christmas dining room table centerpiece

during the holidays, your living room maybe the star, but the dining room is where the conversation begins. this christmas, spendextra energy on the room where guests will be seated for hours. [music] create a centerpiecethat runs the length of a long table where everyone gets a festive view. start by cuttinga runner width piece of linen and laying it down the center of the table. next, scattergreenery sprigs and ornaments on top of the runner. then add a few clutches of paperwhitesand hypericum berries in silver vases. finally, add a couple groupings of mercury glass candlestickholders. the overall look is casual, long, low, and it won't block the view across thetable. combine heirloom or wedding china with contemporary glassware and flat ware, andsolid color napkins to create a festive up

to date look. don't own china? look to yourlocal thrift shops and antique malls to start your own mix collection. you typically won'tfind whole sets, so create sheik sets thematically, such as all metallic, all blue and white,or all floral. if you are hosting a big holiday party, consider putting the tree in the diningroom to create a focal point. [music] place the tree in front of a window, in the corner,or at the center end of the dining room. remove a chair if needed to provide adequate trafficflow. coordinate the decorations on the christmas tree with the center piece, and wrap presentsin a restrained palette to keep attention on the table where the guests are. now youcan serve the big christmas dinner in style, in a welcoming room that's decked out withgorgeous decor and holiday cheer.