My tips for a beautiful festive table

No time to read the whole article? Go directly to the bottom of the page for the quick do's and don'ts of a successful holiday table.

Here are some tips and inspirations for creating the most beautiful tables with vintage tableware.

The decor you create greatly contributes to the atmosphere of the evening, much more than you might imagine! A warm decoration will immediately put your guests at ease, while a decor that is too bare will give off a cold impression.

In general, don't hesitate to rely on candles and warm, subdued lighting (white lights are forbidden, please!), and generously decorate your table: an empty centerpiece is sad, the complete opposite of a festive image!

Organizing a festive meal takes time and requires thinking about many details, which is why I highly recommend that you set your table well in advance (why not the day before if you can!) in order to do it without stress and with a lot of pleasure, because that is the most important thing!

The tabblecloth

The very first question to ask yourself when setting a table is to choose between a tablecloth, table runner or placemats.

For a chic and classic table, we will opt for a large cotton or linen tablecloth, perfectly ironed of course, and which falls generously on the sides, preferably to the floor (we must ban tablecloths that are too short!).

The tablecloth will remain the best choice if your table is not the most elegant, for example if you had to add extensions.

For more fantasy, you can dare to use color or even prints as long as they match your tableware, avoid mixing too many colors which confuse the eye.

When in doubt, a white cotton damask tablecloth is a safe bet, even more so if it is vintage with embroideries. You can definitely use a large antique sheet as a tablecloth, they are easier to find and cost less.

You can also opt for a table runner on a pretty wooden or marble table top. Like the tablecloth, the table runner should fall widely on each side. It is easier to play with color here. Several arrangements are possible: either a single large runner that crosses the table lengthwise, or several runners placed widthwise on which the plates will go. You can also brighten up a white tablecloth with a colorful table runner!

For a more relaxed atmosphere and a modern touch, you can also opt for placemats that must be made of natural materials (raffia or fabric). But in my opinion, this is not the most appropriate choice for the table of special evenings ...

Finally, don't forget the cloth napkins that match the tablecloth you have chosen. They are placed in the center of the plate or possibly next to the fork (in this case for lunch). You can tie them with a pretty ribbon and add a small flower or opt for an elegant napkin ring. I like to amuse my guests by choosing antique silver napkin rings engraved with completely unexpected names, guaranteed laughter before the meal even begins (so what's your name? My name is Germaine!)

THE CHOICE OF DISHES

Ultimately, if you're setting your table with vintage or antique dinnerware, there are few rules to follow.

You just have to choose a dominant color and avoid tables with lots of colors, it can be fun but the result will certainly not be elegant.

Do not exceed 3 different colors, for example white tablecloth and napkins, red patterned plates, flowers, candles, etc., also predominantly red (to stand out better on the tablecloth), you can add a few touches of gold, and that's it! Replace the red in this example with any other color, it will always work. You can also reverse by choosing a colored tablecloth and white plates. Have fun depending on your available dishes.

The last option is monochrome, everything from the tablecloth to the tableware and decorations is in the same shade. Personally this is not what I prefer, for example I find all white rather boring, but try it with color if you feel inspired!

Don't worry about the glasses, it's not a problem if they are mismatched, different shapes or sizes. However, they will all have to be of the same material, in other words all crystal or all glass, the mixture of materials is generally not harmonious.

I often recommend having a few silver plated serving dishes as they go with any dinnerware. They are a very worthwhile investment, especially since they are not as expensive as you might think and they last a lifetime.

Name tags are rarely used today, but they are very practical. I recommend them for ten guests and more. They will have the advantage of pleasantly surprising your guests and adding an elegant touch.

The final touch

To make your table more lively, a central decoration will make all the difference and will make your dishes appear even more spectacular.

Setting the table bare will not give it the festive look you expect. There is no need to look for complicated things, a few candlesticks and a bouquet of seasonal flowers are enough to completely change the atmosphere.

You can let your imagination run wild to create a centerpiece with seasonal fruits/flowers/plants. There is only one golden rule: do not prevent guests from seeing each other and be bothered by a huge bouquet of flowers making discussion impossible ... it is better to opt for several small bouquets and keep the high decorations for the console nearby.

If you want to impress, this is also the time to reveal your accessories such as carafe, salt shaker, bread basket or vinegar cruet, they are placed on the table before the meal begins... small details that make all the difference (and make serving easier).

For my party tables, I have long placed xmas crackers on the plates to explode. They decorate and allow to start the meal in a festive way, however I no longer buy this kind of product today (often overpriced) because the surprises inside are unfortunately of poor quality and end up in the trash very quickly (not really an ecological approach). On the other hand, a small gift placed near each plate, such as a candied chestnut wrapped in pretty gold paper, is another nice way to spoil your guests, if you wish.

Are you missing a few vintage pieces to perfect your party table or make a gift? Go take a look at the Kitchen Brocante e-shop!

SUMMARY OF DO'S & DON'TS

TO DO	THE WORST MISTAKES
table runner or tablecloth that falls to the floor	tablecloth too short and wrinkled
Choose a dominant color	too many different colors
decorate the center of the table	a table that is too bare/empty
set the table well in advance to avoid stress	decoration too high which blocks the view
put the service accessories on the table in advance (salt shaker, carafe, serving cutlery, etc.)	forget to provide large serving utensils
use name tags if more than 10 guests	Offer everyone the chance to sit wherever they want (often annoying for guests who find themselves walking around in circles without daring to sit down)
always choose seasonal flowers and natural decorations (wood, paper, raffia, dried flowers, etc.)	Ban plastic decorations
possibly place a small attention on each guest's plate	Avoid Christmas crackers containing gifts made in China
Have fun and create your party table with good humor!