Holiday Entertaining: Setting the Scene

SETTING THE SCENE

A perfect holiday table starts with a properly set table. Scroll over the options below for specific tips and instructions.

Time Saving Tips:

There's more to a memorable celebration than just great food. The holidays are all about presentation, and we have some creative ideas to make your table shine. Start with these easy tips, add a creative cranberry centerpiece, some personal touches and enjoy.

Set the table the day before or the morning of your celebration.
Make sure you have all the necessary cookware, bakeware, serving pieces and silverware for your recipes. If not, borrow or buy them. Lay out serving dishes, platters and utensils ahead of time.
Check your silverware and dishes several days early to make sure everything is polished and sparkling clean.
Decide on your music selections days in advance. Choose selections that are sure to delight your guests, both old and young. Think about making a mix CD of classical, jazz or oldies selections. You can generally burn a lot of songs onto a CD, so you don’t have to switch music in the middle of dinner.
If you do a buffet: Stack large dinner plates at the start of the buffet table and put the silverware and napkins at the end. This way hands are free to fill up the plates.
Use contrasting tablecloths and napkins for variety and additional color. Or alternate napkin colors, in two complementary colors, for each guest.
Make fun napkin rings with ribbon or raffia.
Collect and arrange flowers or other centerpieces ahead of time. Check out our Cranberry Crafts for some easy ideas that add color and pizzazz to your table. Have the kids help with the decorations or create place cards for the table.