2 Simple Holiday Table Settings
![Holiday Table Settings 2 Ways](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/023/0230/0230505.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661805698461.jpeg)
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/editors/Liz-Gray/headshot-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1423609567398.jpeg)
Don’t greet your holiday guests with the same old table setting. Mix it up with two fun table settings that are festive enough for a party but simple enough for a small seasonal gathering. Read on as we break down both looks.
Look 1: Vintage Christmas
Our first take on a holiday table was inspired by vintage Christmas decor. This retro look features red, white and mint.
![Vintage Red-and-White Holiday Table Setting Retro Holiday Table Setting Theme](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Vintage-Full-Table-2_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1415980499638.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Start with a simple butcher paper base and a sparkling red runner. Add mint green bottle brush and mercury glass trees to capture the vintage vibe in one of the season’s hottest hues. Repurpose cookie jars as a cute vases for red and white flowers.
![Vintage Red-and-White Holiday Table Setting Retro Holiday Table Setting Theme](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Vintage-Full-Table_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1415980424325.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
A cute cake stand is the base of this table’s centerpiece: a giant snow globe! Add battery-powered LED lights, top with Epsom salt "snow" and add mini bottle brush trees, animals and vintage finds.
![Cake Stand Turned Snow Globe Retro Holiday Table Setting](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Snow-Globe_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1415979845241.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Start each place setting with an organic polka dot placemat. Top it off with blue vintage-inspired dishes, red-and-white napkins and a cheery retro coaster.
![Vintage Red-and-White Holiday Table Setting Retro Holiday Table Setting Theme](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Vintage-Coaster_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1415980268746.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Steal Santa's cookie plate to house coordinating sweets, like these red velvet cupcakes. Let the vintage party begin!
![Vintage Red-and-White Plate With Cupcakes Retro Holiday Table Setting With Cupcakes](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Vintage-Cupcakes_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1415980340751.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Look 2: Palm Springs Holiday
Feeling more modern? This sophisticated, black-and-gold party theme gets a fun twist from bold geometric accents and colorful cacti.
![Palm Springs-Inspired Holiday Table Setting Modern Black and White Holiday Table Setting](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Palm-Springs-Table-Full-2_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1415979774945.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Now it’s time to set the table with black, white and gold. This look starts with a black-and-white runner layered with lots of tall, white candlesticks. Mix candlestick and pillar candle sizes for a designer look.
For a fun twist on classic holiday décor, tuck mini cacti inside bright candleholders, or add a colorful cactus arrangement right in the center of the table.
![Palm Springs-Inspired Holiday Table Setting Modern Black and White Holiday Table Setting](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Palm-Springs-Table-Cactus_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1415979482508.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
If you haven’t heard of himmeli ornaments, prepare to be obsessed. Use black plastic straws and colorful yarn to create a simpler, sturdier version of the Finnish ornaments, which are traditionally made from straw. Create a bunch for a graphic hanging centerpiece.
![Use black plastic straws and colorful yarn to create a simpler, sturdier version of Finnish Himmeli ornaments, which are traditionally made from straw. Hang a bunch together for a modern, graphic holiday centerpiece.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Palm-Springs-Himmeli-4_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1415979168189.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
![Use black plastic straws and colorful yarn to create a simpler, sturdier version of Finnish Himmeli ornaments, which are traditionally made from straw. Hang a bunch together for a modern, graphic holiday centerpiece.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Palm-Springs-Himmeli-5_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1415979248529.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Wood chargers painted with geometric shapes add bold hues beneath each place setting.
![Geometric Wood Chargers How to Paint Wood Chargers](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/10/original_hgtv-crafternoon-geometric-chargers_beauty1_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1415652983790.jpeg)
Liz Gray, © 2013 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Riffing on the geometric vibe, rock candy doubles as place card and favor. Add a section of gold washi tape, trim the ends in a pennant shape and write each guest’s name.
![Rock Candy Place Card Blue Rock Candy Place Card](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Palm-Springs-Rock-Candy_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1415979347625.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Add a sparkling touch to each glass with a gold sugar rim. Simply dip the edge of each glass in about a quarter-inch of water, then dip in sugar.
![Palm Springs-Inspired Holiday Table Setting Modern Black and White Holiday Table Setting](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2014/11/14/0/Original_HGTV-Crafternoon-Holiday-Party-Themes-Palm-Springs-Table-Champagne_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1415979630538.jpeg)
Andrew McGary, © 2014 HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Cheers to two new ways to celebrate this season!