The holidays are the perfect occasion for bringing friends and family together around a beautifully laid table. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or any other special event, the way you decorate and arrange your table can make a real difference to the mood of the gathering. Here are a few ideas and pieces of advice for creating a beautifully laid table that will delight your guests and add a touch of elegance to your celebrations.
1. Choose a theme or a colour palette: Before you start laying your table, think about the theme of the celebration or the colour palette you would like to use. Whether you go for a traditional Christmas in red and green, a summery mood in blue and white, or an autumn table in warm tones, having a clear idea of your direction will help you make consistent choices.
2. Use a beautiful tablecloth: The foundation of any beautifully laid table is an elegant tablecloth. Choose a quality tablecloth, preferably in linen, which adds a touch of luxury to the table. Tablecloths personalised with embroidery, monograms or special motifs are an excellent choice. We offer a made-to-measure tablecloth service; to send us your request, write to us at bonjour@nahen.fr
3. Matching plates, glasses and cutlery: Make sure your plates, glasses and cutlery match and suit the theme of your table. Coordinated sets bring visual harmony to the table.
4. Create a spectacular centrepiece: The centrepiece is what will draw your guests' attention. Use candles, fresh flowers, seasonal decorations or special decorative objects to create a spectacular centrepiece.
5. Creative napkin folding: Think about creative napkin folds to add a touch of originality to every place setting. There are plenty of videos and tutorials online to show you how to achieve impressive napkin folds.
6. Mood lighting: Lighting plays a crucial part in creating a festive mood. Use candles, string lights or tea light holders to add a soft, warm light to the table.
7. Personalisation: Make the table more special still by personalising your napkins with the first name of every guest.
8. Create a special menu: If you have the time and the cooking skills, create a special menu for the occasion. Include seasonal dishes and traditional family recipes.
9. Background music: A well-chosen selection of music can add to the festive mood. Pick pieces that suit the occasion and play them in the background.
10. Do not forget the details: Small details make a great difference. Elegant knife rests, matching salt and pepper sets and creative napkin rings add the finishing touch to your beautifully laid table.
By celebrating the holidays with a beautifully laid table, you create a welcoming and memorable setting for your guests. Whether you go for traditional or contemporary decoration, the effort you put into preparing your table will not go unnoticed. Be creative, enjoy yourself, and make the most of every precious moment with your loved ones around that beautiful table.
Do remember to take photographs to keep a record of your beautifully laid tables and to share them with us on social media. Happy holidays and bon appétit!