Gather together

When family and friends get together this time of year, dinner is almost always the main event. Great food is important, of course, but so is the table. You want it to be intimate, comfortable and most of all conducive to merrymaking. Whether you prefer a traditional, formal or contemporary look, a beautifully set table starts with some simple elements: a tablecloth, plates, flatware and a centerpiece. The trick is pulling the components together in a way that expresses your taste.

Once you've mastered that, the rest is easy―just light the candles and let the magic happen. An inviting atmosphere ensures that guests will linger longer than they might have first planned, and it creates memories for everyone that will last for years to come.

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