*I know I posted images of table settings for Thanksgiving, but I really love the inspiration for something a bit different each time I get to set the table for a dinner or lunch.  I hope you’re able to retrieve some inspiration for your holiday entertaining.

One week down, already!  Let’s all take a collective deep breath and slow down.  We need to enjoy the beauty that the season has to offer.  Make time to sip hot cocoa or a cup of tea as you review your ‘to do’ list.

This week I’m sharing table settings dressed for the season.  I realized a long time ago that while I thoroughly enjoy setting a table, most guests are in your home to share some quality time with you, and while they may subconsciously enjoy the lovely setting, its not as important as you may think it is.  That doesn’t keep me from always trying to make it as special as possible, but it does mean we can all relax and keep it simple.  It’s all about enjoying the moment this year.

This is my table for most Christmas entertaining.  The center piece is made up of a bronze reindeer I purchased one winter while visiting a friend in Snowmass, CO.  I love him and I have a florist set him in a low container with florist foam and then it’s filled with various evergreen pine and pine cones and faux berries.  As long as it’s watered as needed, it lasts the entire month.  

{This is last year’s arrangement, this year I went with white berries, pheasant feathers and pinecones.  I’d love to say that it’s still at the florist, but it is in fact sitting on my dining room table.  It’s just been a crazy week and I did not get a picture of it!}  

This is such a lovely, simple place setting, don’t you agree? White twinkle lights and candlelight, what could be better?

Candlelight, whether achieved with flameless candles or real, makes any tablescape magical.

{sorry, unknown}

 You can never go wrong with plaid for Christmas!  Throw in a few nutcrackers and you have the perennial favorite for the season.

I like the rustic coasters and name card, paired with sheet music.  I wonder if this is for a caroling party? Wouldn’t that be a fun idea?

{via}

This is really a great way to introduce some plaid to the table, a couple of plaid throws doing double duty as table toppers.  I do love an English styled room for the holidays. So inviting.

All white, even the Christmas trees are set with white lights and nothing else.  It’s simply elegant.

Delores over at Vignette Design always sets a pretty table.

{via}

{via}

Rustic is a favorite look of mine, this setting makes me think it’s a house in a beautiful mountain town….hmm, I wonder.

{via}

This is my table set for New Years Eve last year.

What do you like to set the table with this time of year?  

I hope you’ll tune in for next week’s installment—“Christmas Cozy”.  Rooms that are sure to invite you in and help you relax, all the while in a cozy setting.