Setting a holiday table

Making a list and checking it twice? The way I see it, Santa's had it easy. By the time December 25th rolls around I've typically made a dozen lists outlining the minutia of gifts that need to be purchased, picked up, and wrapped; menus that need to be planned and shopped for; invitations that need to be mailed or responded to; and ornaments required for the latest décor plans.

But who's complaining? I love the holidays and although my decorating extends to nearly every room in the house, nowhere is the extra effort more keenly appreciated than at the holiday table. After all, 'tis the season when we open our homes to family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, as well as guests who drop by unexpectedly. For those who are fortunate enough to have inherited collections, it is time to polish the antique silverware, sterling flatware and set of fine porcelain we reserve for the holidays and special occasions. For others, it's time to go shopping.

Here are two holiday table styles to inspire your entertaining plans. One look is an heirloom quality setting, the other, a more modest price range. Both tables are brimming with festive cheer.

For a table setting which is both elegant and affordable, I visited Pottery Barn at 100 Bloor Street West Toronto (416-962-2276) to view their holiday display. "We've built this table setting on a timeless foundation of simple white porcelain dinnerware," says General Manager, Ralph Roach, "and dressed it up with a Maxfield silver-plated charger ($38) and Maxfield mini silver-plated Champagne bucket ($20)." Centerpieces are made of hand-blown Turkish glass with different sizes and styles chosen to complement each other. Pieces in the Maison glass collection range in price from $88 (for the tall vase) to a small candle holder for $38. "Great White dishware is one of Pottery Barn's top selling tableware collections," Roach explains. "It's elegant and so affordable." Dinner plates are $12, salad plates $8 and the large serving bowl $38.

Also featured is Spiegelau glassware, with both the champagne flute and wine glass costing $15. Flatware with raised beaded finish is priced at $98 for 4 place settings and the stylish Maxfield napkin rings cost $8. "For added flare, we've set the linen hemstitch placemat (placemat and napkin each $13.50) vertically rather than horizontally," Roach describes, "so that the bright red colour cascades down the front of the tablecloth." Festive finishing touches include a bay-leaf garland ($48) and vases adorned with cranberries. Cranberry vase filler ($21 per box) is also a popular item.

For a glance at true lavish and opulent style, I also visited Tiffany & Co. at 85 Bloor Street West (416-921-3900). This is holiday entertaining at its richest. The feature display table is set for a New Year's Eve celebration with Tiffany's Palladium china plates, cups and saucers (cost is from $45 to $110 apiece). Service plates are $220 each and the price for the exquisite teapot/creamer set is $430. If you require someplace to chill that bottle of Pol Roget for your midnight toast, designer Elsa Peretti, whose work has been featured at Tiffany & Co. since 1974, has created an elegant sterling silver champagne bucket ($2,200).

"Our Holiday 2004 table setting captures a significant moment in a couple's relationship," explains Andrea Hopson, Vice President of Tiffany Canada. "It's a celebration of the dawn of a New Year and, in the immediate aftermath, the presentation of an exquisite Tiffany diamond solitaire ring." Hopson smiles. "It also features one of my favorite collections - Palladium china and crystal. It beautifully reflects a contemporary elegance and a strong Deco orientation to be enjoyed for many generations."

Also highlighted are a variety of sterling silver accessories to enhance your New Year fun. Silver party hat ($330) and noisemaker ($475), along with party horn ($510) are displayed with a sterling Regency tray ($1,400). Luxurious Tiffany (Hampton Collection) sterling silver flatware is laid out in splendour. Price for a single place setting (dinner fork & knife, teaspoon, salad fork and dessert spoon) is almost $800.

Hampton crystal gleams magnificently with wine, claret and champagne stemware costing $60 each. Crystal column candlesticks, sterling salt & pepper set and a large Tiffany crystal Swag Rose bowl figure prominently in the centre of the table. Prices for these pieces range from $150 to $275.

If New Year's Eve is the night you romantics are planning to pop that important question, perhaps you'll include a diamond ring at your beloved's place setting. If so, the aforementioned Tiffany six-prong engagement ring (with a 6 carat round brilliant diamond) set in platinum will add another $343,500 to your holiday budget!