Touch of Elegance: Setting the scene for a memorable holiday meal
The holiday season holds a special place at the table. It is where conversation lingers, food becomes more than sustenance and traditions take shape year after year. Whether it’s Thanksgiving in late November or the gatherings that fill December with cheer, the care taken in setting the table plays a quiet yet important role in how a meal feels. The way plates, glasses and details come together can turn a dinner into a celebration, making the setting as memorable as the flavors being served.
Jeff Double, owner of All About Reclaimed in Butler, has spent years designing holiday tables for clients. He knows that setting a table is about more than just arranging plates and silverware.
“It’s about balancing what looks beautiful with what actually works,” Double said. “You want visual impact, but you also want people to be able to eat comfortably and enjoy themselves.”
A well-set table begins with the foundation. A tablecloth or runner brings cohesion to the setting and introduces the seasonal mood. Some families favor white or cream linens for crisp formality. Others pull out plaid runners, embroidered cloths or rich colors that mirror the season. At each place, the dinner plate belongs at the center, often anchored with a charger beneath to give dimension and weight. Forks are set on the left, knives and spoons on the right, and glassware rests above the knives with water placed first, followed by wine glasses to the right. Napkins, whether folded neatly or wrapped around a simple ring, provide another chance for creativity.
Double suggested to think strategically about where large serving dishes go. “Set the table before you start serving,” he said. “Choose one large focal point and move it away from the main table once guests arrive. Keep smaller pieces like candlesticks and accessories on the table where they don't get in the way of serving dishes.”
Thanksgiving often leans into rustic abundance. Designing a table around autumn's colors and textures can make the meal feel rooted in the season. Deep oranges, golden yellows, soft browns and burgundy suggest warmth, while pumpkins, gourds and pinecones lend natural charm. Many hosts place seasonal produce down the center, blending it with candles or garlands.
Napkins tied with twine and paired with a sprig of rosemary or wheat add understated polish. Handwritten place cards remind every guest they have a seat of honor. The lighting, whether from flickering candles or small clusters of string lights, provides the most powerful tone. The Thanksgiving table does not call for extravagance as much as comfort, familiarity and space for shared dishes that invite reaching hands and warm exchanges.
December brings variety with its celebrations, from Christmas to Hanukkah to New Year's Eve, each calling for its own distinct table. Christmas often builds on tradition. Green, red, white and gold remain classic pairings, though many hosts experiment with silver, frosted neutrals or jewel tones for a more modern take.
A centerpiece of fresh evergreen branches, paired with candles or ornaments, builds a connection to the season. Even small bowls of cranberries in clear glass can speak volumes. For those who prefer elegance, gold flatware or decorative chargers give weight to otherwise simple white plates. Small candies placed at each setting serve as both décor and delight.
When blending different holiday traditions, Double suggests honoring each one thoughtfully. “Incorporate the colors of each holiday and the specific religious or emotional aspects,” he said. “Bring in pieces that mean something and represent either a religious or personal memory. You can add special touches to incorporate both holidays and educate those at the table who might not know about the other traditions.”
Hanukkah tables often reflect the calm brightness of blue, white and silver. Candles are significant. Carrying them into the setting is a natural choice, whether in a menorah-inspired display or through simple arrangements spread across the runner. Clear glass vases filled with white flowers or silver-dusted pinecones bring softness while honoring tradition. Many families place gelt, the familiar chocolate coins, along the table as a festive accent. Napkins tied with silvery ribbon add a quiet distinction. These touches combine to produce a table that reflects both celebration and heritage.
New Year's Eve dinners typically signal the close of one chapter and the start of another. The table sets the stage for an evening of energy. Black, gold and silver dominate this night, often accented with sparkle. Metallic chargers reflect flickering candlelight. Champagne flutes command attention, standing ready for the countdown toast. Sequined or glittered runners sweep the length of the table while clocks or hourglasses tucked among the settings serve as a subtle reminder that midnight is near. A New Year's Eve table thrives on drama, shine and anticipation woven into every symbol.
Lighting deserves special attention when designing a holiday dinner. Double recommends using battery-operated candles to create ambiance safely. “You can turn just about anything into a candle holder,” he said. “Use vintage China, pieces of fruit or clusters of pinecones. Battery-operated candles let you create the mood you want without worrying about fire hazards on the table.”
Double notes that the right lighting depends on who is gathering. “Ambient lighting is perfect for a dinner with friends, but a family meal with children needs better visibility,” he explained. “You want everything to be inviting and comfortable for everyone at the table. Softer lighting works better for more intimate, private events where the impact is really understood.”
Fresh flowers and greenery bring life to any holiday table. Double suggests using individual bud vases with fresh flowers at each place setting or laying fresh greens and a spray down the center of the table as a runner. “Nothing smells better at the holidays than fresh greens and spices,” Double said. “You can even simmer pots on the stove to create atmosphere. There's never a bad time to add fresh flowers, whether in a large formal piece or small individual arrangements for each guest as a hostess gift they can take home.”
Across every holiday, practical considerations matter just as much as design. No setting should overwhelm the table or leave no place for the food itself. Centerpieces must allow guests to see one another without awkward adjustments. Mixing materials, whether wood with glass, linen with metal or matte with shine, produces depth while leaving guests comfortable. Tall, strongly scented candles should be avoided, since food deserves to carry the strongest aroma. The table works best when it honors two equal purposes: offering a feast for the eyes while creating space for the meal at hand.
Double suggests making centerpieces removable. “Put your beautiful centerpiece on a removable tray,” he said. “Then you can simply pick it up and move it to the kitchen island, buffet, or entry hall table. Once the meal is over and you transition to a different space, you can pick the entire centerpiece back up in one piece and set it back on your table for an evening celebration. Not everybody's celebrations happen at once, so it's sometimes nice to have a centerpiece you can use throughout your home.”
Perhaps the most significant detail on any holiday table is the personal touch. A note tucked at each place to express thanks, a keepsake ornament resting atop a napkin or even a shared family photograph placed beneath glass can set the tone for connection. Double believes that personal touches are what guests remember most.
“Use special pieces like family heirlooms or pieces that have family sentiment,” he said. “Include things you've picked up on vacation or found with family members. Bring the importance of family and family time to your table. When guests see and touch these pieces over the holidays, they are reminded of the love shared among family and friends.”
