When it comes to making my home festive over the holidays, there's one person I always turn to for advice: Ina Garten. The ultimate homemaker who can transform any space in an instant, Ina's tips are always useful, but around the festive season, they're even more appreciated.
Taking to Instagram to share three Thanksgiving table ideas, Ina's dining table looks so impressive and inviting – and is surprisingly easy to achieve. While she focuses on Thanksgiving as her inspiration, I'm convinced that Ina's styling tips can easily be replicated for Christmas.
While laying the Christmas table is always exciting, Ina's unique arrangement will make the preparations for the big feast feel even more eventful. Achievable in a matter of minutes, it's worth giving this simple yet enduringly festive look a go this season.
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Ina's table styling tips are so insightful. While all three looks are impressive, the first is my favorite. It feels classically festive and sophisticated – and it couldn't be easier to recreate at home. First, protect your table with the Multisize Clear PVC Vinyl Table Protector Runner from Amazon, then go in with your Ina-inspired decor.
Ina places a handful of clear votive candles at the heart of her table, creating a warm glow that entices and inspires. This set of 6 is perfect for layering and creating that inviting feel.
Ina uses colorful napkins for her Thanksgiving table. To make the look more festive, opt for a vibrant red style like these organic cotton ones from Pottery Barn that are timelessly Christmassy.
Ina opts for a simple, neutral tablecloth as the base for her diningware. This natural linen design will beautifully frame your space and work with an array of decor.
You'll notice Ina uses glass vases along her dining table, filling them with vibrant tulips. To make the look feel festive, fill this stem vase with seasonal red flowers such as a poinsettia or amaryllis.
The finishing touch on Ina's holiday table is a cookie, placed on each guest's plate. While a pumpkin cookie is perfect for Thanksgiving, a star-shaped biscuit will transform your dining table into the ultimate festive display.
Perfect for adding color to your table, this faux amaryllis bouquet will shine all season long. For an Ina-inspired look, place the bouquet in a glass vase for a simple yet stylish homage to the season.
What I love about Ina's dining table look is its simplicity. It's so easy to achieve at home and proves you don't need to buy a whole new collection of pieces to make your table feel festive.
While Ina designs a festive Thanksgiving spread, you can easily apply the tips for your Christmas table, too. Just swap out the seasonal orange touches for a festive red or green and opt for a seasonal stem or Christmas plant like a poinsettia or amaryllis.
Ina explains, 'First, I cover the table with a waterproof runner to protect the table. Then I put a tablecloth over it.'
Moving onto the tableware, Ina says, 'Then white plates. I'm using square ones, which are also a little modern. Just plain silver cutlery, simple wine glasses, then to complement the orange flowers, orange napkins, folded really simply.' Remember to swap out the orange touches with red or green hues for a Christmassy look.
Ina creates the perfect Christmas table centerpiece idea with a simple pairing of flowers and drinking glasses. 'The flowers themselves go down the middle of the table, just in drinking glasses. I always do them in odd numbers, so for this one, three, but if you have a long table, maybe five. And then I add plates of little orange clementines in between the flowers. Then votive candles scattered right down the middle of the table – they really add that sparkle.'
She adds, 'Then, the final touch is to use these charming pumpkin cookies as name cards. It's simple, it's stylish, and I think the orange always looks so festive.' While a pumpkin cookie is perfect for Thanksgiving, swap out this step with a festive cookie shaped like a star or a Christmas tree.
Ina's holiday table look is so stylish and surprisingly simple. While it works for Thanksgiving, changing the color palette and florals makes it the perfect advice for Christmas table styling.
