How to Set a Festive Holiday Table

The content below may contain affiliate links, which means that when you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

I am in my maximalist era this holiday season, so buckle up, friends. We hosted a very mini Thanksgiving dinner for our little family before our bigger celebrations. Our tabletop involved all of the layers of patterns – and my husband’s incredible turkey. I don’t have enough space here to share how good it all was.

The base for our table is one of Julia Amory’s beautiful block prints. The rectangular version that we used is sold out, but you can easily layer a round on top of a rectangular brown tablecloth to achieve the same look with a subtle peek of a neutral base at the bottom.

You can’t go wrong with brass candlesticks for Thanksgiving or the holiday season. Taper candles add a beautiful warmth. I love this set, which offers a more modern and fun twist. There are tons of colorways. You could easily take this up a notch with those. The ones I used here are part Cire Trudon and part homemade candlesticks I purchased when Light up the Season featured a holiday market. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend swinging by the Four Seasons once the event kicks off to see all of the beautiful holiday decorations and supporting a wonderful cause. You can also stalk tickets to the sold-out Teddy Tea. It’s always a wonderful time.

I added highs and lows in terms of height with these fun pinecone candles. Similar ones are here and here. I just set them on top of our Herend coasters for a pretty look that also protects our tablecloth and table.

If you don’t already have wax dots or Museum Wax, be sure and pick some up now. You will thank me later when your tapers stay put.

Our velvet pumpkins are new this year and I just love them. We sprinkled in real pumpkins along with these velvet ones – safely away from flames – and it added such a fun dimension to our table. Mine are sold out, but I found similar styles here and here.

I have a collection of fall plates that are similar to Spode Woodland. I’m also working on a collection of Juliska’s fabulous Country Estate in Flint. Our chargers are from Target and have been insanely long-lasting. I wish they still made them. If you’re looking for a total steal on chargers, here are some on sale 4 for $30. Crate and Barrel is also always a steady option.

Happy hosting!