Tablecloth
Days 1-3: Make merry with Marimekko and choose one of the Finnish company's vibrant cottons in the seasonal palette: the red-and-gold Ananas, the-snow-on-branches Lumimarja, or the evergreen-forest Metsanvanki. Sold by the metre, the textiles may spark your first foray into Christmas crafts, the result a tablecloth and napkins that you'll treasure well beyond the holidays.
Ananas (about $45) at The Finnish Place, Toronto; Lumimarja and Metsanvaki through finnishdesignshop.com (by the metre – free shipping after 100 Euros)
Tablecloth
Day 4: If going the minimalist décor route, the crisp, hole-punched Alliance tablecloth by Ligne Roset evokes the white stuff without feeling stuffy.
Napkin ring
Day 5: Its name says it all – the jingle bell napkin ring ($24/6 at Pottery Barn) will instantaneously brighten spirits around the dinner table.
Dishes and Platters
Day 6: If you're going to invest in formal dinnerware around the holidays, choose a collection of bold and beautiful china guaranteed to bring you cheer all year round. A modern spin on the traditional dinner service, the Taste Collection from Reichenbach might even please Mom. Each plate has a distinct shape, for a dynamic setting ($65 to $75 a plate; platters start at $100; at Shop AGO)
Cake tray
Day 7: Serve up some Christmas cake, with Emma ($38 at Pottery Barn), and bring a simple, sweet and lovely touch to the table.
Stemware & Flutes
Day 8: As much a conversation piece as a chianti vessel, the bird-footed Louise Tripod Glass by Umbra might just be the thing to distract the guests while you're carving up the turkey. ($125/4)
Stemware & Flutes
Day 9: You can toast to the fact that your first truly adult stemware is definitely not your grandmother's Waterford crystal. Robert Mondavi puts a thoroughly modern twist on the Irish tradition. ($60 each, Sears)
Stemware & Flutes
Day 10: Tired of drinking in the round? The angular Avanti by Orrefors wine glass collection takes stemware to the next level. ($45 each)
Wine glasses
Day 11: Your guests will thank you for choosing these classic, delicate wine glasses that feel so wonderful in the hand. Although the Riedel O collection specifies glasses by the grape, there's no rule saying you can't choose one size and shape to serve all. (Shown: Sauvignon Blanc $24.50/2 riedelcanada.com)
Wine glasses
Day 12: If you're afraid of breaking your prized Riedels, the shatterproof plastic Govino is perfect for parties and dimpled for easy grip. ($20/4 at Bergo)
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