This holiday season, we’re vowing to make tasks simpler and less stressful. We’re thinking of holiday gifts (buy less), decorating (pass on the winter wonderland indoors), and hosting (it doesn’t need to be complicated).
We can put so much pressure on ourselves especially when combining these last two: decorating to host a holiday event with guests. Depending on your personality, you might either feel overwhelmed by the thought of creating a showstopping tablescape or you might become overly fixated on making it magazine-worthy.
But forget any sense of panic around this task—we’re about to give you an easy plan for crafting a modern tablescape without having to wander the aisles of your favourite holiday decor store. Our very first tip to keeping it simple is to use seasonal items you can forage outdoors or find in your local grocery store.
Above all, the trick to creating a modern tablescape involves combining design elements to achieve a cohesive and appealing look while keeping it uncluttered.
Here are steps you can follow to make a simple, modern holiday table:
1 / Choose an overall theme or style to define the aesthetic. For example: minimalist, nostalgic, Scandinavian, modern rustic, etc.
2 / Select a color palette that aligns with your theme. If it consists of neutral tones like white, gray, or metallics, add pops of color for contrast or interest. Hot tip: the colour doesn’t need to be red! We’ve seen beautiful December tables with other seasonal colours like orange, golden yellow, burgundy, and royal blue.
3 / Use minimalist tableware in neutral colours and matte finishes to keep it uncomplicated and easier to decorate around.
4 / Create a focal point with a centerpiece, either one vase or a grouping, such as a cluster of small vases with greenery or a collection of candle holders.
5 / Layer (but keep it simple). Layer elements to look pro: some stylists refer to the ‘power of three’ when layering a table. For example, stack:
- Tablecloth + dinner plate + side plate
- Placemat + dinner plate + napkin
- Charger + dinner plate + napkin
Since modern design emphasizes a clutter-free look, avoid overcrowding the table with too many layers and decorations.
6 / Test the arrangement the day before to ensure you’re not rearranging it minutes before your guests arrive! Edit out any items that feel unnecessary, and move elements around to find the most visually appealing layout, ensuring there’s balance in your design.
Advanced But Still Simple Tips
Ready to take your simple holiday tablescape to the next level? We have additional tips to share:
Bring Out Your Best Linens
Now’s the time to pull out your best tablecloth, runner, and/or fabric napkins to make an entertaining statement. If the thought of expensive linen napkins and small children make you cringe, stick with paper (just promise to recycle them afterwards) and use a runner for an easier cleanup post-party.
Experiment with Textures
Mixing textures adds depth and interest to the tablescape. Ways to include textures are through greenery, table linens, dishware, flatware, and other decorative touches. Textures to consider include woven placemats, twine, velvet ribbon, cut crystal, and our favorite material materials: marble, stoneware, wood, and metals.
Personalize Place Settings
Add a personal touch by incorporating place cards, a message or a menu. It doesn’t need to be complicated—even a small white card tucked on top of the napkin or in a pinecone looks lovely. Choose a modern design that complements your overall theme.
Simple Tablescape Theme Inspiration
Sophisticated Minimalist
Let beautiful patterned linens and matching dinnerware take center stage like in this table by April Notes. Greenery provides a pop of colour, while golden berries, gold flatware and bronze candleholders elevate the table beyond everyday use.
Foraged Natural Tablescape
In this simple festive tablescape, creator Alyssa Ponticello placed her vintage brass candlesticks on a round wood serving board and loosely incorporated olive branches as a “free-form wreath.” She finished off the centerpiece by scattering kumquats and star anise pods over top. Most of the items were found at home or in her yard. So easy!
Linen napkins are loosely folded for texture, placed on top of the plates, and are layered with a sprig of olive leaves, dried orange slice, cinnamon stick and anise pods. She says, “It’s elevated yet effortless, and easy to recreate with whatever foraged items you have on hand.”
Relaxed Elegance
Designer Jenni Kayne is known for her laid-back luxury aesthetic. This tablescape reflects her effortlessly elegant style— focussing on natural textures and a neutral palette reflective of her Californian landscape. Her more relaxed approach includes forgoing traditional table linen. Instead she tied loosely-bundled napkins with jute rope, greenery, and a tiny pine cone. She gives the table decor an elevated touch by using stemmed glassware and silver candlestick holders.
She worked with a florist to create a blue ice cedar garland sprinkled with dried flowers for the middle of the table, and added in olive green candlesticks to add depth to the colour scheme.
Now you’re armed with the steps to creating your own simple modern holiday table—and lots of inspiration. Happy Holidays from the NOVERO Homes team!
Feature image source: Maison de Cinq