I’ll have to admit; our dining room table often has piles of stuff on it.  I wish I could tell you that the table is always tidy and perfectly set for the next occasion, but that I cannot do.  What I can tell you though, is when the holidays roll around, that table is cleaned of clutter, and I am decorating and setting it almost every other day.

Truly, I can spend hours putzing around, grabbing unexpected things from around the house to make our holiday table interesting.  Quirky.  Festive.  Inviting.

Beautiful.

There are no rules that apply to a holiday table setting.  Special things make an appearance after being tucked away for the year, bringing a paused moment and a reflective smile.  Mix and match plates go together perfectly while every place setting has a different pattern of flatware.  Dare to be different?  You bet.  These are the comforts of an inviting table and the joyful anticipation of holiday entertaining.

Conversation and cheer.

It is with great honor that I share with you that I have been published in Organic Hudson Valley Magazine.  My love of setting a holiday table caught the attention of Editor in Chief, Laurie Szostak.  She featured one of my holiday table settings in this December issue, and asked me to be a contributing writer for the magazine.  A lifelong dream I am fulfilling, and with a magnificent magazine that has superb content and stunning photographs.  You can catch my article here, and subscribe to Organic Hudson Valley here.

Let your imagination fly with your holiday table setting.  Feel like placing a sled down the center of your table?  Just do it.  After all, people aren’t coming over for a life-changing meal – they’re coming over to spend time with you and to share holiday cheer.  An unexpected sled on the table can only bring on the smiles.