How do you make a winter tablescape? Start with a neutral base: a patterned or textured cloth, off-white and earthy ceramics, and warm gold or copper flatware. Add low arrangements of winter flowers and greenery, so guests can see each other. Light unscented candles. At each place, set the water glass above the knife and one wine glass just to its right. Keep open bottles within reach and the sparkling wine cold on a side table.
What colors work for a winter table?
Begin with neutrals and let texture do the work. A patterned black and white cloth, or a heavy linen in charcoal or olive, grounds the table. Mix off-white plates with earthy brown stoneware for depth without clutter. If wine lands on the cloth, see how to remove red wine stains.
Warm metals bring the glow. Gold or copper flatware catches candlelight and reads warmer than silver. Finish with a checked or plaid napkin, a nod to flannel shirts and woven blankets.
| Element | Winter choice | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Cloth | Patterned black and white, or charcoal linen | Grounds the softer pieces on top |
| Plates | Off-white and earthy brown ceramics | Two tones add depth |
| Flatware | Gold or copper | Warm metal reflects the candlelight |
| Napkins | Checked or plaid | Pattern that feels like a winter blanket |
| Flowers | White anemones, dark cosmos, ranunculus | Light and dark petals in contrast |
| Light | Neutral, unscented candles | A soft glow with no competing aroma |
What flowers and greenery work on a winter table?
Look for contrast. Soft white anemones with dark centers sit well beside ranunculus and their layered petals. Deep burgundy chocolate cosmos add a darker note where your florist carries them. Then add texture: seeded eucalyptus, evergreen sprigs and the soft, pale plumes of hare's tail grass.
Keep every arrangement low, below eye level for a seated guest. Conversation should travel across the table, not around a bouquet. Choose one long, loose runner of greenery, or two or three small arrangements spaced along the table. Footed cups and amber bud vases holding a single stem fill the gaps.
Should candles on a dinner table be scented?
No. Choose unscented candles for the dining table. Scent competes with the aromas of the food and of the wine in the glass. Neutral colors such as white, ivory or cream let the flowers and linens lead.
Mix tall tapers with a few low votives for layered light. Keep every flame well clear of greenery, napkins and reaching arms, and never leave a lit candle unattended.
How do you set each place?
Work from the plate outward.
- Plate. Center the dinner plate. Stack a smaller first-course plate on top if you serve one.
- Forks. Set them to the left of the plate, in the order you will use them, from the outside in.
- Knife and spoon. The knife goes to the right, blade facing the plate. The spoon sits to the right of the knife.
- Napkin. Lay it on the plate or to the left of the forks.
- Glasses. The water glass sits just above the tip of the knife. Set one wine glass just to its right. Once the table is set, here is how to hold a wine glass and pour.
One all-purpose wine glass covers every wine of the evening, sparkling included. Our wine serving temperature and glass guide explains the shapes if you want more than one.
Where does the wine go on a dinner table?
Keep it within reach but out of the centerpiece's way.
- Open reds and still whites. Stand them on coasters at each end of the table, so the wine is easy to share. Open young reds before guests arrive; the serving guide above covers how long to let them breathe.
- Sparkling wine. Keep it cold in an ice and water bucket on a side table or bar cart.
- A bottle that suits the candlelight. Gold Shimmer Sparkling Brut is California sparkling wine in a gold glitter bottle. It is crisp, with a creamy mid-palate and notes of green apple, pear and tropical fruit. Pour it as guests arrive.
- A greeting on the bottle. The Classic Etched Shimmer Wine Gift is one etched bottle of Gold Shimmer, gift boxed. In the Happy Holidays design, it can stand beside the flowers until the toast.
- Water and a non-alcoholic option. Set out a pitcher of water and something festive for guests who aren't drinking.
Pouring a toast for a crowd? See how to build a sparkling wine tower, glass by glass. More Shimmer bottles, in gold, silver and pink, are in our Shimmer collection.
What should you pour with a winter menu?
Winter menus lean on roasts, braises, mushrooms and cranberry. Two reds cover a lot of that ground.
The 2022 Reserve Monterey Pinot Noir brings dried cranberry, cherry, sassafras and umami, with textured tannins and a balanced palate. It suits lamb, cranberry dishes and a cheese board with chutney.
The 2022 Vintner Red Blend is smooth and full-flavored, with cherry, raspberry, cocoa powder and vanilla. Its cocoa notes and full-flavored palate stand up to BBQ ribs and braised short ribs.
For a course-by-course plan, see our Christmas dinner wine pairings.
What do you serve after dinner by the fire?
Move dessert away from the table. If you have a fireplace, set a small board near it. If not, a coffee table and a few candles do the same job. For a warm drink by the fire, here is how to make mulled wine.
Keep the board short: one blue cheese, dark chocolate, sliced pears and walnuts. Pour Reserve Dessert Wine in small glasses. It is a fortified wine made in a style that originates from Portugal. Expect toffee, dark plum and sweet cherry. Pair it with blue cheese, dark chocolate truffles or rich cheesecake; its sweetness meets salt and richness.
Our wine and cheese pairing guide covers the rest of the board. For more sweet wines, see our dessert wine guide.
More ideas for the season's table
Setting a table again when the vines wake up? See our spring tablescape inspired by bud break. Bringing a bottle for the host? Our holiday gift wrapping ideas show four ways to wrap it in a towel. ONEHOPE wine gives back.
Frequently asked questions
What colors work for a winter tablescape?
Neutrals with warm metals. Use off-white and earthy brown ceramics, a black and white or charcoal cloth, and gold or copper flatware. A checked napkin adds pattern, and the flowers can bring deeper tones such as burgundy.
What flowers are in season for a winter table?
Anemones and ranunculus are easy to find in winter. Add texture with seeded eucalyptus, evergreen sprigs and hare's tail grass. Dark blooms such as chocolate cosmos add contrast where your florist carries them.
How tall should a winter centerpiece be?
Keep flowers below eye level for a seated guest, so people can see and talk across the table. Slim taper candles can stand taller, because guests see past them.
Where should wine glasses go on a place setting?
Above the knife, on the right. The water glass sits just above the tip of the knife, and the wine glass sits just to its right. One all-purpose wine glass works for red, white and sparkling wine.
Should candles on a dinner table be scented?
No. Scented candles compete with the aromas of the food and the wine. Choose unscented candles in white, ivory or cream, and keep flames clear of greenery and napkins.
