The holidays is a time for joy and cheer, but when it comes to the holiday decorations, obtaining the perfect look can be quite stressful! From everything ‘shining bright’ and a slew of twinkle lights and textures to choose from, how do you know which decorting option is best? We’ll leave it up to the experts on this one!

We spoke with a few experts such as: Celebrity Event Designer Amanda Orso, Joanna Buchanan and Imane Fiocchi, Founder of Neon Lace Company on what it takes as well as their favorite tips for creating a fresh and fun holiday mantle, as well as tips for the holiday table.

CHRISTMAS TABLE SETTING TIPS

Know your guests:

If there are going to be young children there, don't use anything that you will be heartbroken about losing. “The table can still be fabulous, and child friendly. It's amazing what you can do if you load up with flowers, greenery and non-breakable decor,” Barware and table top designer and entertaining expert Joanna Buchanan shares. “My vintage silver candelabras get great use this time of year. They are beautiful, but not so precious that I'm afraid to display them. You want everyone to be comfortable and relax -- no one likes a twitchy Mum.”

Mix High & Low:

Celebrity event Designer Amanda Orso shares the importance of mixing high’s and lows in your presentation. As the High-Low Hostess, I love combining some high-end tabletop items with “finds” from Amazon and all the discount stores when I’m setting my table or decorating my space. A few nice touches can elevate any “basics,” but not everything has to be expensive for a table or party to still feel “luxe.” (Just like in fashion.) Centerpieces, chargers, and everything in between can be done on a beer budget and combined together to create a champagne ambiance.

Imane Fiocchi seconds this notion and states, The perfect table-scape is a mix of good lighting, decor, table linens (of course!) and most importantly, your personal style. Research online references to establish the vibe you want to set, but always remember that your table-scape is a reflection of you - so be sure to incorporate your own flavors and nuance!

Layer the Table:

A layered dinner table creates visual appeal, but it’s also a great way to work in your theme or color scheme. Layers can be done in the form of tablecloths, table runners, chargers or placemats, and of course dishes. Personally, Amanda states that she loves to build up place settings with multiple chargers or placemats to make a table setting feel interesting, and will often add a themed salad or canape plate. Lastly, including an element from your theme either atop or next to each table setting can also pull a table together. Think: a sprig of holly, a miniature wreath, a piece of winter citrus, a jewel-toned ornament, and so on. How festive!

Print a Menu:

I love a good menu! It’s a fun way for your guests to know whats to come! A printed menu is simple to create, but provides big impact. It conveys sophistication but also thoughtfulness. Printing an element of your theme or color scheme on your menu is another way to make your event feel cohesive. (Buy 5 x 7 card stock, reset your printer settings, and voila!) You’ve elevated your holiday gathering!

There's never too much sparkle: 

This is a time of year when you literally cannot have too much sparkle, or fun. You can safely veer onto the side of OTT without losing hostess credibility! It's all about bringing joy, use the sparkling napkin rings, play with colour, mix it up! 

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a bigger occasion, we hope these expert tips, or this holiday decor video from Manna Kadar Beauty, will assist in spreading a bit more holiday cheer this year!