Elements of Style: 5 Natural Holiday Table Tips

Your holiday menu may be set (or at least getting there), but is your table ready to go? Follow our easy DIY guidelines, then let Mother Nature tackle the rest. Turns out she's an excellent decorator!

1. Table runner: Use a table runner to lay the foundation of your decor. We used a piece of burlap, cut down to size. Then we added a contrasting bow to either end to anchor it to our table.

2. Party placeholders: Show your guests to their seats with festive cork placeholders. This DIY couldn't be simpler to craft, plus who doesn’t love eco-chic?

3. Candlelight: There’s no easier way to set the mood than with a few candles. We added some dollar store tea lights to cored apples to make a natural holder. Any apple will work so feel free to experiment with color; but the firmer the apple, the easier it will be to cut.

Honest tip: Before adding candle, spritz the inside of your apples with lemon to keep them from browning.

4. Conversation Jar: Combine just a few simple elements for a holiday conversation starter that you can customize all year. Fill a mason jar with corn kernels and popsicle sticks. Have your partygoers write down their responses to one question you choose at the beginning of the night: If it's Thanksgiving, find out what they're thankful for; if it's Christmas, maybe it's whether they've been naughty or nice! Pass around the jar and read everyone’s responses with dessert.

5. Natural flair: Take the kids on a nature walk to gather some natural accents for your table. Pine cones, leaves, and acorns all make for elegant elements (and are fun for the little ones to scavenge for)! Just make sure to debug so that you don’t bring any unexpected guests to the table.

What are your favorite ways to set a holiday table? Let us know below!