Set a table that shimmers with gold accents and crisp white dishes.

Silver dollars in speckled gold-leaf vessels are a simple, sophisticated way to set your holiday table. White china and milky, translucent wine glasses keep the table looking natural and glamorous. Chunky glass candlesticks look like delicate ice carvings.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Thanksgiving Tables, Holiday Tables and Christmas Decorations.

An icy blue palette and glitzy details.

Soft blue linens and white porcelain tableware evoke a pristine winter landscape. Oversize diamond ring napkin holders complement cut crystal stemware and frosty-looking flowers create an elegant centrepiece.

A wool tartan runner introduces great texture.

The glazed turquoise plate, purple napkin and minty green eucalyptus put a sophisticated spin on this look. The pine cone napkin weight and bowl of walnuts in the shell play up the nature-inspired design. Modern hand-hewn plates and votive holders keep the rustic style from feeling too themed. Complement this simple table setting with elegant flatware, like this traditional silver set with a matte finish and unfussy handles.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Thanksgiving Tables, Holiday Tables and Party-Ready Dining Rooms.

Dark, striated china adds depth against a white table runner and shimmering votive candles.

Place a tiny evergreen seedling at each seat to serve as both a placecard and a thank-you gift for dinner guests. Bundled in black burlap and tied with twine, the offering is a gesture that’s both eco- and economically-friendly.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Party-Ready Dining Rooms, Thanksgiving Tables, Holiday Tables and Table Decorations.

Get back to nature with a simple, rustic tabletop.

Rugged pieces like an antique pine table and wrought-iron chandelier set the tone for this low-key tabletop. Duck egg tableware, muslin napkins and rough wood slabs used as placemats lend an authentic cabin-style look. Tiny faux pine trees add a hit of Christmas charm.

See more festive table tablesettings in our photo gallery.

Throw a party in pink with a rainbow of rosy hues.

Eschew traditional red this Christmas and try a collection of mismatched china in shades of pink. Both glamourous and demure, pink is the perfect celebratory shade. A whimsical winged soup cup tops each place setting — and don’t forget a pink champagne toast, too.

See mor festive tablesettings in our photo gallery.

Temper a riot of vivid patterns by using a two-toned palette.

Mix different sets of formal dinnerware to create an unexpected look that plays up tradition yet feels current. Set out platters or bowls with seasonal fruit or vegetables as table decor. Here, a plate of oranges sets off the tones in the tablecloth. Add unexpected elements, like the sardine dish and individually wrapped gifts for guests — a tiny trinket to commemorate the night. Brushed-gold utensils with teardrop-shaped handles are a formal touch that enhances the drama of the place settings.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Thanksgiving Tables and Holiday Tables.

Traditional toile in bright orange and hot pink is an unusual colour combo for the holidays.

A brushed-gold charger dresses up simple white dinnerware, and a luxe patterned salad plate introduces blue to cool off the warm-toned scheme. The enamel butterfly napkin ring and handwritten placecard (shaped like a gift tag) keeps the look fun and whimsical while staying formal.

See more table setting photos in our Dining Design section, or browse our photo gallery of holiday table settings for more ideas.