My cousin (no, not the weird one…the other one!) recently asked for formal Christmas tablescape ideas using cranberries as a part of the decor. Ask, and you shall receive! This table is shown in the Tuscan-style (long) form. Click HERE to see how the look of the same basic decor changes with a square table. (The 2nd look would also work quite well with a round table!)
Here, two 6′ x 30″ oblong tables are set end-to-end to create a 12-ft. table. With the large amount of decorative detail, generously proportioned 13″ chargers, and increased amount of china and flatware, however, it only seats 8. Using the more common 12″ charger, smaller decorative elements, and eliminating the bread plate would free up space for up to 12 guests.
The Christmas holidays are a time for over-the-top tablescapes that have a lush, luxurious feel to them. Using an additional charger can help achieve that look and feel. I like to remove the first one after the salad course and the second after the entrée. (Formal etiquette calls for removing all chargers before the entrée is served, but many guests enjoy the additional razamatazz. Depending on who I’m entertaining, it might stay or go!) For this place setting, a 13″ sparkly red charger (Target) is topped with a 12″ silverplate charger. Any plates with a formal holiday vibe will work. I used my trusty Noritake “Spectrum” dinner and salad plates with the simple, sleek platinum band.
A crisp white cotton napkin with a monogram or initial is always perfect for a formal setting. An icy crystal napkin ring from Z Gallerie helps to set this one off against the silver and white plates.
J.A. Henckels’ “Bellaserra” flatware has a beautiful mirrored finish that works well with the silver & white tablescape. A black-handled steak knife is added for use with the entrée.
Cristal d’Arques “Longchamps” crystal stemware is always a nice choice. The diamond-shaped cut of this crystal mimics the cut of the Z Gallerie napkin ring.
Cranberries are wonderful for Christmastime decorating! They are relatively inexpensive (you can pick them up for as little as 99¢ a bag at Aldi’s or similar discount grocery stores), and they can be used in SO many ways. To dress them up, I am floating them in silver pedestal bowls with candles. (I used this pedestal bowl filled with rose petals for a wedding tablescape HERE.)
Placed at strategic intervals down the table are three 27″ silverplate candlesticks with pillar candles. The candlesticks lend height to the table as well as ambient light at a higher level. The rose-filled silver julep cups placed at each person’s place setting work well as tabletop decor during the meal and as a nice take-home gift after dinner.
Ambient light at the lowest level is provided by silver mercury glass votive holders.
The red berry theme is extended with a berry-covered grapevine wreath over the mantel. The greenery on the wreath is the same used in the small julep arrangements on the table. Additional silver mercury glass votives flank the wreath.
So…if you have space for a 12-ft.+ table, this style works very well. (Two 8-ft. tables would require additional decorative pieces, but would be extra FABulous!!!) Of course, it requires a bit more decor because of its length, but it’s the same as doing two rounds. To see the squared version of this table which can also be done with a round, click HERE.
More tablescape designs on this site using long tables:
“Oopsy Daisy!”
“Raining Orchids“
“September Wine“
“Autumn White Wedding“
“Get Me to the Church On Time“
“Daisy Crazy“
“Blue & White Family Picnic“
“Thanksgiving 2010“
“Hollywood Fright Night“
“Celebrate the Season“
“Black, White & Red All Over“
“Pretty In Pink“
“Love & Orchids”
“Tented Green“
A few other Christmas tablescapes on this site include:
“Celebrate the Season”
“Christmas in the Woods”
“Kaleidoscope Christmas”
“Merry & Bright – Multi-Color Christmas”
“Christmas Through the Red Door”
“Life Is A Cabaret – New Year’s Eve”
“Waking Up to Christmas – Bedroom Decor”
“Black, White & Red All Over Christmas”
“Christmas 2012 – Red, Black & Silver”
“Checkered Christmas”
“Pink & Purple Chocolate Christmas”
“Sugar High Payback”
“Contemporary Christmas”
“Gentlemen’s Winter Retreat”
“Woodland Men’s Tablescape”
“Cranberry Christmas Squared”
“Get Me To the Church On Time”
“Christmas Progressive Dinner”
“White Hot”
“Winter Brunch”
“Really Red Christmas”
“Roman Holiday”
“Cardinal Christmas”
“Frosty the Snowman”
“March of the Penguins”
“Winter Cardinal”
“Ideas for Throwing a Winter Dessert Party”
“Christmas Fiesta”
“Over the River and Through the Woods”
“Black Friday Luncheon”
“Noel Progressive Dinner”
“Old-Fashioned Red & Green Christmas”
“Timberland Christmas”
“Christmas Coffee”
“Warm Metal Christmas”
“Let It Snow”
“Tuscan Holiday“
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! I am joining Susan and the other tablescapers from around our glorious world for Tablescape Thursday again this week. You’re invited to come along for the ride!
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
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Beautiful!! I love decorating at Christmas with cranberries! Wow. those tall candle holders are awesome!
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Oh, yes…the silver, huge, beautiful pedestal bowls…my heart remembers them well. I think I might have to just stop looking at your beautiful tables–the lusting HAS GOT TO STOP!! LOL! What a beautiful, striking table (as always), Alycia! And I love the subtle touch of red peeking from under the dishes, from the final charger. Are the chargers the plastic ones I see everywhere, or glass? They look glittery and fabulous. Thank you for another feast for the eyes. Oh, BTW…I want to attend one of your soirees where you’re giving the julep cups away, okay. Just call me when THAT day happens. I figure if I can bring my husband along we end up with TWO:)! (I have some and love them…a girl can’t have too many :). Love your posts, Alycia!
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Elegant and beautiful! Festive without screaming “Christmas”.
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Alycia, this is really lovely. I think cranberries make for a beautiful theme. I love that you stuck to only small touches of red, since it can be so overwhelming. Very formal with the white plates and linens, with just enough sparkle for interest, but not overly glitzy. I can only imagine the most fabulous meal being served at this table.
I want you to know I spent an entire evening on ebay looking for super tall candlesticks, because I love the ones you have! Gave up after the first thousand!
Elaine
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Girl, you do have the most fabulous tables! I adore the gorgeous candlesticks!! on the “want” list!!!! The cranberries are look awesome with the candles floating among them. Your are incredible when it comes to tablescapes!! I haven’t even thought of playing with dishes and darling I even have new ones to play with. 😦 hope things are well your way.
hugs ~lynne~
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Very nicely “dressed”.
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Alycia, Your table is so elegant with the touches of cranberry. Great candlesticks and large compote. Another fabulous tablescape. 🙂
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I love long tables like these ! My aunt used to set us up for our family gatherings and it always looked so inviting! I love your large scaled silver candlesticks and the pedastal bowl! Floating candles in cranberries- neat idea! You have some beautiful china and stemware! Love it all! Liz
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Georgous, darling! Do you think you could arrange for me to win a couple of those great candlesticks? Let me talk to Ramon!
Linda @ A Toile Tale
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How pretty and formal this looks Alycia! I think of a wedding party table when I see a long narrow table dressed up so nicely.
I think I’d like the square table if it were in my dining room. It just seems like more people could carry on a conversation at once. I’m going to put cranberries on my blue table for Christmas – thanks for the inspiration!
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You did fabulously! Love the table, the cranberries, the silver pedestal dish and the awesome tall silver candlesticks. Great example of how you can add utility tables and still have an elegant tablescape. Thanks for sharing and the tips. Blessings, Ginger
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Oh Alycia, I love the cranberries!! Beautifully done. Everything is so elegant.
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I love this table in front of the fireplace Alycia. The setting is gorgeous, the floating candles and cranberries are wonderful. All of it is luscious!
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I just love using cranberries for my holiday decor too. We always have at least one arrangement with floating cranberries and candles. What a fun long table this is. I especially love all of the silver and the little vases with roses are wonderful!
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Elegant as always. I again think that we must have been separated at birth in the hospital…my table is set right now with a design that I have called Cranberry Christmas. I adore the floating cranberries…consider that an idea stolen, er…co-opted. Thank you for inviting for a peak at your lovely design. Cherry Kay
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Great ideas here. Love the Tuscan long table in front of the fireplace. Thanks for posting! ~CJ
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Beautiful table, Alycia. I have a thing for tall candlesticks…fabulous! Love the compote filled with floating cranberries and candles.
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Hi Alycia~ I’ve layered cranberries in hurricanes or vases, but never floated them, how festive! Of course the fact that they’re floating in that spectacular silver vessel makes it all the more fabulous! I adore your rose-filled silver julep cups and the reflection you captured in your silver charger!
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Alycia, this is the most fabulous cranberry inspired table. I love the touches of red you chose on the table and the floating candles in the cranberries.. So perfect.. I love how you always have something really tall on your tables. and I love the tuscan length!! I learned so much from this table.. xo marlis
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Those pedestal bowls are just the right size for a “BIG” glass of wine! Love that look and love your ‘scape’. What I wouldn’t give to sit at one of your exquisite tables and be able to enjoy your wonderful sense of humor! Jackie
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just beautiful!! Love your crystal!!
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Gorgeous Alycia, great and beautiful cramberry inspiration! I love the floating candels and stems, just lovely. I love your tall things, you have that special touch, it’s like your brand, and you do it just perfectly my friend. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas, FABBY
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Beautiful, as always! I adore your candle sticks.
Suzyq
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Your table is simple but very elegant! I love that everything is beautiful but affordable! I need to be more creative with the things I own. I love the tall candle sticks and the silver bowl of cranberries! I love silver on the table. I thank you so much for sharing a beautiful table using cranberries!
Blessings My Friend,
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Alycia, your tables are always fabulous! I love the cranberry theme, so vibrant and perfect for the holidays. The candle holders are great! they make a statement.. It’s wonderful to do 2 tables. square and long.
Keep those wonderful tablescapes coming. Happy holidays…
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This is really fantastic! You do such a wonderful job! I’m in love with that crystal!!
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Those candle sticks are fabulous, and all the little vases of flowers so pretty!
99 for cranberries? I paid 2.50 on sale!
Very beautiful presentation, you are so talented!
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This looks like a banquet set for a King!
I like the way you staggered the place settings across from each other so that you would be looking at two people face to face, not directly at one person. I am going to remember that!
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Where are you seating me? Love your table! You are just to good! Thanks for sharing.I will be waiting for my New Years invitation in the mail.
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You always set an elegant table, Alycia, and this is no exception. I love the pop of color the cranberries bring on the table…..Christine
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