How to Set a {Small} Table
for the Holidays

Let’s face it - the holidays will look a lot different this year. Many of us will be staying home rather than traveling to our relative’s {larger} homes, possibly hosting small gatherings with those closest to us - literally. No matter what our holidays will look like this season, we shouldn’t skip out on the special holiday table settings!

Whether your holiday dining table this year is large or small (or even no dining table at all!), take a look at our top holiday table setting picks. Let’s get your table holiday-ready, for your intimate brunch, friends-giving or a fancy dinner-for-one!

You will need:

Table covering ~ i.e. placemats, a table runner, & coasters
Plates & bowls ~ 1 per person
Cloth napkins ~ 1 per person
Flatware ~ i.e. forks, knives, spoons, etc / 1 of each type per person
Water glasses ~ 1 per person
Wine & liquor glasses ~ 1 per person
Small table accents / decor ~ as many as you like!

(*** Need a table?? Check out our recs at the end! ***)

Let’s go!

Step 1: Lay out the table covering

First, start with the table covering. We suggest using placemats or a table runner instead of a tablecloth to keep it casual (plus it’s easy to clean!). Use 1 placemat per person or 1 table runner. You can even add coasters, if needed. It’s all about layering!

#ShopTheLook on WorkOf: Rubber Placemat + Brass and Rubber Trivet + Rubber Coasters

Shop tablecovering:

CAPSULE PLACEMAT

Show off your chic taste with a recycled rubber placemat in the shape of a capsule. These placemats are durable, stain resistant, and heat resistant. Available in 5 colors, sold individually.
Designed in Brooklyn, NY
US $32.00

minna+Panalito-placemat-cream-prop-sm_900x.progressive.jpg — PANALITO PLACEMAT CREAM

For a softer look, the Panalito Placemat layers perfectly with your favorite napkins and tableware. As a bonus, you can fold or roll these up when not in use. Handwoven in Comalapa, Guatemala from 100% cotton.
Designed in Hudson, NY
US $30.00

mina runner - handa.jpg — MINA RUNNER

As a placemat alternative, choose a textured runner. The soft and fine handwoven Mina runner features selvedge edges and fringe detail at the ends. Made from 100% cotton with Indigo. Available in 4 colors.
Designed in Windham, NY
US $120.00

MOON COASTERS

Don’t forget coasters! The Moon Coasters take surface design out of this world. ;) Made of cast concrete, they are hand textured and hand pigmented to develop a totally unique moonscape on every coaster. Finished with a soft backing, they're ready to protect your table so all you have to do is worry about landing your drink.
Designed in Brooklyn, NY
US $50.00 ~ Set of 4.

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Step 2: Place plates & bowls on top of the placemats or runner.

Next, lay your plates in the center of the placemats or edge of the runner, and set the bowls on top of the plates. Have fun with it - mix the colors or materials of your plates and bowls for visual interest.

#ShopTheLook on WorkOf: Shapes Runner Blue

Shop plates + bowls:

CRESCENT MOON PLATES + BOWL SET

For a non-traditional route, try this porcelain dish set – inspired by crescent moon phases. This set is great for serving or placing small treasures. Each piece is made by hand and therefore no two items are exactly the same!
Designed in New York, NY
US $180.00

NECESSARY OBJECTS VESSEL N

Add texture, color and depth with Vessel N. Dressed in an array of prehistoric ceramic coatings, the glazes emphasize an interdependence between minerals in the clay and glaze—inducing a myriad of subtle, and at times, volatile expression.
Designed in Oakland, CA
US $265.00

TERRA BOWL

This stoneware bowl with glazed interior and tinted marbled clay exterior adds visual interest to your table setting. Each piece is hand marbled and will therefore vary in pattern. Handmade in Brooklyn, NY & available in 5 finishes.
Designed in Brooklyn, NY
US $80.00

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Step 3: Fold and place cloth napkins

Get creative & fold your napkins, or use a napkin ring. We like to keep it eco-friendly by choosing reusable cloth napkins. Place napkins to the left or center of each plate & bowl.

#ShopTheLook on WorkOf: Cream Grid Napkins (also in Peach & Indigo) + Panalito Placemat Cream (also in Peach & Indigo) — #ShopTheLook on WorkOf: Cream Grid Napkins (also in Peach & Indigo)
+ Panalito Placemat Cream (also in Peach & Indigo)

shop napkins:

minna Peach_Grid_Napkin.jpg — PEACH GRID NAPKINS

The Peach Grid napkins were designed to be easily incorporated into any home aesthetic. The simple pattern layers nicely with any tableware. Mix and match with other napkin styles for an eclectic look! Handwoven in Chiapas, Mexico from 100% cotton. Sold in a set of 4.
Designed in Hudson, NY
US $80.00

SUNRISE STRIPE NAPKINS

The Sunrise Napkins are the perfect addition to your small dining table! The muted tones are easy to match and bring color to the table. Handwoven in Nahuala, Guatemala from 100% cotton. Sold in a set of 4.
Designed in Hudson, NY
US $80.00

IKAT NAPKIN INDIGO

Bring some extra pops of color and pattern to your dining table by mixing and matching these fun and bright napkins with other kitchen textiles. The cotton threads in the Ikat Napkins are first knotted and dyed before warping the loom, resulting in a painterly pattern after weaving. Handwoven in Nahuala, Guatemala from 100% cotton. Sold in a set of 4.
Designed in Hudson, NY
US $85.00

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Step 4: Arrange flatware

Gather your forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks or your preferred eating utensils. Place a dinner fork on the left of the plate, on the napkin. Place a dinner knife and soup spoon on the right of the plate, from left to right.

#ShopTheLook on WorkOf: Straight Bud Vase + Double Bud Vase

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Step 5: Set out water glasses

Set a water glass to the right, directly above the dinner knife. You can also serve juice, or a cocktail in your glasses - we won’t tell :).

#ShopTheLook on WorkOf: Double-Wall 6oz Glasses (in Clear, Amber, and Grey) + Double-Wall 16oz Glasses (in Clear, Amber, and Grey) — #ShopTheLook on WorkOf: Double-Wall 6oz Glasses (in Clear, Amber, and Grey)
+ Double-Wall 16oz Glasses (in Clear, Amber, and Grey)

shop glasses:

DOUBLE-WALL 6 OZ GLASSES

These glasses are delicate in appearance, but durable - making them the perfect pint glass for your drink of choice! The double-wall borosilicate glass provides insulation suitable for use with hot or cold drinks. The form visually suspends liquid in the center, putting your beverage on elegant display. Also available in 16 oz. Sold as a set of 2.
Designed in Saint Augustine, FL
US $50.00

MID CENTURY COOLADE SET

Inspired by mid-century factory glass, this cool set makes us think of Ken, Barbie and friends….only life-size. Your inner child will thank you. Available in 3 color options.
Designed in Portland, OR
US $240.00

INDIGO TUMBLER

Who says water needs to be in glass? With these wheel-thrown altered tumblers, there will be no more confusion of who’s cup is who. Each features its own abstract blue mark! Made from porcelain and food-safe glazes.
Designed in Brooklyn, NY
US $45.00

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Step 6: Wine + Liquor Glasses (optional but recommended)

Next, place your wine or liquor glass to the right of the water glass. Impress your guests (or pet) by serving your alcohol in a stylish decanter. Cheers!