Stimuli

We‘ve all seen those elaborately decorated dining tables on the pages of magazines and in the department stores. They really are gorgeous and dazzling but when you think about it, how practical are they? Seriously, where are you supposed to put the food? More important than having a front cover worthy holiday table is having guests who feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome. For example, your guests are not going to feel comfortable if they can’t see who they are speaking to because the flower arrangement is in their way. They are not going to feel relaxed if they feel like they are going through an obstacle course each time they pass the gravy because of all the candlesticks and ornaments on the table.  
 
Marnie Jameson, a famous home design columnist from the United States, has six simple “rules” she thinks we should follow when setting the holiday table. The “rules” are as follows:

1. Don’t make centerpieces too big.
2. Keep festive touches simple.
3. Use something old and something new.
4. Light candles.
5. Don’t overachieve.
6. Use common sense.

The first item on Jameson’s list is self explanatory, but some of the other ones I will elaborate on. In order to keep things from looking too fussy or looking like you have tried too hard, is to keep things simple. A simple, low-lying centerpiece, place cards or small embellishments at each setting is all you need. Each of your guests will feel special that you took this effort but won’t feel like you’ve overdone it. By combining old and new you achieve a nice layering effect. Instead of everything matching and looking like you bought it all at the same store, you get more of a warm eclectic look. Lighting candles always adds so much to the ambience and festive feel of the occasion. Not only does candlelight make you look better, it makes the food look better too!  For the “don’t overachieve” rule, Jameson reminds us that this is not a competition and that our job is to provide the backdrop to a warm, memorable holiday.

Lastly, for the “use common sense” rule, she refers to an incident where she read that sprinkling cranberries along the table runner was a fantastic look for the holiday table. What ended up happening was her kids proceeded to play a marble-like game with them. Inevitably some cranberries landed on the floor. Some of these stained the carpet and the others were eaten by the dog thus making him sick. The point is, just because someone says something is great idea doesn’t mean it is a good idea for you. It’s very important to always remember who is eating at your table as well.

These six guidelines are easy to follow and by reminding us not to get too uptight about it some of the pressure is taken off. Remember the largest focus should be on a memorable holiday meal with your loved ones.

by Christian Kristensen
Stimuli Magazine Contributor



 

    
Top Image: weddingaces.com
Middle : kec-contentedme.blogspot.com