Tips for Setting Your Holiday Table
Setting a festive table can be just as stressful as making the dinner. Take some pressure off with these four pieces of advice.
Linens
Start with a one-color theme, such as Oprah's cranberry red, and accessorize in the same palette. Or choose other rich, festive shades, like plum, wine or rose. You might dream of white linens and candles with a centerpiece of paper-whites. Nontraditional colors like royal blue, pale pink, sage green or lilac can also be beautiful.
Serving Pieces
Feel free to mix different patterns, new and antique, sterling silver and silver plate. Silver looks best with a slight patina; avoid over-polishing. Cut crystal also adds dazzle.
Centerpiece
Fill a clear bowl with greens, kumquats, oranges, crab apples or multicolored glass ornaments. Arrange a cedar wreath tied with red or gold satin ribbons around a glass hurricane lamp or candlesticks. Avoid perfumed candles, and place tall candlesticks above eye level so they don't distract. Try groupings of votives or pillars on a mirrored tray.
Finishing Touches
Tie napkins with wire-edge silver or gold ribbon threaded with tiny ornaments. Make a bouquet for each place setting with miniature red roses in a silvery mint julep cup. Gift ideas for each guest: a special ornament, chocolate truffles, a jewel-tone votive.
From the
December 2002 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
