How to Get Your Table Ready for the Holidays

The other day, I swore I saw a few leaves turn the perfect shade of gold and a slight breeze knock them to the ground. It’s a little different here in the South, and I know fall won’t be in full swing for a while, but I saw the signs.

I love to change out my dining room tablescape with the seasons and with the holidays. The last couple of months, we’ve been celebrating summer with a fun fiesta-inspired, serape-infused tablescape. With fall pretending to be in the air, it’s time to mix it up again.

For this one, and maybe for some newbies to tabletop décor, I’m going to make this one something that the bulk of the work goes into it now for fall/Thanksgiving. But, with a couple of tweaks, you can easily convert it over to your Christmas tablescape.

Let’s look at the foundation pieces that you’ll use for both looks.

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Table Runner

This is a great foundation table runner in linen, with a delicate fringe edging. To make this work for both our Thanksgiving and Christmas looks, I’d choose this in either white or natural.

How long of a table runner do I need? Great question. Measure the length of your dining table and add at least 12 inches, to allow overhang on either end of your table. If your table is 60 inches long, look for a table runner that is 72 inches long.

Pro tip: Don’t forget about holiday gatherings. Most of us extend the length of our dining room tables, by inserting leaves, and thus making the table longer to accommodate more guests.

Chargers

Give me a beautiful hyacinth placemat any day of the week. Also referred to as chargers, these are staples on my dining table year-round. They are so perfectly neutral, they can adapt to so many different styles, seasons, and holidays.

Pro tip: Think about the size and shape of your fancy-schmancy China, and make sure they will fit nicely on top of the charger.

Candlestick Holders

This is another investment that can adapt and stay on your tabletop year-round, should you choose. I’ve linked a few different sets of aged brass candlestick holders—metallics are always a great choice for the holidays. However, you could do wood or iron even. Just be sure to pick something neutral. Change out the candles as your tabletop décor changes. Psst! This summer, I’ve had hot pink taper candles.

Pro tip: I love to mix heights and shapes when it comes to candlestick holders. Do this as much as you’d like, so long as they are the same color and/or finish. P.S. Read all the way to the end to see the secret weapon you must have if taper candles live in your home.

Garland

I’ve never met a garland I didn’t like. Ok, I probably have at some point. But a pine garland beautifully draped across your table, your fireplace, your front door, or even above your kitchen sink is hard to mess up. Don’t get too caught up on what length to purchase. You can get one that is long enough to drape a bit over the sides of your table, or you could get a shorter one that gathers nicely at the center of your table.

Accents

Here’s where it gets fun. Other than maybe swapping out your taper candles, this is really the only big change to move your tabletop décor from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Keep your options super neutral by picking shades of white, cream, natural, beige, etc. Or, for fall, look for orange, gold, or rust colors. And, for Christmas, you know the drill.  I’m a big fan of pumpkins for Thanksgiving. You can get them in velvet, rattan, or even tweed. And for Christmas, swap out your pumpkins for Christmas ornaments. Go bold, stay neutral, or keep it consistent with how you decorate your Christmas tree.

Extras

Everyone needs a set of cloth napkins. Along with my tablerunner, I like to change these out as well to match the overall décor. But, you can’t go wrong with tried-and-true white. Next, my favorite candles. This shop has a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. Lastly, not all candles and not all candlestick holders are created equal. Skip wonky candles that don’t fit and don’t stand up straight, with the best-kept secret, Stick-um. Add a little dab to the bottom of your candle and inside your candlestick holder for a more sturdy fit.