The holiday dining table sparkles with colour, flowers and ornaments.
Why all the festive fuss with food? Simple -- we eat with our eyes.
So, think garnish, not garish -- gleaming, not gaudy. A special sparkle and festive details heighten the holiday dining experience creating a splash and says 'I really appreciate you coming'.
So think add-on, rather than transform.
A host can be practical with a dash of panache. A favourite holiday wreath can do double duty and provide a stylish table centrepiece. Add ornaments and sprigs of fake holly and berries. An ornament can provide a placeholder -- with each guest's name written in a fancy script, naturally.
Think textures. With each item -- a centrepiece, an ornament, a sprinkle of berries, a placeholder, a charger plate -- provide multiple dimensions.
Beware of clutter, especially centrepiece items at eye level that block guests' views of each other across the table.
Centrepiece flowers make it very visual. The eyes are drawn to the flowers, and they're happy and cheerful. Besides, the decoration itself can be both attraction and conversation starter.
A few more dos and don'ts about setting the table with holiday style:
* Avoid clutter and items that crowd place settings and block views.
* If serving dishes are brought to the table, scale down the table's decor and items to provide space.
* Beware of safety with candles. Look for flameless candle decorations or small votive candles.
* Don't be too cautious. Don't doubt yourself.
* Consider using shrubbery and greenery, such as a green garland running the full length of a long table.
* Add tiny details to heighten the effect, such as glasses rimmed with sugar. Use everything you have in your place setting. A little spoon coated with sugar for kids makes kids feel special.
* Involve everyone. In these times, everyone needs a lift.
-- Canwest News Service
