How To Set The Christmas Table Like A Decorating Expert?

Nothing speaks to the host's good taste and attention to guests better than the way the table is set. Table setting being an art difficult to master, has a major importance during family gatherings and between friends. The Christmas party, a synonym of sharing and conviviality, brings the whole family together around the table to experience the joy of being together while having a great time. It is therefore important that every detail is thought out and coordinated. Discover our guide to setting the Christmas table flawlessly.

The golden rules to know when setting the Christmas table

You don't have to be an expert to set the Christmas table. There are rules yes, but the idea is to have fun while decorating.

Setting up a fancy table for Christmas forces you to forget about paper napkins in favor of fabric table linens. As well to respect the arts of the table as to please the creative guests (who will have fun trying a folding technique), the fabric napkin is able to decide the success of your decoration, as much as it is important. It's up to you to choose whether you want to coordinate it with the tablecloth or the table runner or rather let it stand out from the other elements on the table. Typically, the napkin place is on the plate for lunch and left for dinner.

For a festive meal or for any special occasion, the tablecloth is the first item to consider when setting your table. It must be impeccable, without stains or creases. Choose sober colors (white, off-white or gray) which are easier to combine with the rest of the decor. Keep in mind that the tablecloth should be simple and elegant so that you can add your personal touch to it.

Christmas Eve is the perfect occasion to take out your most beautiful dishes. In order to be elegant, plan 3 plates per guest: the largest is the presentation plate, comes over the main course plate and finally the starter plate which is the most small. Think about the smallest detail and make the right set: serving cutlery, butter dish, salt and pepper shakers etc. Do not hesitate to slightly mismatch the dishes to bring dynamism to the table.

The glasses, on the other hand, should be chosen according to the drinks present at the table and arranged by size, with the largest on the left.

As for the cutlery, arrange them in the order of arrival of the dishes. The forks are to be placed on the left of the plate, the teeth towards the tablecloth. The spoons, on the other hand, stand with the convex side up. The knife is placed on the right, the blade towards the plate. One thing to remember: it is not compulsory to take out the silver cutlery, but it is on the other hand imperative that everything is perfectly clean (do not forget to dust and carefully clean the crockery and cutlery before placing them on Table).

What decoration for a refined Christmas table?

It is better that the table decoration is sober and elegant. So avoid overloading it and do not mix more than three colors to maintain a beautiful harmony. Prefer classic color combinations and don't be tempted by flashy colors. Do not hesitate to place candles and decorative objects in the same tones as the dishes. Any form of creativity is also welcome, as long as you don't overload it with objects (and colors). If you miss a touch of nature, slip a few eucalyptus leaves or cotton flowers in the heart of the napkins and voila!