple.
“I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
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