Whether this is going to be your maiden voyage at the helm of a holiday meal, or you’re an entertaining veteran, it never hurts to revisit some of the table setting basics that every great host should have on hand to set the stage for feasting fabulousness. We eat with our eyes first as the old adage goes and Toronto based lifestyle store, Hopson Grace recommends that every table be set with the following must-haves to ensure that even the most basic of meals looks and tastes like a million bucks to those lucky enough to be seated around it.
START WITH A TABLECLOTH OR PLACEMATS.
This foundational part of the process of setting a table normally sets the tone and mood for everything else. There’s a coziness to a tablecloth that feels right around the holidays. We love this one from Linen Wayhttp://hopsongrace.com/products/linen-way-soprano-blue-ash-tablecloth-67×98 or if you want to be very formal go for a crisp white linen http://hopsongrace.com/products/linen-ta
blecloth-white-festival-66×106 We have some fabulous and festive English table mats that we love that can easily be wiped off as well: http://hopsongrace.com/products/avenida-home-mistletoe-table-mat-38x29cm
USE LINEN NAPKINS.
Whether you’re entertaining for 4 or 14, a linen napkin is elegant and makes a statement. We love these from Linen Way, they’re casual yet elegant and not require ironing:http://hopsongrace.com/products/linen-way-bilbao-napkins-22×22-grey?variant=16452968577
USE “CONVERSATION VASES”
There’s nothing worse than not being able to have a conversation with the person across the table from you. So when setting the perfect table, make sure your vase doesn’t exceed 6”. This vase from George Jensen is ideal for a 
centrepiece: http://hopsongrace.com/products/georg-jensen-facet-glass-vase-small or line a few of these down the table with small bouquets for a stunning effect: http://hopsongrace.com/products/georg-jensen-glass-cafu-vase-148-mm . For a stunning effect use this vase: http://hopsongrace.com/products/dibbern-golden-forest-spherical-vase-14-cm
PICK PRETTY SERVINGWARE.
Family style entertaining has become a reality and works equally well with a crowd, whether it fits on your table or nearby buffet or kitchen counter. So in order to 
keep things elegant, be sure you have the right serving pieces which will elevate your dishes and make theexperience even better. Here are a couple of our favourites: http://hopsongrace.com/products/oval-serving-platter-small-convivio http://hopsongrace.com/products/costa-nova-footed-plate-28cm http://hopsongrace.com/collections/serveware-1/products/fruit-bowl
PROTECT YOUR TABLE WITH TRIVETS.
Not only do you save your table surface or tablecloth from wine and food stains, trivets can add style to your table. If you’re serving your food at the table, family style, they are a must. Try these fun ones http://hopsongrace.com/products/avenida-home-hare-table-mat-
38x29cm or http://hopsongrace.com/products/avenida-home-lion-placemat or for a more elegant look our pewter trivets are perfect: http://hopsongrace.com/search?q=trivet .
CANDLELIGHT IS ALWAYS RIGHT.
We can’t emphasize the importance of candlelight as the finishing touch to your holiday table. It sets the mood and make everyone look great. For your pillar candles, these Tom Dixon stone candle holders are fabulous http://hopsongrace.com/products/stone-candle-
holder-short or layer tealights right down your table with 
these amazing new hurricanes from Milan: ttp://hopsongrace.com/products/ichendorf-abat-jour-small-tealight
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