A Tour of Christmas Table Settings

One of my favorite things to do is to set the table.  Whether inside or out, I love to make all tables look pretty.

Yesterday I spent the day dressing the table in different settings in hopes that all of you would grab inspiration from each of them.   These 5 table settings go from the rather formal, to the more Christmas classic.

The first table setting on the tour is one of Christmas classic.  I cut evergreen branches from the back yard and placed them over the entire table top.  Who says fabric is a must for a beautiful table?  Evergreens bring the outside in, are basically free, and a charming table covering.

I added lanterns down the center, and I used Christmas Spode plates that I have had for years.  These plates paired with reindeer tapestry napkins round out the colors and textures of this classic festive table.

A few sprigs of holly or even magnolia leaves tucked in would add artistry to this table setting as well.

I love mixing old with new, coupled with lots of pattern.  Case in point, this table setting:

I have been slowly collecting the George Briard Heritage plates for a while now and although the plates themselves are full of pattern, they pair perfectly with a floral tablecloth.  I’ve mixed the Heritage plates with Vista Allegra salad plates that were my grandmother’s, and it’s family heirloom plates like these that bring such comfort to a table.

The greens and the reds, along with the Imari pattern allow these plates the perfect Christmas place setting at the table.

Why not think outside of the box a little and use colors other than green and red?  Why not chartreuse and purple?

Yes please!  Again, mixing old with new, red transferware plates in the Memory Lane pattern, paired with vintage purple Waterford low goblets humble the modern floral chartreuse fabric on the table, yet blend beautifully.  The purple underlay is simply shiny polyester fabric from the fabric store that was a fraction of the cost of a packaged tablecloth.

Hello merry and bright!

Not sure the designer dreaming up this fabric pattern envisioned it to be used on a Christmas table setting, but the moment I saw it, it sure screamed Christmas to me!

Again, fabric from the fabric store is where I found this blanket of shazam.  At $14 a yard, I again had my own homemade tablecloth for much less than a packaged one.  And, it’s certainly more exquisite.  The transferware plates make another appearance on this table setting, and I brought out vintage sterling silver goblets that were a gift from my parents when Sean and I got married.

Don’t have transferware plates?  No problem.  Almost any plate in any pattern would polish off your merry and bright Christmas table setting.  Pairing a bring and alluring fabric with the comeliness of a softer plate make for one good looking table.

The last table setting on the tour is an intimate one.

Tablecloths not your thing?  Then bring in the placemats. I bought these beaded place mats the day after Christmas years ago.  In fact, a day or two after Christmas is when I buy most, if not all, of my holiday decor.  Saves big bucks and your wallet will thank you.  This smaller Christmas table setting is full of warmth and tradition.

White plates are clean classics, the plaid in the napkins is Christmas tradition, and evergreen sprigs in a festive pitcher make for a lovely centerpiece.

I hope these Christmas table settings have inspired you to create your own cheery and joyful table setting.  As a side note, don’t forget to go to thrift stores to find beautiful and vintage tableware.