Setting a Festive Table
New trends and old traditions in holiday entertaining
Oh the holidays! That magical, whimsical time when emotions are high, time is low, budgets are stretched thin and the pressure is on to create the perfect event for all to enjoy. Nevertheless, we look forward to the experience with a child’s excitement year after year.
While gifts and tree decorating usually signify that important time of year, many of us also eagerly anticipate those delicious dinners that have been prepared with love and will be shared with a group of joyful attendees. But if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by the idea of hosting a dinner party— or just craving something new and unique to bring to the table— fear not! We’ve consulted with some of the best in Southwest Florida to bring you fresh ideas.
Informal Gatherings
Regardless of the holiday you’re celebrating, it’s usually a wonderful opportunity to get together with people you haven’t seen in a while: out- of- town relatives, friends you’ve lost touch with, neighbors whose lives have become busy throughout the year. These kinds of reunions usually lend themselves to a less- structured, more casual event where mingling becomes the dominant theme.
In the past, potluck dinners have reigned supreme. Suzanne Willis, a nationally recognized etiquette expert who has spent years with notable companies of luxury such as the Ritz- Carlton and Mandarin Oriental, is fond of the idea. This way, “everyone is allowed to share in the experience,” she states. “It also gives the guests a common ‘ topic’ to discuss.” Willis elaborates that
chatting over which dishes each guest made, exchanging recipe ideas, etc. provides an easy icebreaker for guests who might not know each other well.
Lisa Thompson, owner of Fort Myers– based Ambiance Interiors & Accessories, suggests a fun variation on the event to keep things interesting: house hopping. “One household will do the appetizer, the next will do the dinner, the next will do the dessert. So very social, but more informal.”
Whether you stay in one place or move around, there’s a common theme this year worth noting: outside dining. Using the space and beautiful weather that Florida provides has become a popular trend in more informal gatherings. Pair a bright table with several small flower arrangements filled with color. If it’s an evening event, make sure to cover the area with plenty of candlelight for an enchanting ambience.
Jessica James, a design partner at Garden District Naples, loves the “being green” elements she’s seeing in table decorations this year. “Flowers and greenery from your own yard, even fruits and vegetables, can be displayed as an attractive centerpiece,” as well as beeswax candles and linen napkins, she suggests. “It’s becoming the norm.”
Formal Gatherings For those planning something a little more lavish this holiday season, it may seem impressive to understand the correct placement of each piece on the table, but don’t take it too far.
“There are so many ways to set a table,” Willis says, but she breaks it down simply enough. “It’s most important to consider what the guests need to make them feel comfortable, while presenting the atmosphere you want your guests to experience.” Then she reminds readers of the “outside- in” place- setting rule.
Pare tables down by removing serving plates and dishes, and focus instead on creating a beautiful table guests will be talking about for weeks to come. “I like to do things that are unexpected and a little over the top,” Thompson says. She likes to present a show- stopping arrangement full of bright colors and billowing pines that cascade over the vase. She might even go so far as to decorate it with miniature ornaments, which can easily be arranged over the table as well. Macy’s, Target, Stein Mart and even some discount stores such as Dollar Tree or Sam’s Club have excellent options for table décor and ornaments.
“And candlelight ... lots of it,” James insists. “Personalizing with a place card is always appreciated; seeing your name at a place setting shows anticipation of your attendance.” Several experts took the idea even a step further and suggested coupling a small
FLOWERS AND GREENERY FROM YOUR OWN YARD, EVEN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, CAN BE DISPLAYED AS AN ATTRACTIVE CENTERPIECE.”
— JESSICA JAMES, GARDEN DISTRICT NAPLES
gift with the place setting to show thoughtfulness toward your guests. Then follow dinner with a round of games, carol singing or a gift exchange. “A sense of ‘ family’ for sure is the number- one element that makes a holiday dinner special,” James reminds us.
If all else fails and chaos ensues, remember to stay calm, keep the wine glasses filled and bring it all together with a toast. Do a nice little ‘ Cheers,’” Thompson suggests, “and just say, ‘ It is what it is, but at least we’re here together.’”