What sets a New Year's Eve table apart from an ordinary dinner is less the food and more how the table looks. Choose colours and patterns first and the rest becomes easy.
Colour first: three palettes for New Year
- Red and gold: the most classic New Year colours. A red patterned runner, white plates and gold details.
- Green and white: pine branches, white plates and green-toned linen. Simple and fresh.
- Navy and silver: a night-themed, more modern table.
Two main colours and one accent colour are enough. If you choose a patterned runner, keep the plates plain; if the plates are patterned, keep the linen simple.
Pomegranates on the New Year table
In Turkey, the pomegranate is placed on the table at New Year as a symbol of abundance. A bowl of pomegranates in the middle of the table keeps the tradition alive and completes a red palette. With pomegranate patterned linen, real pomegranates in the centre carry the pattern onto the table.
Table layout step by step
- Table runner: laid lengthwise along the centre. Centrepieces and shared dishes go on the runner.
- Placemats: one opposite each chair. Allow about 60 cm per person.
- Plate: in the centre of the placemat. If you use a charger plate, it goes first with the dinner plate on top.
- Coaster: at the top right of the plate, at one o'clock.
- Cutlery and napkin: fork on the left, knife and spoon on the right; napkin on the plate or to the left of the fork.
- Centrepiece: a bowl of pomegranates, pine branches or a low flower arrangement. It should not block the view of the person opposite.
We explain where each piece goes in our table setting article.
What does each table size need?
- Table for 4 (about 120 cm): 1 runner, 4 placemats, 4 coasters.
- Table for 6 (about 160 cm): 1 runner, 6 placemats, 6 coasters.
- Table for 8 (about 200 cm): 1-2 runners, 8 placemats, 8 coasters.
If one table is not enough for a large gathering, add a second table end to end and lay runners in the same pattern on both; the two tables then look like one.
Careful with candles
Candles are a must on a New Year table, but they should not stand directly on fabric. Polyester and cotton are affected by heat. Put candles on a glass or metal plate, always use a plate under them on the runner, and never leave them unattended.
Cleaning up
New Year dinners last long and stains are inevitable. Wipe-clean placemats and runners can be cleaned with a damp cloth the next morning. We cover fabric care in our care article.