Holiday Entertaining Etiquette and Ideas by Franchelle Jackson

white and silver place setting
Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to change the ambiance by resetting the tablescapes, lighting the twinkling trees and decorating the fireplace mantel full of holiday glee. Setting the atmosphere in our homes during this season is the most exciting time of the year to make guests feel warm and welcome.
First – Determine your Style and Ambiance
The first decision is to determine the atmosphere you want to convey. Is your style elegant and sophisticated, glitzy and glamorous, jolly and holly, or warm and rustic? Pull from your own personality to create the mood and to make the decision easier. Then, select your color choices to complement your theme. Choose rich reds and gold to romantic silver and cream. Now that you have selected your color and style, it’s time to create the look.
Second –Ambiance throughout Your Home
It should transcend throughout your entire home from the front door holiday wreath, tablescape design, fireplace mantel and of course the Christmas tree. Add small touches to the kitchen and powder room. It is easy to do by bringing a little holiday holly or festive hand towels to those rooms. Carry the Christmas joy to your sofa by enhancing it with holiday pillows and warm cozy throws. Also, lite the fireplace to warm your guests after coming out the cold weather. And don’t forget to hang the classic mistletoe to spark a little love and conversation.
Third – The Holiday Table
Now, it is time to change your dining room tablescape design to a delightful and wonderful Christmas affair. Spread your Christmas style by adding sparkling and white dinnerware, crystal wine glasses and your exquisite silverware. Keep in mind there is more to setting a table than knowing where to place the centerpiece. It is very important to have good symmetry, scale and function, which are key components to a successful tablescape.
Fourth – The Centerpiece
Remember, your centerpiece should not be a distraction or interfere with your guest interaction to ensure everyone can enjoy each other’s company. When selecting your centerpiece keep in mind the maximum height should be no taller than 12 inches. Very tall centerpieces should be placed on buffets or sideboards. You also can adorn your table with mercury glass hurricanes or lanterns filled with ornaments or dried pecans and walnuts. Stay away from scented candles at the dining table and allow your dinner to fragrant the air. There’s a wide selection of unscented and LED battery operated pillar candles that give off a beautiful flickering light much like a real candle if you want to bring the mood of a candle to the table. Your guest will never know the difference. Finally, while your centerpiece and table will set the tone, remember to include a music selection to complete the ambiance to create the mood.
Fifth – The Mantel
Finally, the mantel is where you should place your scented candles to fill your home with the aromas of Christmas from holiday forest, to sugared cinnamon and peppermint patties to rich vanilla crème. Decorate the mantel with fresh or artificial garland, shimmering lights, silk and organza ribbon and beautiful bows. Add acorn and ornaments to give your mantel an elegant glow and flair. Now your home exudes Christmas everywhere!
Follow me on Instagram @franjcollection or visit my website www.franjcollectionandlifestyle.com
 

About Post Author

Comments

From the Web

Skip to content
Verified by MonsterInsights