Throngs of shoppers bustle in and out of malls with paper bags in hand, a standstill of red headlights packed in roads beyond rush hour is now a familiar scene, and strings of colored lights adorned on houses illuminate the community in a festive glow: it’s finally the most wonderful time of the year again!
Christmas is probably every Filipino’s favorite holiday. People often start putting up their Christmas trees and other decorations as early as September! Moreover, they go back to their families and relatives in their hometown, spend the whole day prepping and cooking for noche buena, and even play rounds of competitive parlor games during Christmas parties.
If you’re hosting Friendsmas or dinner with your family this holiday season, then you’re in for a treat! Aside from the food, you should know that the table setup is just as important in your Christmas dinner. We talked to Basil Yap Cabaral, founder and creative director of Fraction Events, to share with us his step-by-step guide in tablescaping—the art of styling tables.
You may ask, “Why should I need to start tablescaping this Christmas?” It’s because a well-decorated table immediately elevates the atmosphere of your party, making your Christmas dinner a feast for all your senses. Basil says:
“A good meal is never complete without visuals. I always believe that the taste alone is not good enough. You have to have pretty plates and colors in your meal, making it [the food] prettier and even yummier.”
If you have little to no knowledge of tablescaping, don’t worry! We are here to guide you so you can have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Step 1: Choose Your Theme
What theme do you want your dinner to have? Winter Wonderland? A cozy cabin Christmas? Whoville or Grinch-inspired? Basil emphasizes deciding on the theme from the very start, as it will serve as the blueprint for all your tablescaping decisions along the way.
For example, if you choose a winter-themed dinner, then your color motif would be a blend of complementary and contrasting colors such as white, silver, cool grey, and maybe even a frosty blue. All your tablescaping elements, like plates and tablecloths, would have to follow the theme’s colors. It is up to you how you’re going to pair each element to produce a cohesive table setup.
Step 2: Get Your Basics Down
Before going into the minute details and decorations of the table, you have to choose your staples. “For example, having plate chargers, side plates, the right cutlery, and the right glasses for every drink,” Basil says. “What’s important is that you have everything you need on that table. Regardless of whether it’s simple or grand, it has to be convenient for the one who’s eating at the table.”
There are various kinds of plates, utensils, and glasses; each designed for a specific purpose. Having your menu planned ahead makes it easier for you to select the appropriate tableware, ensuring that each piece complements the food and drinks you’ll be serving.
Step 3: Details, details, details!
Here’s the fun(ner) part! Now that you have your staples ready, you can build upon them. Add centerpieces, candles, table runners—anything you want! Just as long as it sticks to your theme. Basil suggests adding natural elements like fresh fruits and flowers to spruce up the table even more.
A common mistake that people often make is having the table so full of décor that there’s no longer room for the food. “My tip really is if you’re doing a tablescape, you better have a buffet table on the side,” Basil says.
Not only will a buffet station allow more space on the main table, but it also makes it easier for guests to get food and allows a more efficient upkeep.
Step 4: Have Fun
Tablescaping may feel overwhelming at times, considering the numerous factors that come into play: you have to align with the theme, figure out which tableware and décor go well with each other, all the while staying within a certain budget. Amidst all of this, try to enjoy the process, as the result will be more rewarding and worthwhile on your end.
Basil definitely shares the same sentiment as he takes pleasure in creating unforgettable experiences for his clients.
“There are a thousand things I enjoy about my job,” Basil says. “But what makes it so fulfilling is I get to help my clients realize their vision.”
Where Memories Are Made
At its heart, dinners are social functions—a thoughtfully set table, together with food and drinks, becomes a welcoming space that invites comfort, connection, and conversations that will turn to lasting memories.
For those looking to further elevate their holiday tablescape, Basil Yap Cabaral brings the same intention and artistry to every setting. Connect with him on Instagram at @ninobasilio or with his company, Fraction Events at @fractioncebu on Facebook and Instagram for full-service event styling that brings your vision to life.
Photography Summer Demol
