How to Craft a Memorable Holiday Tablescape

As someone who loves to host holiday meals, I enjoy letting my creativity run wild by setting the table in festive, unexpected ways. A tablescape can set the tone for the entire evening—there's nothing better than sitting in the glow of candlelight, with the scent of fresh pine filling the air, as you listen to clinking wine glasses and the laughter of your loved ones.

Sometimes, setting the table can be a team effort that gets the whole family involved. Who's choosing the tablecloth? Folding the napkins? And what about the centerpieces? The way a table is set tells a story about the family in that moment, and becomes a wonderful backdrop to photos that you'll cherish for years to come.

Each table is deeply personal—a reflection of the person or people who created it. But even the most experienced hosts have been known to misunderstand the assignment. Sometimes we may get carried away trying to create a flawless, Pinterest-worthy tablescape that ends up lacking any semblance of personality. Other years, we're tempted to empty the attic and linen closet of all the decor of Christmas past. But it's not difficult to strike a meaningful balance between the curated, crisp white-and-silver-tablescape we see all over social media, and the table featuring a clash of reds and golds and a plastic tablecloth carefully saved from last year—while still setting a scene that's meaningful to you and your guests.

Maybe this is the year to try something new, whether by starting a tradition you repeat year after year, or bringing individuality to your table with sentimental centerpieces and fun trinkets. Here are my tips for how to personalize your tablescape this holiday season—plus, a little holiday gift to you: Our curated selection of charming new serveware and glassware for the holiday season. With festive tableware and few fun surprises, you'll have loved ones gushing over your hosting skills.

Let Your Centerpiece Tell a Story

It's easy to picture a standard holiday centerpiece; I'm used to seeing vases brimming with poinsettias and clusters of cedar vine and pinecones on most tables around the holidays. While these are beautiful, festive options, it can feel boring to do the same thing year after year. If you're up for trying something new, consider adding a touch of your family's unique personality to the table. You could run your child's favorite train track down the middle or display your homemade gingerbread house on a tall cake stand. Starting with a distinctive centerpiece will inspire the rest of your tablescape, and the possibilities are truly endless.

Know How to Fold 'Em

You don't need to resort to the simple triangular fold for your holiday napkins this year. What's fun about napkins is that they're malleable—you can fold the fabric to create versatile shapes that bring life to your table. I've seen everything from napkins in the shape of turkeys, to them being used as baskets for candy canes. And a few years ago, one of our editors shared a DIY Christmas tree napkin that is the definition of merry. Choose a high-quality napkin with a thicker fabric and tighter weave so that it can stand up to different folding methods. Don't worry, you don't have to be a master at origami—it's surprising how easy some of these ideas are! You can check out one of my favorite methods below, and view plenty more tutorials on YouTube. And, of course, you can always simply pull your napkin through an eye-catching napkin ring, dressing up the holiday table with a little bling.

Personalize Each Place Setting

There's something that feels special and intimate about the selection and pairing of placemats, chargers, and plates. Don't feel like you have to use the same place setting for each person! You can create a variety of combinations, mismatching glassware, giving each person a different plate, or employing different napkin folding techniques. (If you need some pointers on formal place settings, check out our guide from earlier this year.) To add even more personality, opt for a fun twist on place cards by leaving a little surprise on each plate. Create something memorable, like a custom sugar cookie for each guest, or wrap a miniature gift for each person. You can even DIY your own holiday crackers, surprise balls, or bon bons, filling them with things you know your family will love.

Light Up the Night

Lighting is crucial when setting a table, especially around the holidays. Opt for warm lighting that complements your color scheme to create a cozy, festive atmosphere that makes guests want to gather. There are a plethora of dimmable LED candles on the market that you can adjust as the evening progresses. If you prefer real candles, pick joyful designs that will add to your table decoration, or stick to solid colors and get creative with candlestick holders. You can also buy tea lights to place inside of small lanterns. Be sure not to create visual obstacles and keep conversations flowing by selecting candlestick holders that are an appropriate height and don't block the person across the table.

If you're thinking of employing any of these tips for your holiday table this year, check out some of our favorite picks below—they're sure to make setting the table even more fun for you, and leave all your guests feeling festive!