PC Guide: Setting the Holiday Table with Jaclyn Cartier

A quietly luxurious guide that honors tradition, welcomes company, and turns meals into memories

Jaclyn Cartier photographed by Ace Misiunas at Una Casa Privada

The holiday table is more than just a place to eat—it’s where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and memories take root. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering for four or a festive feast for twenty-four, curating a beautiful, intentional table can elevate the experience for everyone. Here’s PC’s “Setting the Holiday Table” Guide inspired by holiday + floral designer Jaclyn Cartier, designed to help you craft a timeless holiday tablescape that marries style, warmth, and meaning.

Photo by Nikki Finnin Photo

Start with texture—the unsung hero of visual interest. Layering textures, even within a neutral color palette, creates depth without overwhelming the senses.

A creamy linen tablecloth, paired with frayed-edge napkins and striped cotton versions, gives your table subtle variation and sophistication. Maybe this year it’s a quiet dinner with 12 guests, but next year you could be hosting a party of 24. With thoughtfully curated neutrals, you’ll be ready for anything. Then comes metallic elegance. Gold and silver accents are often reserved for “fancy” occasions, but Cartier reminds us they’re seasonless neutrals that work year-round.

“A beautifully set table isn’t about impressing people — it’s about inviting them into a moment," says Cartier. "Texture, candlelight, even a simple printed menu… these details whisper you belong here.”

Mixing the two creates a warm glow that’s at once elevated and inviting. Whether it’s flatware, napkin rings, or candlesticks, these reflective elements bring light and glamour to every table.

Floral arrangements need not be fussy. In fact, choosing just one type of flower—a monochromatic bouquet of hydrangeas, deep red roses, or pale eucalyptus—can be a bold and elegant choice. If you're arranging a long table, scatter bud vases down the center. Not only do they allow for easy conversation across the table, but they also double as heartfelt party favors. 

Photo by Jaclyn Cartier

Adds Cartier: “Elegance doesn’t demand excess. A single flower type, thoughtfully layered linens, and soft glow from candlelight can say more than a crowded centerpiece ever could.”

Don’t underestimate the power of lighting. From flickering taper candles to modern votives or even petite table lamps, ambient light sets the tone. It softens the moment, encouraging guests to linger longer, to savor their meal and their conversations. The right lighting transforms your space into something magical.

To add a personal touch, print a menu on card-stock. It’s a surprisingly simple and inexpensive way to show your guests you’ve thought through every detail. Plus, it adds structure to the meal and gives everyone something tangible to admire and even keep.

Finally, invest in timeless pieces. A beautiful set of glasses, a classic white serving platter, or an elegant flatware set doesn’t just serve the current season—they become part of your tradition. Over time, these items hold memories, becoming heirlooms in the making.

Bonus: If you want to introduce a pattern to your host-ware collection, Cartier suggests keeping it classic and traditional. Think plaid, paisley, stripes, or florals. 

In the end, the holiday table isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. With these thoughtful touches, you’ll craft a space that welcomes, comforts, and delights. And isn’t that the true spirit of the holidays?

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To learn more about Jaclyn Cartier check our her Instagram profile @jaclyncartier.

For more holiday decor inspiration, visit @holidaybyjaclyncartier