Holidays & Entertaining 26 Beautiful DIY Table Setting Ideas for the Holidays Indulge your creativity with one of these crowd-pleasing table settings. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 30, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Deborah Jaffe A gallery of elegant table-topping ideas to enhance any occasion. 01 of 25 Fill tiny tin cups with fresh-cut blooms and place at each setting for sweet-smelling ambience. Deborah Jaffe 02 of 25 Start with a design theme (like cozy and rustic, complete with “log cabin”), then follow it through with all the elements―including napkins, centerpieces, and tablecloth. Anita Calero 03 of 25 Natural elements can be surprising additions, whether as centerpieces or tucked into a pretty ribbon fastening the silverware. Michael Paul 04 of 25 A whiteboard makes a clever charger-slash–place card―not to mention the perfect receptacle for dinnertime doodling. Lucas Allen 05 of 25 Look to the craft store for inexpensive decorating materials, like red felt rectangles used as place mats, and matching lengths of ribbon. Lucas Allen 06 of 25 Scatter votive candles about the table to set the mood simply. Getty Images 07 of 25 For an eye-catching place setting, rest a bold colored napkin in between stacked white dinner and salad plates. Francois Dischinger 08 of 25 Even a casual setting can have a hint of drama, here supplied by geometric-patterned salad plates. Jonny Valiant 09 of 25 Refreshingly different place cards for summertime entertainment: personalized flags anchored in zesty limes. Anita Calero 10 of 25 A pretty table runner laid down the length of a table can serve as both decoration and place mats. Francois Dischinger 11 of 25 Get playful with seating arrangements by using alphabet magnets to mark each guest’s spot. Formula Z/S 12 of 25 Awning-striped “menus” add a bright, summery note. Anita Calero 13 of 25 Plastic place card holders are a good low-cost investment for future parties. Lucas Allen 14 of 25 Cut chalkboard paper into place mat–size pieces―and be sure to provide each guest with chalk. Anita Calero 15 of 25 Ideal for windy outdoor dining, printed rubber bands prettily secure napkins and silverware to plates. Anita Calero 16 of 25 Sum up the evening for your guests in fun and imaginative make-your-own place mats. Lucas Allen 17 of 25 Make place cards that are favors too, like this one using an inexpensive seed packet. Lucas Allen 18 of 25 Even on its own, a splashy place mat creates an interesting setting. Francois Dischinger 19 of 25 A generously sized place mat in a graphic pattern serves up visual interest in a minimal arrangement. David Prince 20 of 25 Surprise guests with small treats that act as both placeholders and favors. Anita Calero 21 of 25 For a little French-bistro flair, turn a colorful dish towel into a shared place mat. Antonis Achilleos 22 of 25 A properly set table has an array of glasses―one for water, one for white wine, one for red. Jonny Valiant 23 of 25 Use stamps to mark card stock with pretty designs for an instant place card solution. Marcus Nilsson 24 of 25 Simple variations on a color are an easy way to pull together a table. David Prince 25 of 25 A combination of florals―a pretty quilt repurposed as a tablecloth; dinnerware; and straight-from-the-garden blooms―turn an outdoor dinner party into a lush affair. Anita Calero Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit