Christmas Table

A festive Christmas table that looks generous but still leaves room for the food: red, green and gold, with greenery doing most of the work.

Start with a deep green or red tablecloth, or a neutral cloth with a festive runner down the center.
Run a garland of pine branches down the middle as the base of the centerpiece.
Add red candles in gold holders at intervals along the garland for height and warmth.
Scatter a few pinecones, dried orange slices and small gold ornaments between the branches.
Use white or cream plates so the food and the decorations stand out.
Tie each napkin with twine and tuck in a small sprig of pine or a cinnamon stick.
Place one small favor at each setting, such as a candy cane or a mini ornament.
Keep the centerpiece low in the middle so guests can talk across the table.
Add a bowl of clementines or red apples as an edible decoration that doubles as dessert fruit.
Light the candles just before guests sit down, and keep a clear path for serving dishes.