Trending on Remodelista: The Holiday Table

With a month of celebrations ahead, the Remodelista editors spent the week rounding up ideas for setting a festive table. Here are their tips for no-fuss entertaining, with style:

Well-Planned Workspace

Above: In Remodelista co-founder Francesca Connolly’s Brooklyn Heights kitchen, a marble countertop stretches the length of the room. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

If you’ve read through the pros and cons of marble countertops in Remodeling 101: Marble Countertops and settled on using marble for your kitchen or bath, you still have some decisions to make: What type to get? And which slab? Read more in Remodeling 101: The Difference Between Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuary Marble.

No-Iron Napkins

Above: Relaxed Linen Napkins in Chambray are $38 for a set of four at Garnet Hill. “Year-round festive but not holiday corny,” says Margot. See more ideas in our sponsored post, Editors’ Picks: Our Favorite Holiday Finds from Garnet Hill for Hostess Gifts and More (Plus 25% Off and Free Shipping).

Cocktail Party Kit

Above: “One of our favorite kits for the holidays is the Instant Cocktail Kit,” says Alexa. Photograph by Matthew Williams and styling by Alexa Hotz.

“Our theory is this: You’re more likely to throw an impromptu drinks or dinner party when your tabletop elements are kept at the ready in one place,” writes Alexa. See her tips in Steal This Look: The Instant Cocktail Party Kit.

Sawhorse Tables

Above: A 59-inch-long sawhorse Finnvard/Linnmon Table is $129.99 from Ikea.

For the holiday season, “sawhorse tables, assembled from goods from the hardware or lumber store, can easily flat-pack when not in use,” writes Annie. “Come time for a celebration, assemble one stand-alone table for an intimate dinner party, or create a long, grand table.” See more inspiration at Small-Space DIY: 7 Sawhorse Dining Tables for Impromptu Gatherings.

Color Scheme

Above: “Tricia Rose of Rough Linen is our authority on relaxed-but-refined style” for setting the holiday table, writes Annie.

When you choose a palette for the table settings, “Think about your overall theme for your gathering, and pick a color scheme that matches,” says Tricia. “Are you aiming for warm and earthy, slow food, homemade bread? Layer tones such as moss and natural for an earthen, autumnal table. Going for sharp and wintery style? Off-white and ink colors layer beautifully for a crisp white and blue palette. Moody, brooding fig brings an urbane edge and makes everything look richer.”

See more in The Last-Minute Host: 10 Tips for Setting the Holiday Table, from Tricia Rose.