Setting the Perfect Holiday Table: Expert Tips from Amparito Vera
- Alexandra Vera
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
When the holidays arrive, hosting can feel like one more daunting task added to an already long list. When I began preparing my own holiday table, I turned to an expert I know better than anyone—my mother, Amparito Vera. In addition to raising four children, she served for years as the wife of a General and an Ambassador. Although those titles belonged to my father, the responsibility of hosting countless official and private events fell entirely on her. She handled it all with such effortless grace that, looking back, I’m filled with awe.
We had gatherings—large and small—at our home nearly every week, the kind of events that would completely overwhelm me today. When I asked her for advice on setting the perfect holiday table, the very first thing she told me was: “The table is not a chore. It is an opportunity.” And her first piece of advice to me, delivered with a smile, was: “Embrace it, young lady.”
“Some of the most enduring memories of my life were made at holiday dinners,” she shares. “These traditions become sticky memories—moments that follow us through life and are even passed on to future generations. Few things have that kind of staying power.”
Her philosophy is simple: don’t be afraid to put pieces of yourself onto the table. Let traditions whisper through the details. Lean into nostalgia—because nostalgia, she insists, is the pathway to the heart.
1. Embrace Tradition (and Don’t Apologize for Nostalgia)
Many hosts feel pressure to reinvent the wheel each year, but Amparito encourages the opposite.
“Don’t fight nostalgia—use it,” she laughs. “People long for the décor they grew up with or always wished for. It creates warmth, safety, and instant connection.”
Her tips:
Start with your own family traditions.
Add a few thoughtful elements for guests to feel welcomed.
Consider seasonal classics: tartan plaids, metallic accents, evergreen sprigs, blue-and-white motifs for Hanukkah, and candlelight.
Pull out special pieces—china, crystal, heirloom candlesticks—now is their moment.
If you don’t own a full china set, Amparito recommends elegant, neutral sets such as Ralph Lauren’s timeless dinnerware, which transitions beautifully from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.
2. Begin With the Foundation: The Tablecloth
“The quickest way to elevate a table from casual to elegant,” Amparito insists, “is simply putting on a tablecloth.”
Her rules:
Choose a cloth that complements your overall palette—not one that fights it.
A coordinating runner adds layering and depth.
If you’re hosting multiple holiday events, select neutral, reusable foundations (cloths, runners, chargers) that can be refreshed with seasonal accents.
3. The Art of Cutlery—Without the Stress
Cutlery is the #1 source of anxiety for many hosts. Amparito sympathizes.
“Don’t add utensils just to add utensils. That only creates heartache,” she says.
Her simplified guidance:
Select cutlery based on what you’re actually serving.
Follow the classic rule: work from the outside in.
Forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right.
Skip excessive pieces. “Even ambassadors,” she says, “do not enjoy choosing between five spoons.”
Her husband, General Vera, often told her: “If the people I’m eating with use only a spoon, then I will use only a spoon.” Connection matters more than formality.
“The table should be designed for the meal, the conversation, and the people—not to impress.”
4. Play With Height (But Don’t Block the View)
A common mistake is having every element at the same height, which flattens the visual interest of the table.
Amparito suggests:
Mix tall candlesticks with low arrangements.
Add a vase with branches or greenery.
Use small risers hidden under the tablecloth for subtle elevation.
Avoid anything so tall it blocks the view between guests. The table should facilitate conversation, not hinder it.
Centerpiece Ideas
Okay, let's just say this is my favorite part! You know I had to sneak my cakes in here somewhere :)
A beautiful dessert as the centerpiece A standout favorite: Alma Baking House’s Forest Log or North Pole Tree Cakes. It’s festive, elegant, and remains a stunning visual focal point throughout the meal.
Fruit arrangements Pears, oranges, lemons lightly dusted with sugar—like a still-life painting come to life.
Citrus and velvet leaves with silver accents for Christmas Eve.
Low floral arrangements or single buds in vintage cups.
5. Decorate With Snacks (A Signature Amparito Trick)
“I don't want anyone going hungry—that only adds stress to me as a hostess,” she jokes.
Her signature move:
Use snackables as decoration.
Scatter:
nuts
chocolates
fruit
candies
and most importantly, Alma Baking House holiday cookies
These double as décor and easy nibbling between courses—keeping spirits high and guests delighted.
6. Salt: The Unsung Hero of the Table
One of Amparito’s strong opinions?
“There is no such thing as too many salt shakers.”
Salt not only improves food—it’s also an adorable décor opportunity. Mini salt cellars or tiny shakers scattered across the table add charm and functionality.
7. Don’t Overlook Napkins
Napkins, she says, are the most underappreciated element.
A beautifully folded napkin or one secured in a decorative holder instantly telegraphs elegance. Place them atop each plate for maximum visual impact.
8. Make Guests Feel Known and Welcome
One of Amparito’s most powerful hosting principles: “Nothing makes a guest feel more welcome than seeing their name at the table.”
This can be:
handwritten place cards
personalized ornaments
small keepsake gifts at each seat
Just, she warns with a smile, spell the names correctly.
Final Thoughts From Amparito
“At the end of the day, the table is not about perfection. It is about creating a space where people feel safe, warm, and connected. The holidays are short, but the memories last forever.”
And for a finishing touch? A stunning Christmas dessert—like Alma Baking House’s Christmas cakes, cookies, or cakes—brings the table together, adds a festive centerpiece, and leaves guests talking long after the meal is over.
The Ultimate Holiday Table Checklist (Amparito Vera–Approved)
Holiday Foundations
Choose overall color theme and nostalgic accents
Select and press tablecloth (neutral tones recommended)
Add a table runner for depth
Gather china (or choose a simple elegant set)
Ensure cutlery matches the planned menu
Place napkins on each plate (folded or in a decorative ring)
Table Layout Essentials
Set utensils working from outside in
Place forks on left; knives & spoons on right
Include only utensils needed for planned courses
Add water glasses, wine glasses, or beverage cups
Place name cards or personalized ornaments at each seat
Centerpiece & Elevation
Add elements at varying heights (candles, vases, branches)
Keep tallest items away from sight-lines
Include a central conversation piece, such as:
Alma Baking House Forest Log and North Pole Tree Cakes
Fruit arrangement with sugared citrus
Low floral arrangement in a small vase
Holiday greenery and candles
Décor Details & “Sticky Memories”
Incorporate nostalgic decorations (tartan, metallics, holly, menorah, evergreen)
Use small objects from home for intimacy (jewelry, keepsakes)
Add small keepsake gifts at each plate (ornament, candy, tiny basket)
Light candles before guests arrive
Add greenery or mini wreaths to chargers or plates
Edible Decorations & Snacks
Scatter nuts, chocolates, candy, and fruit across the table
Add bowls or trays of Alma Baking House cookies as snackables
Ensure children have a small treat or knick-knack at their seat
Keep snackable décor refreshed throughout the evening
Seasoning & Comfort
Place several mini salt & pepper shakers across the table
Add butter dishes or small condiment bowls as appropriate
Ensure easy access to sauces or gravy boats
Hosting Touches
Double-check name spellings for place cards
Prepare soft background music
Warm plates if possible
Light the room so faces glow warmly (no harsh overhead lighting)
Keep chairs comfortable with cushions or throws
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