Go Casual for Christmas

Plaid tableware in black and white is perfect for a laid-back Christmas meal. Pair the plaid pattern with white and dark metal accents and then introduce pops of bright red via icy berry sprigs.

At each place setting, stack a brass-trimmed black galvanizedmetal charger, a white beaded-edge dinner plate and a handpainted-look plaid salad plate. Include a matching plaid mug for hot or cold beverages. Atop the salad plate, fold a white cloth napkin through a pipe-strap napkin ring that’s painted to match the charger. Insert a sprig of icy faux berries for some festive color. To personalize the place setting, outfit a miniature glass bottle with a wood tag stamped with the guest’s initial and then fill the bottle with more icy red berries.

In lieu of a circular centerpiece, lay an artificial evergreen garland trimmed with white-tipped pinecones and red berry sprigs down the center of the table. Arrange white taper candles in vintage-style porcelain lamp holders along the edges of the garland to give the table a warm ambience.