How to Style the Table for the Festive Season

November 20, 2024

We’re thrilled to introduce Jess, the creative mind behind @mostlyathome, as she joins us for a special Q&A on festive table styling. Known for her beautifully curated spaces and warm, approachable style, Jess brings a unique blend of elegance and ease to her designs. Her Instagram feed is a source of inspiration for cosy, lived-in interiors that feel inviting and personal, making her the perfect partner for this holiday styling guide.

In our conversation with Jess, we dive into her best tips for creating a festive table setting that’s both beautiful and welcoming. From selecting the perfect linens to adding those final, memorable touches, Jess shares her advice on making the season feel special for everyone around the table. Read on for Jess’s tips on how to bring warmth and style to your holiday gatherings!

Q1 How do you choose a colour palette for a festive table set up?

I like to think about what mood I want to create with my festive table setting and use colours that might help me achieve this feel. I also let current trends and what I’m loving at the time guide my colour choices, usually sticking to 2-3 colour hues when dressing the table.

I have been loving hues of green recently – a colour commonly associated with the holiday season. I love making a statement during this time of year and striking a balance between formality and fun, traditional and non-traditional. Adding a second, unexpected colour, such as lilac with Linen Social’s Wild Innocence Linen Napkins builds on a sense of elegance and adds a whimsical feel to my table. I was then able to lean into these colour tones and a sense of festivity with chromatic accents in the table ware and ‘holiday’ elements such as dried orange slices.

Q2 What key elements do you think are essential to creating a warm and inviting table setting?

Using layers and different textures through tableware and linen is the perfect way to create a welcoming tablescape. Start with your table linen (tablecloth and napkins) and build from there – adding height with florals or candles and playing with your favourite dinnerware. You can go the extra mile and personalise your tablescape to the event and your guests with place cards or fruit or floral elements styled at each place setting. Think about your lighting and music to really create the atmosphere you’re after.

Q3 How do you balance practicality with aesthetics when styling a table for a holiday gathering?

Styling a table for a holiday gathering can be the perfect way to bring your nearest and dearest together and create a sense of merriment and connection. Whether you’re hosting a larger gathering or looking to build a fuller tablescape, I believe you don’t need to compromise on aesthetics for practicality and vice versa. I recommend plating up your food or offering a buffet style menu in another location such as the kitchen – this way your table is free to be styled as you please.

Alternatively, food itself can be very aesthetic and add to your styling, creating a fuller, festive feel on the table. Consider curating a selection of beautiful share plates and dinnerware to feature down the centre of the table and watch the chatter unfold.

Q4 What tips do you have for styling table linens, such as napkins, runners, and tablecloths?

Have fun mixing and matching colours and patterns in your table linen. Having napkins on your table setting is a must for me and they can completely change the feel of the setting, influenced by your colour choice and folding technique. I like to find a source of inspiration for an event, whether it be a theme, the person you’re celebrating or a beautiful bunch of flowers you spotted at the markets earlier that week and let that inform your colour palette and styling choices.

Remember, it’s your tablescape – so make sure it brings you joy.

Q5 What are your go to-napkin folding techniques?

I love a classic flat rectangular napkin fold, placing it beneath your cutlery or layering within the dinner plates. This style feels classic, elegant and timeless. I also love a draped napkin style, creating a more relaxed, welcomed feel. The beauty of this style is that no two napkins are the same and you can have some fun with the placement of the napkins at each setting. My go-to style for a more formal setting is slipping the menu card into your folded napkin, intertwining the two and creating a more layered look.

We hope Jess’s insights have inspired you to create a festive table setting that feels uniquely personal and inviting. From choosing a colour palette to balancing practicality with aesthetics, her tips remind us that table styling is as much about celebrating connection as it is about design. Whether you’re hosting a cosy gathering or a holiday feast, incorporating layers, textures, and thoughtful details will bring warmth and style to your table. So, as you prepare for this holiday season, remember to enjoy the creative process—and most importantly, the special moments shared around the table.