Planning a holiday party? Need a little inspiration for setting a festive table without spending a lot? I picked up some great tips from Laurie Burns, director of the Tabletop Market in New York. Most of these tips will keep you covered from Thanksgiving all the way through the New Year, though you may want to vary your color palette and accents through the season. Autumn shades tend to be a good bet for Thanksgiving, though you can jazz up that orange/yellow/red scheme with a few splashes of burgundy, and even a dash of blue and black.
- Start with white plates. White is always dressy, mixes with any color, and best of all, you can find nice white plates at all price points.
- Add some sparkle. Pretty glass or crystal goblets and/or candlesticks will bring a bit of sparkle, up the fancy factor, and add some height for visual interest.
- Make it festive. You can't go wrong with traditional red, green or gold accents. You might try gold chargers under white plates, red or green napkins, and bring in some Santas or other fave ornaments for seasonal punch.
- If using placemats, just make sure that your napkins match or coordinate.
- Wow it up with candles. And don't stop at just two; the more the merrier. Be it a string of tiny glass votives or a mix of multi-size candles centering the table, twinkly candlelight casts a warm, cozying feel over the table.
