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Set a Beautiful Christmas Table

Dine in Style

by Coral Nafie
for About.com

Whether you're dining with family or a group of friends, a beautiful Christmas table really sets the mood for a wonderful evening. See our resources for tableware, napkin folding, silver polishing, holiday centerpieces, and more.

  • Table Settings for a Fabulous Christmas

    • Top Picks for Christmas and Holiday China
      See our choices for classic or contemporary Christmas tableware you can use all through the winter.

    • Centerpiece Ideas and Photos
      Follow step-by-step instructions to create a simple evergreen centerpiece. With variations, you can achieve different looks for your Christmas centerpiece.

    • Holiday Table Settings That Sparkle
      See photos of beautiful table settings and use our ideas to create your own spectacular holiday table.

    • Napkin Folding 101
      Our easy photo tutorials will guide you through creating a dozen pretty napkin folds. Choose one, practice, and use it for your holiday entertaining.

  • Floral Arrangements and Table Centerpieces

    • Evergreen Centerpiece
      Create a long lasting centerpiece using fresh cedar boughs, flowers, ornaments, holiday ribbons or decorations. Our list of materials and suggestions for variations. You'll be able to use this basic design year 'round.

    • Candle Forest
      Using pillar candles, greens, and artificial snow, put together a dramatic, yet simple, decoration for your table.

    • Ornaments in a Pedestal Bowl
      A simple footed bowl is the basis for an arrangement of colorful Christmas ornaments.

    • Candlestick Ornaments
      Balance Christmas tree ornaments atop beautiful silver or brass candlesticks.

    • Christmas Collectibles
      Choose a classic Christmas treasure and use it as the focal point for this centerpiece.

    • Platter of Greenery
      Arrange holly, cedar, or fir branches with a pillar candle on a tray or plate.

    • Glistening Beaded Fruit
      Place beautiful beaded fruit on footed dishes, candlesticks, or in martini glasses. The various heights give depth and dimension to this simple arrangement.

    • Assortment of Gifts
      Gather small wrapped gifts and place them in the center of the table. Make sure there's one for everyone at the table, and let them dismantle the centerpiece when the meal is over.

    • Silver Platter of Ornaments
      Arrange one-color ornaments on a shiny silver tray.

    • Cranberry Tray
      Spread fresh red cranberries on a tray, surround it with greens, and place votive candles at intervals around the tray. Simple and sparkling!

    • Wreath
      Place a basic pine wreath on a piece of plastic in the center of your table. Add candles, ornaments, and bows for a classic arrangement.

    • Planted Poinsettias
      Real or artificial pointsettia plants are easy to "plant" in a footed bowl, jardinière, or soup tureen.

    • Candlestick Forest Collect all your silver, brass, or crystal candlesticks. Use one color of candle and holiday ribbons and light them for a beautiful glow.

    • How to Help Your Flower Arrangements Last Longer
      This "how-to" gives easy tips on preserving a fresh flower arrangement. You'll want your decorations to last throughout the season.

  • Ideas for Holiday Entertaining

~ Coral Nafie

More Holiday Ideas Christmas Index | Centerpieces | Choose a Tree | Christmas Design | DIY Projects | Gifts | Guests | Top Picks | Storage | Tables | Themes | Decorating Tips | Tree Decor | Wreaths

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