Snowball Place Setting

Published November 20, 2012

Look for styrofoam balls in craft stores such as Michaels

It’s a simple idea, but, never the less a good one.

Too many times we find ourselves scrambling at the last minute to hastily set a festive table for a dinner party. It seems we put a lot of time and effort into the flavors of the food we serve so why not spend a little time on the table presentation as well?

Believe it or not, with a little planning ahead the task is not as daunting as it may appear.

Here are a few tips on how to make your table look like you had a professional do it for you.

Firstly, keep it simple. Start with a colour scheme and work from there. One to two colours on the table are plenty to pull a theme together. Your theme could be as easy as white and silver or red with green. Combine some white candles with snowball place cards (see below) and sprinkle the table with silver jingle bells. Or if you prefer a Country theme, decorate your table with large pinecones, noble fir boughs and dark green candles. Use large red apples as part of the centerpiece arrangement surrounded with small tea lights. Keep table coverings simple by using one solid colour for the table or a series of the same colour placemats. Sometimes two contrasting colours of fabric work beautifully as a nice backdrop for a simple centerpiece. A table runner is another simple idea. Purchase these at home decorating stores and add festive touches with candles and ornaments at each place setting.

Secondly, choose a centerpiece that is theme specific and not complicated. The last thing you want to worry about is fussing over a centerpiece while you are in the kitchen. A simple pedestal of green or red apples is stunning surrounded by small vases of red flowers and votive candles. Or, centerpieces can be as simple as grouping a variety of different size candles together on a mirror or silver platter. Poinsettias make wonderful centerpieces. Group them in one colour in the center of the table or scatter the smaller varieties down the length of the buffet.

Use rings around the napkins in your chosen theme. Or perhaps a folded napkin with a fresh orchid tucked inside and a small ornament attached with the guest’s name. At the end of the evening, the guest may take the ornament home as a keepsake.

If you are planning a buffet, use assorted styles and shapes of platters for added effect. Scatter small tea lights along the buffet table and complement with miniature vases filled with fresh roses.

Whatever theme you choose, remember to keep the table as clutter- free as possible. The idea is to draw the eye to the added details such as the centerpiece, place card holders and floral accents.

Here’s an idea for a cute and simple place card setting.

Snowballs

For a sleek and contemporary table, purchase 3-4″ diameter Styrofoam balls from a local craft store. Cut a small flat section out of the bottom of the ball for it to stand upright. With a sharp knife, make a small slit in the top of the ball and insert the place setting card. Place the snowball on white plates and surround with a white tablecloth and silver accents.

*Did you know?

You can purchase ice lanterns at home decor and craft stores. These plastic molds are filled with water and inserted with holly sprigs or other decorative accessories and the mold is then frozen in the freezer overnight. Twenty minutes before serving dinner simply remove the lantern from the mold and place a candle inside the center and watch it glow!