During the holidays, we all have that one thing that makes the season special. For some it’s exchanging gifts, for others it’s the glamour of cocktail parties, but for us it’s creating dazzling table settings for Christmas dinner.
Illustration by Lindsay Agnew.

Tabletop decor
When it comes to entertaining, the food should always be the star, but that shouldn’t stop you from creating a dramatic centrepiece. For each of your guests, wrap a small gift in beautifully patterned paper, then stack the gifts on a silver tray in the centre of the table to create height and interest (the display can easily be taken away upon the arrival of the turkey).
How to set the table
Keep the stemware and table linens simple, but adorn the edges of the tablecloth and napkins with bands of ribbon for a customized look (the ribbon can be changed every year to suit your holiday scheme). Krosno Vinoteca red wine glass, $50 per set of 6, Northdale Trading.
Colourful ornaments
Add a touch of festive colour with these bright purple Christmas ornaments. Purple ornaments, from $5, HomeSense.
White tablecloth
Keep linens neutral to make the rest of your holiday decor stand out. PC Hotel tablecloth, from $17, and dinner napkins, $8 per set of 4, Loblaw Superstores.
Pretty ribbon
As a finishing touch, tie lengths of ribbon across the back of each chair and adorn with a small wreath and an ornament. Ribbon, $6 each, Michaels.
Patterned paper
The chic hue of this wrapping paper will make any gift look incredibly elegant. J apanese papers, from $1 each, The Paper Place.