(ARA) - Mismatched china, not enough napkins, the wrong glasses. If you arent ready for the holiday entertaining season dont despair. There are lots of ways to creatively dress your table for special dinners without breaking the bank.

Right now the trend is eclectic, whatever you feel like doing, do it! says Kendy Kloepfer, a host on ShopNBC, the broadcast and online retailer. The great thing about 2003 is that you can do whatever grabs you — whether its playful, powerful or dramatic.

Start by taking inventory of your available china, glassware and silverware. More pieces and accessories can be added once you figure out what you already have.

You can do it so affordably now, you dont ever have to make a huge investment, adds Kloepfer. It used to be that you would buy one very expensive set of china to use for years. Because of our pricing, it is affordable to do something different every year.

If you already have a set of holiday china, feel free to fill in the gaps by adding some solid color dishes. Only plain china in your cupboard? Create a holiday mood by mixing in colors and other accessories.

One trend we are seeing this year is lots of color, especially different color plates; such as contrasting charger plates with dinner plates, says Stan Halfmann, ShopNBC housewares buyer You could even use a different color palette for each place setting. You can check out a whole range of china patterns, both holiday and solid color designs, on the ShopNBC Web site.

Stainless steel and silverplate are very hot this year, suggests Halfmann. Silverplate serving pieces and candle holders are a great way to add some flash to your table.

Another way to add some drama is with glassware. Colored glassware will change the whole look of a table. A fun option for the beginning of your party or as a centerpiece: a Blooming Champagne or Blooming Martini Bouquet available from ShopNBC online. These handmade glasses, with long, multi-colored stems, are displayed flower-style in a glass vase. Each guest can pull a glass from the bouquet when the champagne bottle comes their way.

Feel free to blend styles and use pieces from different time periods. Try pairing your traditional china with a funky set of glasses or modern, gold accented flatware. Just be sure to choose items with similar proportions or complementary lines, so that your settings dont have a haphazard appearance.

Linen provides the backdrop for your settings, and sets the tone for the whole table. For the holidays, a rich fabric like damask or satin jacquard in a gold, burgundy or green will create a festive, luxurious look. Be sure to have fun with the napkins. Instead of traditional napkin rings, use tassels, silk ribbons, raffia or a small ornament tied around the middle of each one.

Your centerpiece will pull the whole arrangement together. It doesnt need to be complicated or expensive. Maybe just a few simple candles in elegant silver holders, or a group of short candles arranged on a decorative silver platter with pine cones, nuts or small boughs.

This time of year, glass figurines, ornaments, or any of your favorite holiday collectibles can be incorporated into a centerpiece design, suggests Halfmann. Just use your imagination. Check ShopNBC online for a whole range of decorative items from Mikasa crystal candleholders to assorted glass ornaments to whimsical holiday figurines.

We are offering more than we ever have this year, and we can respond to our customers immediately. Unlike a department store, we can monitor inventory minute by minute and make adjustments within hours, adds Kloepfer.

Speed is definitely important during the holiday shopping season. For holiday decorating ideas, and for information on more housewares and tabletop items as well as a range of other merchandise including clothing, jewelry and Must-See TV collectibles, visit www.shopnbc.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Courtesy of ARA Content

Libbey 16-Piece Colbalt Flare Glassware Set

Libbey 16-Piece Colbalt Flare Glassware Set Add a bit of flare to your glassware collection with these Libbey cobalt blue glasses. The set of 16 glasses comes in a striking cobalt blue that fades in shade toward the top. Their sleek flared styling makes them perfect for everyday use or special occasions. Durable, practical and well weighted, the glasses are comfortable to hold without feeling clunky. Makes a great gift or excellent addition to your own glassware collection. Set includes 8 tall, tumbler-style glasses and 8 short, Old Fashioned-style glasses. Dishwasher safe. Made in USA. Tall glasses: 5-3/4Hx3-3/8" dia. Short glasses: 4-3/8Hx3-1/2" dia.
Customer Review: libbey cobalt tumblers ROCK!
I bought a set of 10 of these same glasses back in 1992.. over the years there was an inevitable attrition and I am sooo happy to have the opportunity to replace them. They arrived totally unbroken (great for a box of 16) and are dishwasher-ing beautifully. Actually, I ordered them from Australia, picked them up in U.S. on a family visit and transported them back in the overhead (just days before the recent carry-on crackdown). All my Aussie friends are green with jealousy. Cannot get such FINE and gorgeous cheap glasses here.
Customer Review: cheri
I love the glass set! They are very pretty but also sturdy. With teenage children, fragile glassware is not an opiton. So these are functional yet very decorative! Will not hesitate to buy another set once the kids go through these!! The only flaw was that two were broken in shipping, but that was not a product flaw, just a shipping problem. Need to find a better way to package before shipping.