Vintage Christmas Table Setting Ideas

Christmas is one of the holidays that is sure to bring family and friends together to share a meal and create lifelong memories. When hosting Christmas dinner, it is important to create the right mood. For a nostalgic atmosphere, try using vintage Christmas table settings, decorations, music, food and pictures of Christmases past. Does this Spark an idea?

Linen

Start decorating with a lacy white or cream colored tablecloth, or a tablecloth embroidered with poinsettias, Christmas trees, angels, gold stars, gifts, snowflakes or wreaths. Add lacy doilies or napkins in white, red or green. Use gold napkin rings and hang small ornaments on them, such as snowflakes or angels. Using handmade items creates a more authentic vintage look.

Centerpieces

Live poinsettias make terrific vintage centerpieces. Make a wreath of poinsettias to fit around large pillar candles or around a large gold candelabra with green, red or white taper candles. Tiered platforms or plates to hold live poinsettias, candles, gingerbread men or houses or other handmade decorations also work well. Another idea is to put large bows on a Christmas tree you build out of colorful glass ball ornaments. A large gingerbread house can be set on a platter and surrounded by small marshmallows to create a snowy landscape. A snowman cake covered in shredded coconut makes for a useful centerpiece and conversation piece. Make your centerpieces by hand to lend authenticity to your vintage theme.

Table Settings

Heirloom china is the best option for your vintage Christmas dinner dishes. If you don't have any, you can acquire antique china in mismatched sets at many thrift or antique stores and use them for an informal dinner, or purchase an authentic antique set from a reputable antiques dealer. Use real, polished silverware and silver serving utensils. Silver platters and bowls, along with crystal pitchers and glasses will complete the vintage table settings.

Other Ideas

String popcorn from the dining chairs, or to wrap popcorn strands around the edge of the table. Hang garland or drape it from chairs. Decorate the walls with the popcorn strands and garland, or with large wreaths featuring big handmade bows. The rest of the room should be decorated in the same manner as your table to complete the look and feel of a vintage Christmas dinner. Another option is to hang hanging vintage Christmas cards on the walls. Have name cards printed on vintage-styled cards and set them at each place setting.

Prepare for your vintage Christmas dinner by washing all of the linens, china and crystal dishes. Polish the silverware and silver serving items as well. Make all of your decorations well before your Christmas dinner so you can concentrate on the food and company.