Christmas tablescape

The first thing every hostess wants is an elegant table setting to impress their guests. That would be great if she had a butler and maid to help serve the meal, but in reality, she doesn't. Therefore, she must think a few levels down from her wants and consider where to put the serving dishes once everyone has had a chance to get their first portion and where to put those dishes to wait for second helpings. 

Not everyone has a sideboard to place those serving dishes until someone wants more servings. Accordingly, the hostess must figure out where to put those dishes, usually, it's in the middle of the table so everyone can serve themselves. That's why I suggest that a hostess use the setting of the following photo as their guide. The old KISS saying "keep it simple stupid" applies in every holiday setting. If you use a simple centerpiece you can leave it on the table and place your serving dishes on either side for your guests to reach for if they wish to have second helpings. 

You should also plan your tablescape settings a few months in advance of any holiday to ensure that what you plan to serve can be placed on the table so you, the host, can relax during the meal and enjoy your guests.  

Here is another suggestion for your decorating concepts, try to buy decorations that can be used for various holidays. They don't all have to scream Christmas or any other holiday, but neutral enough that they can be used for another get-together in the year. For example, red could be used for Valentine's Day, but not for Easter or Thanksgiving. Remember whatever you buy for one holiday has to be stored in a container in the garage or spare room until that next holiday time. Think about storage when you buy tablescape items, make them work for you multiple times throughout the year. Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all. 

 Artist and Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a master’s in criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.