I feel like I’ve been working towards this holiday season for ages now (truly – planning for the Christmas season begins in January in the world of retail) and it is finally all about to happen! As part of my last steps of preparation, I’ve got my wrapping station going full force, my Christmas grocery list completed and now it is time to break out the holiday table setup!
As someone who likes to break out the special holiday plates after Thanksgiving, I like to take our official tabletop holiday decor a bit further. Each year I waiver back and forth between a fun tablescape or an elegant holiday experience. Do I mix my more casual settings in for a festive approach or break out (and hopefully not truly break) the lovely china from the cabinets? Either way, there are many ways to bring a special touch of holiday spirit to your table.
Elevate your table with added texture and color. Start at the base and add in some festive linens for a dynamic touch, whether they be a tablecloth, runner, placemat or napkin (or all of the above). This time of year, I find myself drawn to rich velvets and bright winter plaids to warm my table. I love how cheery a simple textile can make a table setting! Style Tip: no need to pick just one! Mixing and matching different patterns is playful and fun and yes, you can even mix plaids!
Dust off the colorful glassware – Christmas is the perfect excuse to use it! Using colored glass to accentuate one of the focal colors in your palette is a wonderful way to amp up your table. The added flair of punchy red and green glasses turns the volume up on your everyday seasonal settings for a wonderful touch of elegance and energy.
Don’t be afraid to mix your dishes! Why choose just one favorite set of dishes when you can pick them all? Adding unexpected combinations of dishes brings depth and interest to your table. I love mixing my classic china in with metallic edged chargers and mixed metal toppers for an elevated look. Simply mixing everyday tableware in festive colors can add some cheer up your table too. There is no limit to the amazing combinations you can make!
I hope you find some inspiration while browsing through my favorite holiday table settings from the shop this year. At the end of it all, the most important part of your table display is the people you get to share it with – whether it’s a table for two or twenty. Until next time – happy decorating!
Emily North says
December 20, 2021 at 10:09 pmI would love to browse your store. I’m in Tampa so not so convenient but you have beautiful furnishings. I love the green/white animal print chairs and the red dishes that look like polka dots in the picture. ( which I read is going to be a big trend for 2022!) so enjoy reading your blog, merry Christmas
Katie Laughridge says
December 27, 2021 at 10:50 amI hope you can make it in one day! If you see anything on the blog or our social media you love just give us a call or email us at info@nellhills.com – we can ship most items! Thank you for following along with our blog 🙂
Sue says
December 20, 2021 at 10:15 pmI would love to know where you got the gorgeous reindeer silver bowls and the reindeer cloth napkins. Thanks so much and I love your blog.
Merry Christmas
Katie Laughridge says
December 27, 2021 at 10:51 amHi Sue! Those were all available in our shop this season! If you ever see anything you like just give us a call or email us at info@nellhills.com and we can ship most of our items!
Cheryl Pearson says
December 20, 2021 at 10:40 pmI told my husband I’d like to go to Nell Hills, he said, “ Let’s go!” We have been back a week and I’m still dreaming of it everyday. I’ve been to your store a couple of times several years ago. We live in Arizona!! Everyone was so courteous and delightful, answered my questions, helped me look for items ect. Fun trip!!
Katie Laughridge says
December 27, 2021 at 10:51 amThank you so much for visiting Cheryl! That makes my heart so happy you enjoyed your time with us :)!!