Issues → November/December 2007 → Home & Garden → Decorating for the Holidays →
Simple Holiday-Table Setting
by Polly Bannister
Credit: Francine Zaslow
A simple setting
Customize your holiday table with this simple place setting from Matthew Mead.
Before setting the table, Matthew says the most important thing to do is choose a palette. Here, shades of autumn are reflected in amber glass, golden bamboo, Bakelite-handle silverware, and brown transferware with yellow and green pattern accents. (Spode makes a reproduction of this vintage china, carried by stores such as T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods.) A single leaf is silhouetted on a white antique linen napkin.
Reader Comments
Comment from Jenifer Lewis on November 18, 2008
Oh, come on. Since when is buying new china and flatware "simple"?
Don't get me wrong -- it looks lovely. But I've just experienced a 50% pay cut this year, so the regular old dishes are just going to have to do!
;-)
Comment from Meg Kupiec on November 18, 2008
How is this a project? It just looks like going to the store to buy new dishes to me!
Comment from Phil & Sandra Coppoolse on November 18, 2008
Great idea. You can always find plenty of bits of china at yard sales and secondhand shops.They don't need to be the same set ,just collect bits through the year of the same colour. USE YOUR IMAGINATION NOT YOUR CREDIT CARD!!
Comment from Sharon Todd on November 19, 2008
I agree. These are just SUGGESTIONS. Use your imagination and come up with an inexpensive way to decorate. Having a pretty table and a nicely decorated room doesn't require a lot of money, just some imagination. You can find lots of pretty things at yard sales and flea markets. Dollar stores have a lot of variety too. I know I'm going to have fun looking for something I can use this holiday season at an affordable price.
Comment from Meg Kupiec on November 19, 2008
Excuse me, I must have misread. From the intro I thought these were more "project" oriented ideas. No one needs to shout. I am well aware of dollar stores, flea markets, consignment stores and yard sales. I find lots of great things at all of them. But that's not what was presented here. I'm not about to whip out my credit card for expensive things when I can have a lot more fun hunting out great things at unusual places.
Comment from KATHY GRANDMAISON on November 4, 2009
I would just look at the materials and color scheme of this and go from there. I happen to have several wooden candlesticks made by a Swedish uncle and tons of old linens. The use of white or cream tablecloths is a refreshing change for me from all the dark colors and patterns I usually use. I like the folded napkin in the middle of the plate too. You can also use gourds and the tiny pumpkins to liven things up.
Comment from Suzanne Morrissey on November 6, 2009
Okay, I agree that this is more "shopping" oriented than "project" oriented, but I still like seeing how design pros mix and match flatware, stemware and china. I would not have thought to use the bamboo handled flatware, for example, in this kind of fall setting, but I can see how the color makes it mesh in with the look. It's fun to see other people's ideas. Hey Yankee, how about a photo gallery of readers' Thanksgiving tablescapes for your online edition? Could be fun!
Comment from Eura Olsen on November 20, 2009
pick up dishes thu out the year. cut out a leaf or what ever & sew on a white napkin, not hard.
Comment from jacki wilmot on October 23, 2011
why is everyone in an uproar over a place setting? I don\'t get it. It sure doesn\'t look expensive anyway. there are so many ways to set the table if you just use your imagination. I like the idea of the clear plate over the napkin.
Comment from Debra M. Caldwell on November 15, 2011
If you have a nack for decorating do so, and let the people who want to do it. Has anyone ever heard, we \"eat with our EYES, first?\" Well, a nice setting always looks good but it doesn\'t have to be pricey, it can be simple, or elegant, plain or fancy, or just your everyday stuff, and Ladies & men, TOO! You can help find stuff, yes, Wooden candlesticks would look great, decorative napkins are always nice, even things purchased at the\"Dollar Store\" would go very well, just something simple is always good. And for those of you who do not want to spend money or use a charge card, as the person says these are JUST suggestions, it\'s about getting together with friends and have a nice meal and a good time, and sharing. I personally would love to decorate but buget restraint are in effect, I\'m off to the Dollar store, for my ideas..........everybody just do want they want and trust me it will be fine!!!
Comment from Tess McCarter on November 17, 2011
Tablescaping using what you have coordinated with color and holiday theme...supplement with nature...cranberries, leaves, pinecones, wood, plants,....create and celebrate
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