Easily Give Your Holiday Table a Scandinavian Spin

Use inexpensive items from around your home to quickly turn a lifeless dining table into a sophisticated Scandi-inspired table setting for the holidays.

By: Kamron Sanders

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Photo By: Flynnside

Celebrate Scandi Style

Setting a minimal Scandinavian-inspired tablescape that looks straight out of a magazine may seem like an unattainable task, but it's actually surprisingly simple and can be done with items you likely already have around your house. Keep reading and watch the quick vid below; we'll walk you through each step.

Watch the Video: Simple Scandinavian Table

Master the Art of Scandinavian Style

The must-haves for a Scandinavian-inspired table setting are a minimal neutral color palette, a healthy dose of nature and a warm, inviting aesthetic — hello, hygge!

Turn Scrap Wood Into a Candle Holder

Upcycle a raw scrap wood block by drilling holes to fit white taper candles. For most tapers, drilling 1-inch deep holes with a 7/8-inch paddle bit should do the trick. Give the wood a light sanding to remove any splinters, but forgo the dark wood stain and display the wood block in its natural raw state, instead.

Surround Your Plate With Nature

Encircling your dinner plates with a twig garland is an easy way to create nature-inspired chargers for the table. To recreate this look, cut willow garland to a length that gives you a circle that's approximately 1 inch larger in diameter than your plates. Factor in enough extra for overlap, then secure with floral wire. Leave as-is for a simple stunner or further embellish with a few small pieces of greenery attached with floral wire.

Layer On the Neutrals

Add visual interest while maintaining that minimalist look you love by layering table coverings in muted colors and textures. Layers of linens make for a cozy aesthetic while rolled-out craft paper creates a thin, cohesive layer with a contrasting texture. Entertaining kiddos? Don't forget a few crayons for after-dinner coloring.

Bring the Outdoors In

Look no further than your backyard to find the perfect minimalist greenery arrangements. Bold, green branches with smaller leaves, like this wild privet, placed in clear glass vases keep the arrangement from being too visually intrusive.

See More Photos: 70 Merry + Bright Christmas Centerpiece Ideas

Don't Forget the Napkins

Rolled napkins placed at the top of each plate add a visually interesting element to each place setting.

learn more: 10 Festive and Easy Ways to Fold Napkins for the Holidays

Light It Up

When you're ready to sit down for dinner, light the tapers to add the warm glow of candlelight that makes any meal feel like a special occasion.

See More Photos: Copy These Christmas Table Setting + Decorating Ideas

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