Dining tables are where the greatest memories of the season are made, whether you and your loved ones are indulging in platefuls of beloved dishes, toasting to good health in the upcoming year, or gleefully reminiscing about the past year.

If you’re looking for a spark of inspiration as you prepare to play host, check out this assortment of unique decorating schemes. Bold yet charming, any of these concepts can transform your tablescape and add an extra touch of magic to your celebrations.

Scandinavian winter

Borrow white winter motifs from people who are all too familiar with snow. To achieve a stylish Scandinavian scene, dress your dining table in a white tablecloth and mark the center with a vase full of pine or juniper branches. If you have a long table, choose a plush, white runner to resemble a path of snow, then dot the scene with charming accents such as pine cones, tiny ceramic houses, and wooden serving boards with rims of authentic bark.

As for the table settings, lean wholly into Scandinavian minimalism, which favors natural materials and colors—think textured ceramics in a range of neutral shades, including some walnut-brown objects to offset the white expanse. Finish the look with simple glassware and matte utensils, and your colorful holiday meal will pop amid all the natural luxury.

Enduring elegance

Who says your table must feature the anticipated festive imagery of trees, stars, and snowflakes? Houston-based interior designer Bilal Rehman recommends an alternative: decorating your dining table in simple sophistication that’s suitable for any season. “If you’re hosting for Thanksgiving, don’t use a serving dish that’s in the shape of a turkey or that says, ‘Happy Thanksgiving,’” Rehman suggests. “Instead, choose a beautiful crystal dish. You can then use that same dish on Christmas because it will blend seamlessly.”

The key to achieving this evergreen look is curating dinnerware and decor made with elegant materials that work with the rest of your interiors. Look for pieces that borrow colors from the surrounding walls, furniture, and other elements to ensure they mesh well in the space. You may expect your guests to call you a grinch as they grumble about the lack of typical holiday scenery, but as they settle into their dining chairs, they’ll understand that you’ve found a special way to dignify the gathering.

Crafty and creative

Then again, if you feel that surrounding yourself with seasonal colors and motifs is like being wrapped in a warm hug, by all means, utilize festive decor! But you can still honor the holiday and defy expectations; just embrace your inner child and dream up some DIY ornaments.

For inspiration, try this holiday garland idea by UK designer Annie Sloan: Tie green leaves and dried orange slices onto long strands of twine, then suspend them from a real tree branch. Hang it above your dining table for a thoughtful centerpiece that features seasonal elements in a surprising way. Sloan finishes the look with strings of golden lights layered over the table’s surface and dinnerware in white and olive colors.

Get creative with other homemade goods such as table runners, place mats, and vase dressings. To craft the most attractive pieces, though, remember that quality is king. Filling your dining room with tinsel and plastics just won’t feel as palatable as working with a few high-quality materials or even elements sourced from nature.

Old meets new

Traditional decor has achieved classic status for a reason: you can’t go wrong when combining pieces like bone china, stemmed crystal wine glasses, and holly wreaths because they never go out of style. However, if you still want to surprise your guests, aim for a more transitional look, which balances timeless with contemporary. You merely need to throw in some new and fresh finds from home-decor retailers like CB2 and Target or local artisans.

“If you have vintage china plates that are a little bit older and more ornate, place them next to some contemporary wine glasses or a beautiful pair of clean-lined and simple silverware,” Rehman suggests. “That juxtaposition of old and new will make your tablescape feel curated and collected.”

When you shop for decor, select pieces with simple silhouettes and little to no pattern. As for the color scheme, balance seasonal hues with neutral shades or opt for muted colors like merlot red and olive green. Such a contemporary color palette will form the perfect backdrop for savoring holiday flavors and making festive memories with those who matter most.