The holiday season is here, and that means lots of gatherings with family and friends, taking time to enjoy being together. There are so many opportunities during the holidays to slow down, put away distractions, and just catch up with the people we love. It’s so lovely to set a table for your favorite folks and welcome them for an evening of fellowship. We’ve got a few simple tips (and a freebie printable!) on how you can set a fun, fancy table for friends and family but not break a sweat.

Use Place Cards. It’s just a simple touch, but putting a little thought into who sits where can make for awesome conversation and help people feel more comfortable. We’ve made a downloadable freebie so you can print them in a snap. Instructions are below!

If you’d like to hand-write the names on your cards, simply print the file, write the names, and place them at each setting. If you’d like to print the names on your computer, open the file in an editing program like Photoshop or Illustrator, add your names to each place card, and print. Then trim around the edges of each card and place them at your settings.

Pick a Simple Color Palette. Pick one color and one metallic element and run with it! We gathered all of our golden pieces and a few turquoise touches for a fun pop of color. By keeping a simple palette, all of your pieces look pulled together and cohesive.

Charge It.  A plate charger is a super simple way to up your tabletop game. You can usually find some great chargers at the dollar store for a total steal!

No Linens? No problem. Don’t sweat it if you don’t have fancy table linens. You can make a cool DIY table runner in just a few minutes with this tutorial. And instead of hunting for cloth napkins everywhere, just find some really fun paper napkins and call it good.

A Simple Centerpiece. Don’t stress about a crazy centerpiece! Use what you have on hand or grab something seasonal. Painted pumpkins are lots of fun (just get some mini pumpkins and hit them with a layer of spray paint)! Pair them with a fun vase or decorative piece from around the house and you’re all set.

Pour the Wine. When in doubt, focus on one really beautiful item on the table, like a great wine glass. These gilded glasses look particularly great filled with the K-J AVANT Red Blend – it’s perfect for cozy holiday gatherings and goes beautifully with the comfort foods of the season.

Here’s hoping you have lots of beautiful gatherings with your favorite people this holiday! 

For wine serving tips, visit the Entertainment section of our website.