Setting a Beautiful Table: Best of the Best

As the holidays quickly approach, the pressure of hosting the perfect event can feel overwhelming. There's always that added expectation to make your home feel inviting, fresh, and timelessly festive. One of the biggest challenges often comes from setting the table, the place where everyone gathers and memories are made. A tablescape should feel intentional and reflective of the occasion, whether it's a holiday celebration, birthday dinner, or baby shower. The good news is that there's always time to create something beautiful in your home, no matter the event.

Here are five of our favorite designer-approved tips to make the process feel less daunting and to help you naturally elevate your holiday hosting.

 Photo by Anna Routh Barzin styled by Cameron Jones for Ivie Page Living

Tip #1: Mix Vintage with Modern for Effortless Charm

Don't be afraid to blend what you already own with something new. Pairing vintage dishware or heirloom china with fresh linens, modern glassware, or unexpected floral arrangements creates a layered, collected look that feels both nostalgic and current. The key is balance, treat your table like a room, mixing patterns, texture, and scale to make it feel intentional and alive.

Tip #2: Take Inspiration from the Season, Not the Theme

Shared by designer Jessica Rhodes of Park & ​​Division

Seasonal inspiration does not have to mean pumpkins or poinsettias. Jessica encourages drawing from the colors and textures of nature itself, such as the rich golds, russets, and soft greens of autumn, or the cool blues and silvers of winter. Let the tones of the season guide your palette instead of relying on traditional holiday motifs. The result feels intentional, natural, and beautifully timeless.

Tip #3: Bring Nature to the Table

Shared by designer Jennifer of Haute Down South

Jennifer loves the idea of ​​a “natural table runner” made from seasonal clippings and organic materials. Magnolia leaves, pinecones, evergreen, or bittersweet can create a beautiful base for the table while adding warmth and texture. For a more festive touch, tuck in small pumpkins, pomegranates, or candles for a layered look that feels both effortless and elegant. To complete the setting, mix in glassware in seasonal hues like amber or green to complement your china or centerpiece.

Tip #4: Shop Your House Before You Shop the Store

Shared by designer Kristie McGowan of @kristiemcgowanhome

Before buying anything new, take a walk around your home and gather pieces that inspire you. Pull vases, trays, or candles from other rooms and see how they work together in a new setting. Kristie often finds unexpected color combinations this way, like pairing blue and white ceramics from her entryway with lavender florals for a fresh take on Thanksgiving. Her approach is a reminder that breaking the rules can lead to something even more beautiful and personal.

Tip #5: Have Fun and Let Creativity Lead the Way

Shared by Michele Strauts of @craftingculture

Michele believes that there are no rules when it comes to creating a beautiful table. The best designs often come from thinking outside the box and adding something unexpected. For her husband's business school graduation, she stacked his textbooks as part of the centerpiece and paired them with his name tag for a personal touch. For her children's birthdays, she has decorated with toy dinosaurs and even hung parasols from the ceiling for a tea party. Her approach proves that table setting should be playful and imaginative. A table filled with creativity and joy will always be the one guests remember most.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season!

xo, Cameron

Compiled by Jillian Mayberry