Elegant
   Tabletop
 

Fascinating Floral. Encircle your centerpiece with lacy sprays of baby's breath, and scatter additional red rose petals around the table. The wispy, snow-white baby's breath ties together the white linens and lace, and the rose petals add to the elegance. The effect is incredibly beautiful and very affordable!

Decadent Desserts. Food can be decorative, especially desserts. Place desserts center stage as an eye-catching edible centerpiece. A fantasy dessert gives your guests something to look forward to and admire.

A Sentimental Air. I like to play up the nostalgia and sentimentality of a special occasion or holiday by using old-fashioned lace. You can use inexpensive fabric remnants or even lace curtain panels. Simply drape the lace gracefully across the center of the table, tucking or knotting the ends out of sight. New lace can be made to look old by simply soaking it in tea water.

Winter White. Start with a snowy white linen or damask tablecloth and napkins. White lends an air of festive formality and is the perfect backdrop for holiday foods, like roasted meats and gravies, which tend to be golden brown. An easy centerpiece can be made by filling a vase with gold-sprayed leaves. If you have vintage linens, bring them out. It's time to use the "good stuff" – your best dinnerware or china, flatware or silver and glassware or crystal. It doesn't have to be expensive – it's the presentation that makes the impression.