It’s the holidays! Are you having family over? Throwing an awesome party? Maybe your table just needs a festive touch? Whatever the case may be, I’ve got some tips to make any holiday meal a jolly occasion.

Start with a table cloth. First, they’re usually washable, which is so wonderful after a big crowd comes by. Second, if you have a nice table, they’re great protectors, and if your table is already scratched up, no one will ever know. The great thing about these is the variety you can find. Try a blue table cloth under white and silver placemats and napkins for a wintry look. Or get gold and decorate with reds and greens. You can make it stand out, or blend it with the scenery in your home.

Placemats, are they really necessary? Not always. However they can add the festive touch that the table might be lacking. Layer them over the tablecloth and under stacked plates. Dinner plate, salad plate, and a folded napkin on top. It’s so easy to make it look formal. If you’d rather not, sometimes putting a table runner on can create a nice effect, too.

Don’t overlook the power of folded napkins in a holiday setting. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a table look festive when you have no other décor. Napkins are essential for any meal. My great grandmother once had guests over for dinner, but no napkins to offer when they asked her for one. Boy did she feel embarrassed! Holiday napkin ties are easy, even on a budget. Colored ribbon and ornaments are all you need, and both those can be found at a dollar store. Tie the ribbon in a bow around the napkin, then tie 2 ornaments together and slip them through the bow-knot. Your guests will be awed at the details you didn’t overlook. This works for any holiday, too. If it’s a new year’s party, use the snowflake ornaments. Cut something out of cardstock paper and hole-punch it (like hearts for Valentine’s Day).

Of course the biggest and most obvious thing to do for any holiday table is a centerpiece. Pinterest has all sorts of ideas that are simple, and DIY. Different colored candles on holders or in tall glass vases are a sure way to bring holiday colors to the table. Flower arrangements are quick and easy – just pick them up at the store! If you have a long table, buy some bead garland and swirl it around and between smaller sets of centerpieces along the table. This works best if you serve the food buffet-style rather than on the table.

Look through the Cookin’ Books for great holiday recipes. Garnish of mint, rosemary, or asparagus can take a turkey from every-day to holiday. If you don’t mind the extra dishes, serving things like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables in casserole dishes will always give your holiday meal a formal feel. It’s worth investing some money into nice serving ware if you enjoy hosting parties. Even for all you non-party throwers, these tips are great for keeping a holiday look around the house, whether the table is used just by you, or the whole gaggle of friends and family that want to come over.