Setting the Table for the Holidays:

Among all the additional tasks that the holidays give us there is one daunting task. Setting the table. Out of the 365 days a year, there are those days at the end that have us all inviting friends and family over to feast. We picture a cozy atmosphere, chestnut on an open fire, basically anything from a Hallmark Holiday Show. If you are in charge of the task of setting the table this year, we are here to help. We have some great ideas incorporating pillar candles, fresh herbs, and setting a vibe.

The best part is you don't need to be an interior designer to set an esthetically pleasing table. Chances are, if your family is anything like mine, they won't even notice but hey it's the thought that counts right…?

5 Easy Steps to Set the Perfect Holiday Table:

Place settings and Tablecloths:

Decide on a color scheme or theme for the table. Traditional red and green is always a classic look but have fun with it! We suggest taking a modern approach where less color is more. This creates a less chaotic vibe by choosing a neutral color as your base and adding pops of red and green as accents. These colors can also range in the more rustic style instead of bright.

Setting the table for an event.

Choose a Centerpiece:

This is one of my personal favorites, you can get creative here. I suggest curating a centerpiece that is eye-catching yet not distracting. I know a lot of people choose to buy gorgeous flowers, don't get me wrong, but sometimes the aroma can be contrasted with food. Try swapping out the flowers for unscented pillar candles. Larger pillar candles can add a pop of art and the beautiful thing is you don't always need a lot of them. My favorite way to add pillar candles is to either trio a set of pillar candles in the center of the table. When choosing pillar candles make sure they are unscented and nontoxic. When I created Alkeme Pillar Candles this was one of the major key factors. Scentless candles provide a hypoallergenic and neutral addition to your holiday table.

Handmade Pillar Candles ranging in size paired with wine.

Add small decorations as a whimsical touch:

A sprinkle of a rosemary branch here and there adds a wonderful winter touch to the table. Dried cranberries or rose, anything that is again subtler in scent but more of the eye-catching appeal. This is a great way to add aroma naturally. I even like to throw a couple of cinnamon sticks on the table for the same holiday effect.

Holiday aromatherapy; cinnamon sticks, rosemary, oranges, cranberries.



Cocktail Ware

Don't be afraid to break out the nice cocktailware you’ve been storing away. Even a mocktail is more fun in a fancy glass. This is also a great way to introduce mocktails, which are on the rise. Enhancing the presentation on the table while hydrating your guests. Another tip here is to offer both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage options. There are so many recipes online to choose from!

Set the Vibe

Now this last one isn't technically on the table but it helps a lot if there is some awkward silence. Hide a speaker that connects to your phone or iPod somewhere in the room where your table is. Have a playlist preset so you can control the music a little more. This really helps when new family members are meeting or if you haven't seen each other in a while. I heavily suggest having a playlist pre-mapped out like light jazz or piano music so Doja Cat doesn't randomly start playing while you're eating. Unless that’s what you're into, then do you!

The most important thing is to have fun with it! Holidays are stressful as it is so make it fun and don’t take it too seriously. You can always take these tips for not just holidays but any event. If you are celebrating a wedding the color scheme will of course change but the accents you can add may be similar. With adding these small shifts into your home decor the entire look and feel of everyday dinners changes. So objects like pillar candles can be stationary pieces as the rosemary piece can be something you add in every so often.

We hope you found this article helpful for the holidays. Check out our website www.Alkeme.shop for more helpful tips on daily routines, rituals, home decor, and of course our handmade pillar candles.