Real Projects

There are endless ideas when it comes to setting a festive table. Here are some basic guidelines to help you get started on your own holiday creation:

• Pick a theme and style - formal/traditional, modern/whimsical, country/rustic
• Pick your colors - eg red & silver, red & white, red/black/white, silver & gold
• Chose you table linens
  
• Select flatware, tableware and stemware (you can even mix & match, but make sure each diner has the same combination of tableware as her neighbor)
  
• Select additional festive items like place card holders, napkin ring holders and chargers. Additional tip from Hallmark: Place card holders can also be used to display small photos, conversation starters, or a special message or wish for each guest at the table
  
• Add an attractive centerpiece and some candlelight. For longer tables, you may want to consider smaller arrangements or vases placed at intervals up and down the table. Rule of thumb: centrepieces should be shorter than about 12 inches tall. For a very basic centrepiece fill a bowl or vase with color-coordinated ornaments in various sizes and finishes. For candlelight, try various heights and sizes from low votives to tall hurricane candles.
  
  Items you could use for centrepieces:
  • Floral and evergreens: Roses, lilies, holly, mini spruce trees, berries, boughs or sprigs of evergreens, pinecones, twigs
  • Food: Pomegranates, nuts, artichokes, crab apples, peppermint candies
  • Christmas decor: glass balls and ornaments, small wrapped gifts, beads, ribbon

Our Favourite Holiday Entertaining Ideas

"Noel, Noel" - Glass candlesticks look like elegant pedestals for these oversize red ornaments decorated with glittered letters.	"Natural Light" - Nestle chubby candles in a bed of mixed nuts and tiny red ornaments set on a tray for portable ambience.
"Serving up Sophistication" - A pair of stacked cake plates dressed with evergreens, glass balls, pinecones, and red berries makes a sophisticated, no-fuss centerpiece.	"Vases & Trays" - In the back, a tall glass vase is filled with a handful of holiday ornaments in two colors. On the silver tray, a few flat cedar branches are surrounded by five votives in clear cups, three ornaments, and a pinecone.