As we’re planning and thinking ahead to Thanksgiving and the holidays, I wanted to share a little tabletop inspiration. I just grabbed a full set of stoneware dishes for the cabin, and felt inspired to get creative, sharing a pre-season holiday brunch tablescape. I love hosting this time of year… when the air feels crisp, the kitchen is warm, and gathering around the table feels extra meaningful. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a festive friendsgiving, or are looking forward to holiday brunch or dinner parties, these are my best tips for setting a table that feels inviting and elevated. Here’s how I pulled together an easy and festive look with my new dishes…
If you missed the big news, we got a cabin! If you’d like the complete tour, here is the first look at our Utah cabin (before we renovate). I’ve slowly been collecting, thrifting, and curating furnishings for it. These dishes are no exception. Once the cabin kitchen is renovated, I’ll move them over there- but for now, they inspired me to pull together this tablescape here at home. Here’s how I did it…
1. Begin with a Timeless Foundation
Every good table starts with a classic foundation. I like to begin with a neutral tablecloth or runner… something that adds warmth and texture without competing with the other elements. Think soft linen for a casual look, subtle stripes, or a classic woven runner.
From there, I build upward with stacked dinnerware in coordinating tones. In this case, I used my new stoneware dishes for a casual brunch setting: plates, a bowl, and a coordinating coffee mug. These are handmade and have the most beautiful organic texture and neutral palette. I love them!
Designer tip: A neutral foundation easily transitions from season-to-season… or Thanksgiving to Christmas. Just swap your centerpiece, greenery, or accent colors for an updated and seasonally appropriate look.
2. Curate Beautiful Glassware
Glassware is often overlooked, but it’s one of my favorite table styling details. I paired classic juice glasses with the stoneware coffee mugs. The juxtaposition between the materials feels balanced and elegant, but also relaxed. I also pulled out the matching pitcher for fresh squeezed juice for mimosas.
If you’re planning a larger brunch, you can also set out a small bar tray or drink station nearby with extra glasses and a festive cocktail option (like sparkling cider or a holiday spritz). It keeps the table uncluttered while still feeling celebratory. I love incorporating pieces that catch the light, like etched or handblown glass… something with interesting details or form. Check out this post for tips for thrifting good vintage glassware (and how to clean it)!
3. Add Cozy Textural Details
The secret to an inviting table is layering warmth with textiles. Soft napkins, linen placemats, or a woven runner instantly adds a cozy and tailored aesthetic.
I reused these gingham linen napkins from my summer table. They work just as well during the winter months. Linen a great pick for a brunch, since it’s less formal and more relaxed.
Styling tip: Your tabletop textiles really guide the formality of your tablescape. Linen being more casual, with pressed cotton, wool, or silk looking more formal.
4. Mix Old and New for a Collected Look
Holiday tables are the perfect opportunity to combine heirloom or thrifted pieces with new finds. Mix vintage candleholders or collected ceramics to add interest and give your table character. This adds personality and makes the table feel more meaningful. I like to include a mix of taper candles or votives in various heights to create a collected look.
Next, I styled pine needle garland down the center of the table for seasonal texture and color. It’s a budget-friendly way to create an easy centerpiece. Feel free to add pine cones, ornaments, or even fruit for added color. I used pears and oranges for this one!
5. Don’t Skip The Food Styling
You can easily use whatever is on the menu to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Take extra care with cheese and charcuterie boards, don’t be afraid to style fruit down the table center, and lean into pretty pastries. Food is a great way to add color, texture, and make your table look more enticing.
Food styling tip: When in doubt, stick to a specific color palette. I went into Trader Joe’s looking for cream, white, orange, and green colored seasonal foods for my cheese board, pictured below.
You don’t have to go overboard… hosting is more about making people feel comfortable. A thoughtful table, good conversation, and a delicious meal are most important.
Shop My Holiday Brunch Table
Click directly on each item below to be redirected.
I’ve linked everything I used for my holiday brunch tablescape above… excluding the white linen tablecloth (I forgot to include that). Let me know if I missed anything else, or you need recommendations!
FAQ
Stick to a menu that can be prepped ahead. I made quiche, grabbed pastries from my favorite local bakery, fruit, cinnamon rolls, a cheese board, and fresh squeezed juice for mimosas. The easier the food, the more time you can spend enjoying your party, friends, and family.
Layer textures, mix materials, and keep the color palette cohesive… and don’t forget to style your food!
I made that! It was so easy… I’m happy to share a tutorial, if you’re interested? I’ve yet to decorate for the holidays (I just set this table on a whim for brunch with friends), but I may have to repeat my orange Christmas decor from last year. TBD!
Related Posts
Looking for more holiday hosting and decorating posts to get you inspired for the months ahead? I’ll link some of my favorites below!
- Timeless Holiday Greenery You’ll Use Every Year
- Classic Holiday Cookie Boxes & Packaging Ideas
- Setting Our Thanksgiving Table & Decorating the Dining Room
- 20 Ways to Decorate with Ribbon This Holiday Season
- Classic Butter Spritz Cookies (Without a Cookie Press)
- Amazon Christmas Tree Review (Styled 3 Ways)
- Simple Holiday Tablescape
Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or neighbors, a thoughtfully layered table creates a sense of warmth and welcome that lasts long after the dishes are cleared. As you prepare for the holidays, take time to slow down, enjoy the process, get creative, and celebrate the joy of being together. That’s what truly makes a home feel special this time of year. I’m looking forward to it!
The post How to Style a Holiday Brunch Table appeared first on Room For Tuesday.
