10 Tips for a Festive Table Setting

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A festively set table is the perfect way to give your guests a warm welcome and complete the atmosphere of your dinner or event. Whether it's an intimate dinner with family or a grand party, the right table decoration makes a stunning impression. In this blog, we share practical tips and inspiring ideas to transform your table into a stylish whole, suitable for every occasion. From tableware choices to creative table decoration, discover how to make your table the festive eye-catcher of the evening!

10 Tips for a Festive Table Setting: How to Create the Perfect Atmosphere

  • Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner for friends or a grand celebration, a festively decorated table can set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The art of festive table setting goes beyond just setting out plates and cutlery. It’s about creating an atmosphere that makes guests feel welcome and special. In this article, we’ll share some handy tips and inspiration for setting your table in style and style, no matter the occasion.

1. The importance of a festive table setting

  • A beautifully set table not only creates a festive look, but can also be a topic of conversation and lift the atmosphere of the dinner to a higher level. It is a way to show appreciation for your guests and pay attention to the details that make a gathering special. Whether it is a birthday dinner, Christmas or a wedding, the right festive table setting contributes to the overall experience of the party. After all, the eye wants something too!

2. Choose a theme or color scheme for a festive table setting

  • The first step in creating a festive table setting is to choose a theme or color scheme. This will give your table setting direction and create a cohesive look. Some popular themes for a festive table setting include:

    • Christmas : Think red, green, gold and lots of sparkly elements.
    • Summer party : Soft pastel shades or bright colours such as yellow, blue and pink.
    • Autumn theme : Warm tones such as orange, brown and deep red, combined with natural materials such as wood and linen.
    • Elegant black and white : A classic and timeless colour palette that always makes a stylish impression.

      Tip: Work with contrasts: Combine light and dark colours or matte and glossy surfaces for a dynamic effect.

4. The perfect arrangement of the tableware for a festively decorated table

  • A good table setting is essential for a festively set table. Follow these basic rules for an elegant layout:

    • Plates : Start with a side plate, followed by the dinner plate and possibly a soup plate or a small plate for starters.
    • Cutlery : Place the cutlery in the order of the courses. The cutlery for the first course is on the outside. Forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right.
    • Glasses : Place the water glass directly above the knife, and any wine glasses diagonally above it to the right.

  • Tip: Add a decorative element, such as a small floral arrangement or a personalized place card, to the plate to make the setting even more festive.

5. Festive table decoration

  • Table decorations bring your table setting to life. Choose decorative elements that match the atmosphere you want to create. Flowers, candles, table runners and small accents such as pine cones, baubles or shells can all contribute to a festive look.

    • Floral arrangements : Use fresh flowers in a low arrangement so that guests can easily see each other. Seasonal flowers are a good choice because they will match the theme of your party.
    • Table Runner : A table runner can add extra depth and contrast to your table setting. Choose a color that matches your theme and make sure the material matches your tablecloth .

  • Tip: Less is more! Too much decoration can make the table look cluttered and come at the expense of functionality. Make sure you strike a good balance between aesthetics and space for bowls and glasses.
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A festively decorated table deserves stylish tableware

A dish tastes best on a beautiful plate . OK, the food must of course also be in order, but let's assume that. Fortunately, there are still caterers. A festively set table is not complete without beautiful tableware . The choice of tableware depends, among other things, on the menu you are going to present. How many dishes are you going to serve? Each dish requires a matching plate . Combine and experiment until you have found the combination that you like. A large underplate with a soup plate on it or a smaller plate? A soup plate or a soup bowl? As far as we are concerned, there are no rules and no laws. As long as the tableware is stylish, that festively set table will be just fine. Rustic pottery or beautiful porcelain? Everything is possible, as long as you like it. Have you ever thought about combining multiple tableware? The plates do not necessarily have to be the same color or even the same model. You can provide everything the same per person, whereby you take the plate for the starter in a different color or a different style than the plate for the main course. But you can also take everything in the same style and the same color for half the number of people, and for the second half you take a different style and / or a different color. When festively setting the table, you then alternate between the two styles, two colors. When placing the plates, keep in mind that all guests have enough space. We advise to provide 50 cm space between the plates. Besides, why would you save beautiful tableware for special dinners and parties? You deserve stylish tableware to eat from every day. Enjoy it!

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6. Candles and lighting for a festively decorated table

  • Lighting plays a major role in a festively set table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Candles are ideal for creating a festive ambiance, especially during evening meals. Use candlesticks for an elegant look or place small tea lights across the table for a soft, romantic glow.

  • Tip: Choose unscented candles so they don't overpower the smell of the food.
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A 10 for atmosphere and coziness at the festively laid table with our candle holders

Candle holders and tea light holders can also be used to decorate the table festively and create a cosy atmosphere. Or rather, they are an indispensable accessory on any festively set table. Candles create a lovely, warm atmosphere in your home. Whether you are going to use small tea lights, long thin candles or thick pillar candles, at Julien Deluxe you will find the right holder for every candle. One large candle in the middle of the dining table? Or several tea lights spread over the entire surface? The choice is yours. What do you think is beautiful? The only tip we would like to give you is that you should think about safety. Are there also going to be grabby children's hands at the table? Then a long thin candle near those hands is probably not a good idea. Then choose stable tea light holders in which the tea light is completely in. The same applies when you have to place serving dishes over the guests' shoulders on the table. Caution is also advised with long thin candles nearby.

Discover our collection of Candle Holders
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A flower is a must on a festively decorated table

Flowers brighten up a table in the blink of an eye. Choose a bouquet and a vase in a colour that you like and that matches the rest of the decoration. A good tip for a festively set table is to work with different heights. You can achieve this with different heights of candle holders , but a beautiful vase with a bouquet of flowers also adds a height element to the table. Make sure that you place the flowers or other height elements in such a way that the guests can still see each other. After all, it is not conducive to the atmosphere if the guests cannot see each other during the dinner.

You can also use other accessories to decorate your table festively. Let the season or the occasion guide you. A few green pine branches or small Christmas balls around Christmas, for example. Colored eggs for Easter; streamers and flags for a birthday. What is also always nice is a handwritten menu in a photo frame that you put somewhere. In short, experiment, combine, let your creativity run free and go for that festively decorated table, but above all, enjoy!

Discover our collection of Artificial Flowers

7. Festive table setting for specific occasions

  • Every occasion requires a different approach. Here are some tips for popular festive moments:

    • Christmas : Use lots of green and red, combined with gold or silver. Think of pine branches, candles, Christmas balls and warm fabrics such as velvet.
    • Wedding : For a wedding, elegance is key. Work with soft colors, flowers, and use a lot of white, combined with silver or gold for a luxurious look.
    • Easter brunch : Light pastel colors like yellow, pink, and blue create a cheerful, spring-like atmosphere. Add fresh flowers and small Easter decorations like eggs and bunnies. Read our article "How to set a cozy Easter table?" here .

8. Practical tips for a festive and stylish table setting

    • Personalize the table : Add small, personal touches such as place cards, a handwritten menu, or a small gift for each guest.
    • Play with heights : By varying the height of decorations such as candles and floral arrangements, you can create a dynamic and interesting arrangement.
    • Consider sustainability : Use reusable materials, such as linen napkins and napkin rings, instead of disposable tableware and plastic decorations.

  • Tip: Make sure the decorations remain functional. Guests should have enough space to easily use their plates, glasses and cutlery.
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A festively decorated table deserves a delicious aperitif in a beautiful bottle

When we think of a festively set table, we naturally first think of the decorations such as beautiful tableware and candle holders . But a beautiful bottle can also absolutely contribute to that wonderful feeling that a festively set table evokes. Take for example the Ambiorix Apero Bello . The bottle, the original logo and last but not least the unique green color of this taste sensation ensure a pleasant experience during the aperitif. And that is why it undoubtedly belongs on that festively set table.

Discover the Ambiorix Apero Bello

9. A festively laid table as part of a total interior

  • A festively set table is about more than just a pretty picture; it contributes to the overall atmosphere of your event and makes your guests feel warm and welcome. By paying attention to details such as choosing a theme, the right table setting and atmospheric lighting, you can easily create a stylish and festive table. With these tips, you are well prepared to transform any occasion into an unforgettable experience. So, get your most beautiful tablecloth out of the closet, gather your favorite decorations and make your next dinner a party to remember!

10. Discover our complete collection for a festively decorated table here

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Discover Pip Studio for a festively decorated table

Transform your dining table into a real eye-catcher with the colourful and refined tableware from Pip Studio . The iconic floral patterns, vibrant colours and delicate details make every dinner a special occasion. Pip Studio effortlessly combines elegance with playfulness, perfect for those who love a festively set table with character. Whether you choose the complete tableware or a few statement pieces, with Pip Studio you create an atmospheric setting that will surprise and inspire guests. Ideal for special occasions, holidays or to add extra shine to everyday moments.

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Discover our complete collection of home accessories for an attractive interior here

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