Table Covering

• Choose a festive Christmas tablecloth, or layer several cloths together to create a base for your holiday table. You don't have to limit yourself to actual table linens; sheets in shades of red, green and white add holiday appeal just as well as a tablecloth does. A Christmas quilt can add a festive touch, provided it is not a family heirloom; you may need to wash and dry it when the holiday has passed.
  
  

Candles

• Tie red ribbons around plain candles for a festive touch.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  Look for chunky pillars or tall, thin tapered candles, and place them in holiday candle holders. Even before you light them, the candles add a touch of elegance to your table. If you are on a limited budget, choose white or ivory candles that you can use for a variety of different holiday occasions. Don't have Christmas candle holders? Tie a red or green satin ribbon around the base of each candle for added color.
  
  

Decorations

• Gather Christmas collectibles from other parts of the house, and use them to adorn your table. Be creative: Just because an item isn't specifically made to be used on a table doesn't mean it can't be used to decorate one. Use your crafty skills and some gold, red or green spray paint to give wooden or plastic chargers an elegant new look, then slip them under your plates for a formal touch. Items traditionally meant for wall decor often work well on a table, so experiment with different placement until you are pleased with the results. Pile handmade beaded ornaments in a bowl, or scatter them around on the table; you can make your own in minutes with a few pins and beads.
  
  

Serving Items:

• Leave enough room for dinnerware and serving pieces if you are setting your table for a holiday meal. Holiday-themed serving pieces can do double duty and decorate the table while they hold the meal. Use Christmas-themed tureens, platters and serving items. Don't be afraid to mix and match; a formal white soup tureen can share space with a fun Santa gravy boat. If you have more people than plates, head to a dollar store or big box store and pick up plain red or green plates, then alternate them with your Christmas goods.