Warm Welcome

Let’s see. The turkey is in the oven, the pies are cooling on the rack, there’s plenty of ice in the freezer, and Aunt Esther and Grandma Lil have been told to be on their best behavior for the evening holiday dinner.

There’s only one thing left to do: set the table.

While preparing and cooking a holiday dinner is important — just as important is creating and setting the table for the occasion. Whether it’s a formal setting or dinner for two, the table setting sets a mood for the festive meal and starts conversations as guests are seated.

Steve Uricchio, food and beverage director at the Cannery in North Las Vegas, sees the table in a traditional setting.

“My table at home is always set with my grandmother’s gravy bowl that comes out this time of year,” he said. “It represents family and memories and history. The difference in the holiday table setting versus the rest of the year is flowers on the table, more pieces of china, glasses and silver, and special tablecloths and napkins.”

Uricchio, who studied at Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in France, sets the family table with one wine glass and one water glass along with two forks and one knife. The antipasto platter is on the bar and wine is on the table.

“Thanksgiving is informal at my house,” he said. “What’s important is the menu and that can include turkey, honey-glazed ham, New York strip loin and scallops. Everyone is a better cook these days so the creativity of the food can lead to the creativity of the table setting. Break tradition and set the table that best fits your style.”

Debbi Miles, marketing director at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Fashion Show mall, personally enjoys showcasing her favorite china and linens.

“I want my guests to feel special and welcome in my home,” she said. “I love candles and I always use place cards and, most importantly, putting a small treasure or ornament at each place setting for my guests.”

Miles said Saks Fifth Avenue customers enjoy setting traditional tables for formal holiday gatherings and dinner parties.

“Many start that tradition with our dinnerware,” she said. “This year we’re showing Hermes, which is crafted from Limoges porcelain. It’s exquisite!

“There are other options whether it’s a buffet supper or casual sit-down affair. Michael Aram designs serving pieces like elaborate bowls, platters, pitchers and goblets. Each is crafted from hammered stainless and blackened nickel-plated metal.

“Another option would be enamelware from MacKenzie-Childs,” Miles added. “It’s a favorite for any table. They also have stunning centerpieces made with greenery, silk ribbons, ornaments and painted pinecones. The centerpiece adds personality to your festive table.”

Although traditional colors of fall adorn most centerpieces, there is no mandated color code.

Ron Slocum, owner of Bloomers Florist, said red, orange, yellow, copper and bronze flowers are the most requested and can be found in gladiolas, lilies, button mums, gerberas and even something nontraditional such as bird of paradise.

“Flowers are global these days, but most come from California,” he said. “We add oak leaves with fall tones, cattails, miniature ornamental pumpkins and whatever else the customer may ask for to match the china or furniture.”

Slocum said centerpieces are rectangular and sit low so guests can see one another and converse across the table. There might be one large centerpiece or several smaller ones at each end of the table. A different centerpiece might be created for the kid’s table or a tall vase display would be appropriate if the dinner is being served buffet-style.

Slocum said centerpieces can last a week with proper watering. He also suggests sending a seasonal arrangement or green plant with ornaments to say “thank you” if you’re invited to a holiday dinner but cannot attend.