The holidays are closing in and you have your game plan together for the food, visitors, and…oh no, you forgot the table decorations. Lucky for you, we’ve got a few simple steps you can take to quickly get your table decorations together for a big feast!

Step 1: Establish your Centerpiece

Your centerpiece will set the tone for all of your other table decorations – so you certainly don’t want to settle with something you don’t love. You can go buy a centerpiece at most stores around this time of year, but good ones can be pricey. You can certainly pull something together yourself but since you are pressed for time, we recommend utilizing Pinterest and searching for floral or woodsy centerpieces. If you really want to keep it simple, search minimalist centerpieces.

Step 2: Smaller Décor

Sometimes people like adding a little extra décor to the table that compliments the centerpiece. You can easily go outside and find pinecones, wildflowers (if it’s not too cold) or even go buy some smaller decorations at the store if you don’t have anything available around you. Also be sure to look around your house. You never know how many household items you have that can double as a beautiful fall feast decoration until you look.

Step 3: Tablecloth or No Tablecloth

Tablecloths can really make your table look holiday official. However, some thanksgiving tablecloths can have some wild patterns that can throw off your holiday vibes by making your table look cluttered.  If you are eating at a smaller table or if you plan to add some smaller decorations, just make sure there’s still room to for food. So, if you go with a tablecloth just dial back on the small décor a bit, make sure it doesn’t clash with the centerpiece, and you are good to go.

Thanksgiving cheers around the dinner table

Step 4: Glasses, Plates and Eating Utensils

Consider this the finishing touch to your Thanksgiving table décor. You can choose to be flashy or minimalist with glasses, plates and utensils depending on your style. A lot of families have china that has been passed down from generation to generation, so this is the time to bring those dishes out. If you don’t have any china to use, there’s no need to impulse buy. You can easily find plates that will fit your décor at your local department store for much cheaper.

Step 5: Preview Table Décor  

This seems like an obvious step, but when you are crunched for time this is easy to forget. After you have your décor together simply set your table up to see how it looks. You’ll get a good feel of what you need to adjust, remove or add so you can achieve the holiday table you envisioned.

Recap

The important things to remember for your holiday table setting is to make sure you maintain control of the colors, patterns, keep the clutter down and preview your table décor. Search for holiday items you need at dollar stores and low-price department stores before you take the more expensive routes. These steps will ensure you have a beautiful holiday table and help keep your costs low!

If you’re wishing you had a dining room better suited for the holidays, we have your answer at Lennar Nashville! We offer a variety of unique single-family homes and spacious townhomes that feature beautiful dining areas for an affordable cost. Visit our website to view our new homes or call us at 615-236-8076 to speak with our Internet Sales Team for more information.

Hosting a holiday get-together can be stressful. You have family and friends to manage, a menu to plan, decorating to do, gifts to buy… all while hoping the weather holds out so the roads will be clear. And if you’ve just moved into a new home, it’s easy to feel the pressures of entertaining compounding with the pressures of unpacking.

But don’t worry yourself too much! If fate has decided that you will be hosting your relatives for a holiday party – despite having just moved into your new home – there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure it’s a success.

1. Clarify the Logistics

First things first: Make sure that all of your guests have your new address. The last thing you want on the day-of is a bunch of calls or texts from family asking to confirm your new street name. Whether it’s in a formal announcement or invitation, social media post or group chat, be sure to clarify your new address, any special directions, and information on where guests can park when they arrive.

Related: Change of Address Checklist

2. Prioritize Your Unpacking

Depending on the timing of your move, you may have to make some tough decisions about what gets unpacked and what stays boxed up. Give preference to kitchen wares, like dishes, glasses and flatware, but don’t hesitate to use paper plates and cups if you’re in a time crunch. You’ll also want to unpack and set up dining room furniture, living room necessities and bathroom items. Anything that doesn’t need to be unpacked can be stacked neatly in a room that won’t be used for entertaining.

Holiday Entertaining | Lennar Maryland

3. Create a Warm Environment

Your guests will remember how you made them feel more than anything else. If this is their first visit, take a couple minutes to give them a tour so they can fully appreciate your new home. You can also brighten up the entertaining space with some high-impact holiday decorations. A few choice pieces, like a wreath on the door, lights, seasonal florals on the table, or holiday-specific items like a decorated tree, menorah or kinara will go a long way.

Related: 10 Tips for Moving In

4. Think About Flow & Function

Consider how your guests will move around during the party. Will there be enough space for the buffet line? Is there enough seating for everyone? Is the dining room large enough to hold both the adult table and the children’s table? Whatever the plan is, make sure to have it settled ahead of time to save yourself the headache later. As for entertainment, you will want to have your television plugged in and set up, but if that isn’t an option, music is a great alternative.

Related: Best Communities for Fall Foliage

5. Ask for Help

You shouldn’t have to do everything on your own! Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family to pitch in to ensure everyone has a good time. You could decide to make this a potluck party or ask a relative to bring their extra folding chairs. Maybe you invite a friend over early to help clean the house so you can focus on cooking. Every little bit helps, and your guests will understand.

While it will definitely be a lot of work, if you focus your efforts in a few areas, your first holiday party in your new home is sure to be a great one. But if you’re still searching for your dream home, you can contact the New Home Consultants at Lennar. They can help make your holiday wishes come true!