Holiday Table Settings 101: Picks That Will Last You All Year Long

A simple and elegant tablescape idea that works year round!

I love the idea of creating a festive holiday inspired table, but I hate the idea of spending all that money on table decor I’m only going to use a few times.

Enter this neutral table setting that’s perfect year round.

With a few holiday touches (hello adorable reindeer cookies!), it’s holiday ready in a flash.

Neutrals are always a classy and elegant choice. They’re timeless yet modern at the same time. And if you’re looking for an extra punch of color, you can always add in a different flower or linen pick.

Here’s what you’ll need to pull it off on your end:

1. Neutral linens:
Red table linens are for some people. They are not for me. I love the classic white look of a tablecloth. To avoid it looking like my mom’s fancy linens, I like one with a little texture and rustic feel. Mine is from Ikea, which just proves that you don’t need to spend a whole lot of money! A neutral linen works year round. It’s perfect for that outdoor vibe, and also great with winter whites.

2. White Plates:
White plates pop on the table. They also allow the other element to really stand out.
These are from the Bay, but there are great choices for party style entertaining like these ones from Target. Inexpensive white plates are such a great investment. They don’t have to be the fanciest! They are so perfect for entertaining because they can be mismatched (as long as they’re the same shade of white it will look intentional, just alternate the plates!), and if one breaks no one minds!

3. A touch of metallic:
I adore my gold candlesticks. True story, they’re actually white candlesticks from Ikea. I swear this post is not sponsored by Ikea btw! I spray painted them gold and they have become an entertaining essential for me. While they work all year long, they are especially loved during the holidays. I also used gold flatware to bring it all together. Those little flower vases? They’re actually candle votives! Be creative- find whatever is metallic in your house and transform it!

4. A rustic element:
Because it’s cold and snowy outside, a touch of wood is the perfect thing to tie this all together. With some major help from Morgane of Papier Velour, I got the most gorgeous wooden carved menus. These are actually more affordable than you think, and if you’re smart enough to not put the date, it’s something you can use over and over again. If you use some general language (pasta of the day, fish of the day…) you can get away with using them on more occasions than you would think!

5. A pop of green:
It is December after all! I sourced green branches from a local florist and just cut them up to fit my table. I weaved them in and out to showcase more of the green than the brown of the branches. It cost mere dollars and created such a personal touch. Tight on your budget? Be creative and source the branches from your backyard!

6. Florals:
Because it ain’t fancy until there are florals 😉 To keep it budget conscious, I purchased all the flowers myself from the grocery store, and arranged them myself. By creating a vertical line of flowers, greenery and candles, I avoided the need for a larger pricier centrepiece.

At this point, this table setting can be used year round. By switching out the winter greenery for some brighter more tropical leaves, this table works equally as well in the spring!

But to make it more holiday inspired, I added a few fun touches like the adorable treats from Sweet Savour (I mean those cookies are so perfect!), a fun holiday party favour (you can catch the full DIY here) and my favourite gold glasses. Loads of green, gold and white. The best.