table holiday travel

How to set a dinner table for the holidays and impress your guests

Be the 'host with the most' by knowing how to set the perfect dinner table this holiday

If you’re hosting a festive party, you’ll need to know how to set a dinner table for the holidays and impress your guests. In fact, the dinner table is the focal point of any feast, creating a welcoming first impression. In addition, it can uplift a drab, dining table and make mealtimes more exciting. 

Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner for a select few or cooking up a storm, knowing how to set a dinner table the correct way is useful to know. The etiquette of where to place the right fork or knife for each course doesn't have to be limited to fancy restaurants! Plus, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate in style with loved ones. So if you want to go all out on those hosting skills, here’s how to set a dinner table this holiday.  

Worried about cooking the Christmas dinner? Here are 10 tips to make this year's Christmas dinner less stressful . 

How to set a dinner table this holiday 

1. First, lay out a clean and ironed tablecloth on the dining table. If you prefer not to use a tablecloth, you can use linen table runners in the center.

2. Next, set a charger for each guest . Chargers or server plates are large, decorative plates which are used as a backdrop for your dinner plates. The idea is that when the main course is served, the charger should be swapped out for the correct dinner plate. 

3. In the center of the charger, place a soup bowl (optional) Then place the bread plate to the top left of the charger. Add the butter knife on the plate with the handle facing right for easy reach.

4.  Place a cloth napkin to the right of the charger . It's also popular to place a napkin in the centre of the plate.

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5. To the left of the charger, place the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside . On the right of the charger, place the dinner knife, salad knife, and soup spoon, from left to right.

6. Now for the glasses. The water glass is placed above the knives while wine is set from right to the left in the order. Typically, white wine is on the outside for the first course, and the red wine is inside for your main meal.

7. Finally, the dessert utensils are placed above the charger . Usually, the fork handle is to the left and spoon handle to the right.

Do I need name cards? 

If you really want to impress, you can personalize your dinner party with name cards. Typically, these are set above the dessert spoon but you can also place them on the plate if you have limited table space. At least you can plan your guest seating arrangements to avoid any festive family drama!

Other Christmas table ideas 

You can bring style to your festive table with wreaths, candles and baubles to add glamor. Christmas centerpieces are a great way to style your table, and you can find a range of designs. You'll find centerpieces made from artificial fir tree and pine cones to ones with candle holders attached. 

We particularly like this Christmas Candle Holder Centerpiece ($35, Amazon ) or this Christmas Advent Wreath Centerpiece ($15, Amazon ) to add that festive feel. 

Other festive table ideas include mason jar candle holders, silver bells, napkin art, or you can create an 'evergreen' theme by adding fresh greenery, foliage, pine cones and red berries. The best thing is, you can get creative as you like to make it fun and festive for your guests to enjoy.  

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!

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Entertaining

The complete guide to setting a holiday table.

S etting an elegant table can be one of the most daunting tasks of the holiday season. There are countless decisions to be made about china, centerpieces, flatware, and linens. As we head into the holiday season, we asked our friends to help us set tables that felt fresh. From a coastal autumnal dinner to a cozy Christmas soiree, our experts shared their best tips and tricks for creating beautiful tabletop moments.

How to Set the Table

Let’s start with the basics: How you set your table ties in directly to the meal you’re having. Do you want a casual dinner with friends or a formal family gathering? A formal place setting is luxe. It includes both red- and white-wine glasses, flatware for each course , and various plates. The casual place setting has a single wineglass and a water goblet and fewer utensils.  Forks should be set in order of use, working from the outside in, and knives should face in toward the plate. These templates are just a base from which to build, and everyone we spoke to has his or her take. 

“I don’t entertain as much as I would like to with my hectic travel schedule,” says interior designer Paloma Contreras . “So when I do, I like to make things feel as special as possible.”   Ben Reynaert , senior style and market editor at ADPro, also takes a buttoned-up approach: “I always lean hard into formal for the holidays.” As for design journalist  Sarah Bray , something a little more free-form feels right. “I don’t like to follow too many rules,” she says. “I always start with the tablecloth, usually yardage of a decorative fabric, and let the creative juices flow from there.”

At her new home in Bermuda, Sarah set an autumnal dinner en plein air with a fresh color palette. “I am a pink and pastel queen,” she says, “but during the holidays, blues and greens are my favorite.” The colors bring a bit of cozy warmth to the table and are a perfect nod to both fall and Bermuda’s island style.

She set the table with Vietri’s Drop glasses , bamboo flatware from Juliska , and a mix of plates that include Burleigh Asiatic Pheasant Plates.

Sarah’s Three Rules for a Beautifully Set Table

• Invite everyone you love and invest in extra seating. “When I moved to Bermuda, I put 20 bamboo folding chairs on my shipping container, and I already need 20 more.”
• Use native greenery. Even after her garden was decimated by hurricane season, Sarah used what was available. “I made it work with a smaller bud vase and some baby palm fronds surrounded by a sea of collected brass candlesticks.”
• Have fun and know that rules are meant to be broken. “For example, Emily Post would say put your bread plate on the top left corner of the plate, but it fit better lower on the left​—​so I just went with that and didn’t stress.”

Photo courtesy of Sarah Bray

Photo courtesy of Scot Meacham Wood

Scot Meacham Wood

He’s the Prince of Plaid and the Titan of Tartan. There are lots of ways to describe interior designer  Scot Meacham Wood’s style, but one thing is for certain: He loves a traditional holiday color palette.

He mixed classic Christmas plaids with rustic elements to create his ideal holiday table. The stag-horn-handle cutlery amps up the cabin feel. The glassware is a clever nod to his love of plaid. The mirrored place mats and the silver pieces on the table add an element of Art Deco glam.

Scot’s Must-Haves for the Table

• Flowers. If they’re large, make sure they sit low so that they don’t interfere with conversation. Alternatively, small buds in vintage julep cups are a good go-to.
• Make sure the silverware matches the menu. “I try not to overwhelm our guest with a panoply of utensils, but I always make certain we have the correct pieces for the menu,” he says.
• Tablecloths are a necessity. “I love a beautiful tablecloth,” he says. “I almost always use one whenever we are entertaining.”

Centerpieces: Yay or Nay?

Centerpieces can be one of the trickiest styling choices you have to make when setting a table. Here’s how to pick the right one.

“Oftentimes I find the expanse of a table for eight or more can be quite empty and boring,” Ben says. “I love scattering vintage glass jars and vases down the table and using various-sized flowers and greens.”

“I believe centerpiece elements should double as conversation pieces,” says chef Stephanie Nass . “In terms of centerpiece height, I have no strict rule. Consider it within the context of the table size, table shape, and room acoustics.”

Paloma Contreras

Paloma didn’t become the darling of the interior design world that she is without planning. That laserlike focus extends to her table setting skills as well. “Determine your theme ahead of time, order your flowers in advance, and set your table a day or two early so that you aren’t stressed out the day of your event,” she advises.

Paloma’s go-to holiday color scheme isn’t red or green; it’s aubergine and raspberry. Her table is full of fun and funky moments. “I think you really have to assess the type of vibe you want to create,” she says.

Paloma’s Tabletop Go-Tos

• For holiday china, she prefers something simple like Ralph Lauren Home’s Wilshire China .
• For centerpieces, she prefers low and lush. “They are just as beautiful and make it easier to engage with everyone at the table,” she says.
• On that note, flowers are a must. “I always include beautiful flowers on the table,” she says. “They are my favorite part of creating beautiful table settings and are often the impetus for the entire color palette or theme.”

Photo courtesy of Paloma Contreras

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Nass

Stephanie Nass

Stephanie Nass approaches the table not as a designer but as a chef. She built her catering and accessory business around her love of food, and her tablescape started there too. “The table setting is the stage for a culinary performance,” she says. Look closely and you’ll see hints of her culinary prowess sprinkled throughout her tartan holiday soiree.

Stephanie’s Recipe to a Successful Holiday Table

• Use snackables as decoration. “I don’t want anyone going hungry when I’m in charge,” she says. “I decorate the table with candy, fruit, nuts, and chocolate so guests may nibble in between courses.”
• Build up. “Use chargers , dinner plates , menus, and napkins to give each place setting height. To me, this is what distinguishes an extraordinary tablescape from an ordinary one.”
• Incorporate festive elements. “’Tis the season for tartan plaids, shimmery metallics, and blue-and-white menorahs. These traditional motifs are warming and nostalgic, so make sure to use them, even in a nontraditional way.”

Mixing vintage china with modern pieces keeps your table interesting. “I love mixing old and new and find it so special to incorporate sentimental or inherited pieces into one’s table setting,” says Paloma.

“If you can stay within a certain color story, maybe something like blue and white, mixing china patterns can be easy,” says Scot.

“If I’m using a super traditional, granny-chic salad plate from Mottahedeh, I might layer it on top of a fun handmade mixed-clay dinner plate from La Tuile à Loup where you can see the hand,” Ben says.

Ben Reynaert

If anyone knows what’s out there in the tabletop world, it’s Ben. As the senior style and market editor for ADPro, he is constantly hunting down the latest and forecasting trends for the upcoming season.

For the holidays, he loves a traditional red-and-green table. “The color combination looks smashing with antique silver platters and decorative objects scattered about,” he says. For this table, he went with a more autumnal palette and anchored it in moody blues and greens. Fresh citrus, which is ripest in the winter, is a whimsical nod to the season.

Ben’s Editorial Edicts for Entertaining

• Have fun. “Take a risk and go over the top,” he says. “It’s not a precious thing.”
• Set the mood. “Always dim the lights and have candles lit at different heights during dinner.”
• Mix and match your decor. “It keeps things formal but not prescriptive and boring.”

Photo courtesy of Ben Reynaert

Photo courtesy of Liz Caan

While red and green are certainly holiday mainstays, not everyone’s home looks good in that merry combination. Enter designer Liz Caan and her colorful dining room.

Liz set her table with blue-and-white china, amethyst chargers, and fresh greenery that speaks to the colors of the table. “The table feels fresh and festive, and it still looks great in my dining room where a red-and-green theme would clash,” she says.

Liz’s Guide to a Beautiful Table

• Be creative. “And have fun with things you have around the house that you have collected.
• There’s no such thing as too much salt. “Make sure there are lots of mini individual salt cellars or salt and pepper shakers scattered about.”
• Beautiful napkins are a must. “Take time to press the linens.”

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Festive Napkins

A little origami napkin-work can add an instant dose of holiday cheer (even if you left decorating the table until the last minute.)

Pattern Play

Offset all of the red and green with some classic black and white touches to give your table a whimsical yet cohesive style that's perfect for a holiday celebration.

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Moss Runner

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Christmas Crackers

Originally a British tradition, crackers are a fun way to kick off the dinner party and make for a lively table setting.

Estelle Colored Glass Colored Glasses

These pastel-hued glasses offer a softer take on holiday decorating, we particularly love the the blue wine glasses for a Hanukkah dinner or a blue and silver-inspired Christmas table.

Henry Handwork Hand-Embroidered Holiday Napkins

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Festive Napkin Rings

Choosing a festive napkin ring is another way to dress up your table. Opt for a gold patterned design, like the napkin ring seen here, to add to the holiday color scheme.

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Light-Up Ski Chalet Ornaments

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Citrus Garland

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Juliska Berry & Thread Stackable Glass Trees, Set of 5

Stackable glass trees create a gorgeous glittering forest on your table. Plus, the heights can be adjusted to avoid having to peer around tall centerpieces.

Red and Gold

Red and green isn't the only Christmas color pairing—don't underestimate the elegant couple that is red and gold.

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Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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12 Christmas Table Setting Ideas That Will Enchant Your Guests

Create a festive tabletop using our holiday place setting, centerpiece, and servingware ideas.

Roxanna is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

Christmas is the ultimate season for hosting: gift exchanges, tree-trimming parties , cozy dinners , and morning brunches. Throughout the cheery season, your dining table is the spot where your family makes some of their fondest memories.

To set the scene, decorate by borrowing our most inspiring table setting ideas over the years. Create festive centerpieces with cloches filled with shiny baubles, fold linens into tree-shaped dinner napkins, roll out a festive candy cane-inspired tablecloth. The possibilities are endless when it comes to decking your dining room for the holidays.

To help you get inspired, we're sharing our favorite Christmas table setting ideas that evoke the spirit of the season. Once you've curated a table setting worthy of St. Nick, invite friends and family to find their seats at the table, toast each other with glasses of eggnog, and savor the feast.

Leaf Motif Plate Decoration

Adorn guests' charger plates with a touch of greenery that's emblematic of mistletoe or boughs of holly. Cut leaves out of crepe paper, and attach them to floral-wire "stems" with green floral tape. Cluster the stems and wrap with the tape to make a branch. Finally, hot-glue on "berries"—in the form of foil-wrapped chocolates—for guests to snack on post-dinner.

Citrus Pomander Table Setting

On this tablescape, orange and pink are the new red and green. Low footed bowls of fragrant, minimally embellished pomanders serve as centerpieces, while fresh bay leaves tied in neon-pink cord adorn each place setting. Magenta and brown glasses provide additional hits of unexpected color.

Woodland Wonderland Table Setting

At Martha's home in Bedford, the house is decorated like an enchanted woodland hideaway, brimming with bears, deer, and other sylvan regulars. These rustic, woodsy decorations naturally say Christmas. This table is set with wood-plank place mats, branch candleholders, and "snowcapped" birch stumps. The Buri animals and the pots of selaginella, or spike-moss, evoke a dreamy forest floor.

Crimson-and-Silver Table Setting

Bouquets of bold-red amaryllis tied with stiff silver ribbon and displayed down the center of a table look stunning against the hushed gray, white, and silver place settings. To make the napkin rings—which complement the beading on the porcelain plates—string silver mesh beads onto silver string, and tie. Tie on a bow of light gray ribbon.

Peppermint Table Setting

Peppermint sticks stacked like Yule logs and fastened with twine become a vehicle for a place card and the inspiration for this color scheme. Ribbons in varied red-stripe patterns dress up pillar candles, while crepe-paper bells add a festive jingle to everyone's place.

Metallic Silver Table Setting

As if out of thin air, candleholders appear where balloons used to be. The trick: Blow the balloons up, then brush on a glittery glue mixture. Once it dries, pop and discard the balloons—leaving behind shells you can paint on the inside. They make dazzling centerpieces, especially when clustered with glitter-dusted pillar candles and silver dip-dyed linens.

Candy Land Table Setting

Spools of ribbon in bubblegum pink cascade down the length of this holiday table. For each guest, a place setting is set with custom holiday partyware, a Christmas cracker replicating the characters from The Nutcracker , and a gift-tag napkin printed with their name. To make the free-flowing table runner, soft pink velvet linen was sprinkled with faux snow for a frosted look.

Glittered Faux Fruit Table Setting

Pears, oranges, and lemons sprinkled with sugar dust look straight out of a fairy tale. A brightly hued citrus centerpiece, piled high with velvet leaves and silver balls, brings sophisticated cheer to Christmas Eve. The faux lemons covered with glitter are for display only, but lemon-drop candies, are arranged in personalized baskets atop each plate as a sweet treat.

Sequined Table Setting

A gleaming grove of triangular trees makes an enchanting centerpiece. Cut from pearlized card stock, the trees are trimmed with loose sequins and small paillettes. Hemstitched linens are an unfussy foil for shimmering place settings. For the napkin rings, wrap two foam balls with strung sequins, and thread 1/4-inch metallic ribbon through them using a tapestry needle; wrap the ribbon around the napkin, then tuck the smaller ball through to hold it in place. Sew sequins by hand along a runner's hemstitching for a confetti effect.

Giving Tree Table Setting

This clip-art tree serves as a place card, dessert, and ornament all in one. After eating the sweets inside, each guest can take one of the paper trees home and hang it on their real tannenbaum.

To make a single tree, download the templates and print onto heavyweight matte paper; cut out. Brush craft glue onto the blank area of the tree template, roll it into a cone shape, and let the glue dry. Craft a tree bottom from mat board, silver embroidery floss, and a wooden spool coated with light blue paint. The topper is made from a one-inch craft punch and silver card stock.

Christmas Tree Napkins Table Setting

More than one tannenbaum can be found in your home for the holidays. Learn a few quick folds to turn linens into little trees. When personalized with star topper place cards—punched out from paper and handwritten with the name of a guest—they're perfect for welcoming guests to the table. Keep the rest of the table sparsely decorated with fragrant evergreen boughs, modern dishes, gilded flatware, and a crisp, linen tablecloth.

Holly-Jolly Table Setting

Dress up the dinner table with napkin holders made from felt holly leaves and a jingle bell. Choose a bell that complements your tablescape's color palette, like we did here.

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How to Level Up Your Holiday Tablescape

Tips and tricks for making your holiday table look especially nice

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After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into cooking, setting the table is like the final boss of entertaining. Now, as more and more people become aware of the concept of a “tablescape,” having a table that looks good enough to post on Instagram is a sign of a successful dinner party. Even if you don’t plan to document it for your social following, a well-dressed table is a fitting way to showcase a delicious spread and make the evening feel like the truly festive occasion that it is.

But having a beautiful table doesn’t have to add more stress to an already stressful time. Decorating the dinner table can be a chance to get creative with all the tchotchkes and trinkets you’ve collected over time, show off that enviable collection of serveware, or get crafty with ribbons and bows. It’s really the only time you’re allowed to play with your food. If you’re looking to step up your game and perfect the art of the tablescape, follow these suggestions from professional hosts and dinner-party planners.

Start with a mood board

A throughline or central theme acts as a good entry point for where to start sourcing decorations for the table. This is how Pearl Banjurtrungkajorn, co-founder of the dinner club series Her Name is Nala, starts every brainstorming session when tapped by brands to host a dinner.

“We look at their brand, as well as ours, and see what elements overlap, what elements we want to bring to the forefront,” she says. “Then we form a mood board around it.”

On it, she pulls inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, cookbooks, her camera roll, and things she saw on the street to get a sense of the atmosphere she wants to create. From there, she uses the board to begin sourcing what to put on the table. Choosing, say, an autumnal theme can translate to foliage-shaped tableware, like this aspen spoon or these rust-colored plates .

Aspen Leaf Wooden Spoon

Prices taken at time of publishing.

• $15 at Vesper and Vine

Davi Antique Rust Salad Plates

• $17 at Kirkland’s

Play with levels

When it comes to actually setting the table, elevating the tablescape can mean quite literally elevating some of the table.

Traditionally, “risers are used on buffet displays,” Banjurtrungkajorn says. “These can actually be used on a dinner-party tablescape to lift up certain plates so that when you look at the tables as a whole, it actually adds dimension and levels to the tablescape. Utilizing cake stands and these risers is a way to create depth in your table and is a fun way to spice it up.”

For an elegant, uncluttered table, Banjurtrungkajorn repurposes standard buffet risers, like Fun Express’ white wood blocks. But for those looking to inject more color, cake stands can offer an opportunity to go bold. A funfetti or a traditional porcelain cake stand , for instance, caters to a maximalist theme .

New Party Cake Stand

• $62 at Egg Back Home

Famille Rose Cake Stand

• $80 at Williams Sonoma

Use what you have

Before working for fashion brands and other clients to host dinners, Banjurtrungkajorn’s supper club began out of the small New York City apartment she shared with a roommate. As such, she’s no stranger to getting crafty. Often, she begins tablescapes by looking at what she already has. Those coffee table books no one reads? They can stand in for risers (and as theme inspiration) while adding a cozy touch. Leftover fruits? They can be dried and hung into a decorative garland or sculptural centerpiece.

“I’ve been really creative with utilizing fruits and veggies as part of the tablescape and using little metal wires to add structure, adding an orange slice on top of an apple, and folding them together using wires,” Banjurtrungkajorn says. “Just getting crafty with little things that you have lying around the house.” Leftover wrapping paper scraps, ribbons, and bows can be repurposed into table decor.

Suea — the mononymous food designer, chef, co-owner of the New York City home goods store and bar Dae, and founder of Suea’s Dinner Service — also gravitates toward DIY. She often uses the rocks she collects from her travels as a base for taper candles. It adds a personal touch to the table, and it doesn’t hurt that it spares the wallet, too.

It’s all about balance

More is not always merrier when it comes to tablescapes. Whether setting the table for Dae or in the dinners she hosts for brands and clients, Suea makes sure decor doesn’t overrun the table to the point that it sacrifices function.

“I don’t love there being so much stuff on the table that when the cook brings out the food, everyone’s scrambling to move things around,” she says. “I think there should already be room.” This is why she also uses large floral displays sparingly — so that people can still see each other over the table.

“I definitely try not to crowd the middle area too much, but it’s a fine balance because you don’t want guests to first sit down and then it feels so empty, either,” she says.

So Suea finds some harmony by adding color to dishes themselves via vegetables and edible flowers and investing in plateware, often opting for steel and minimalist pieces found in her shop, like Riki Watanabe Uni Trays or metalware from Seoul, South Korea–based designer Yeodong Yun (available to shop in person at Dae or via its Instagram ).

“I think that that is the main event of the tablescape besides the food,” Suea says. “I think it’s fun for those types of things to start conversations.”

Chef Martin Benn and restaurateur Vicki Wild, co-authors of the recently released book The Dinner Party: A Chef’s Guide to Home Entertaining, make use of the center of the table without sacrificing functionality by employing the lazy Susan.

“It brings everything together,” Wild says. “There’s something about a lazy Susan that just feels convivial.”

Opt for a marble turntable for a fancy setting, or a dark wood finish for a sleek effect. With the breadth of lazy Susan options, there’s bound to be one that matches even the most specific of aesthetics.

Marble Lazy Susan

• $98 at Anthropologie

Beware the overhead light

Lighting immediately sets the tone of a dinner party and makes guests feel welcome, so it’s important to get it right: Too much light and people can feel uncomfortable under the scrutinizing glare, too little and no one will be able to see the menu. To get around this, Wild and Benn top their lazy Susan with a modular Danish candelabra from Stoff Nagel .

“There’s nothing worse than a bright overhead light,” Wild says.

Beyond sculptural candelabras — like this wavy one from SIN or Carpenter Studio’s twisted version — the husband-and-wife duo opts for candles and table lamps because they can add a sculptural quality to the table while providing a more intimate, moody setting. For those looking to create a sophisticated mood, Benn particularly recommends investing in table lamps to set across the table. Whether it’s tall, narrow lamps, like these from Anthropologie , or these more bulbous Ikea lights , LED lamps recall the setting of a fine dining restaurant, where rechargeable table lamps feel omnipresent.

“It just adds a fancy touch without being too fancy,” Benn says.

SIN Ceramic Wyat Candelabra

• $90 at Urban Outfitters

Poldina Pro Micro Rechargeable LED Portable Table Lamp

• $119 at Anthropologie

Don’t be afraid to get quirky

Of course, no dinner party is complete without a good conversation starter. Benn and Wild are fond of their set of silly crab- and lobster-shaped napkin holders, which they like to pull out for a seafood-themed night.

“People love them,” Wild says.

They source and get more decor inspiration from vintage and antique stores, where they stumbled across another conversation piece: a vintage fish knife and spoon.

“[They’re] rarely used these days because it’s a bit old-fashioned,” Wild says.

Other off-kilter additions might include Seletti’s hybrid plates , Massimo and Lella Vignelli’s rainbow dinnerware , and Steak Diane’s La Fumée coasters . Between fruit, fish spoons, and rocks, nothing is off the table when it comes to designing a dinner party. The quirkier, the better.

Vignelli Hellerware Rainbow Stacking Dinnerware

• $60 at MoMA Design Store

La Fumée Coasters

• $120 at Steak Diane

Kelly Pau is a culture and design writer whose work has been featured in Salon, The Cut, Vox and more.

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How to Set a Stunning Holiday Table in 5 Simple Steps

Adorn with abandon.

Few decorating projects provide more of a rush than adorning your home for the holidays. (There’s a reason people have been doing it earlier and earlier since the start of the pandemic.) And while you can earn instant cheer from decking out a tree or facade, there’s something truly magical about festivity that’s meant to be shared. Case in point: a holiday table setting.

The heart of any gathering, a joyful tabletop moment is crucial for setting the dinner party tone, but it can be a challenge to nail the perfect aesthetic. For a bit of guidance, we consulted designer Nicole Fisher . The New York native got her start in fashion design (she even styled Lady Gaga on tour) before pivoting to interiors and serving as Lead Designer for One King’s Lane. Today, she’s the owner and principal designer of her own firm, BNR Interiors .

From color schemes and scents to nailing the perfect bar setup, Fisher lays out the building blocks to creating a cozy, convivial holiday table that’s entirely your own.

Photography by Helena Palazzi.

Create a Color Scheme

I love to pick a color and work with different shades of it. For the holidays, I went with silver. It shimmers in the candlelight and is a perfect neutral. Different shapes, textures, and tones of silvers are seen throughout the table with candle holders, glassware, and vases. 

Adorn With Abandon

Take all your found objects, candles, and vases, and display them at random. It makes it seem more natural. Different heights and textures are key. No two alike should sit next to each other. The best part is there is no formula here, so it’s very easy to replicate! Be mindful of scents. Stick to one scent throughout the dinner party. 

Keep It Simple

For a cozy dinner party at home, keep the greenery to a minimum. It’s important for your guests to feel at home and welcomed into your beautiful space. Simple bud vases are perfect for a sprig or two. Let the candles and your accessories do the talking. For an extra pop of greenery, place a small sprig of rosemary on each table setting.

Jazz Up the Bar

I love making a statement with the bar! Give the same amount of love to the bar as you did with the table. Here I like to add a wow floral moment, display all the formal wine and cocktail glasses, and tier the set up so everything is easy to reach. Don’t forget to keep one of each liquor out so guests can pick and choose for their cocktails , and keep the champagne chilled in an ice bucket. Additional candles here add a beautiful ambiance. 

Break Out the China

A perfect time to take out that wedding china you never use! Create each table setting to include a decorative charger, a dinner plate, and a salad plate. A folded dinner napkin on each table setting polishes it off. 

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40 Pretty Christmas Tablescape Ideas for Festive Holiday Entertaining

Heather Bien  is an expert decor writer for The Spruce. She splits her time between Washington, D.C. and Locust Hill, VA, receiving her B.A. from the University of Virginia. Her bylines include Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, HelloGiggles, StyleBlueprint, The Knot, MindBodyGreen, and The Everygirl .

Finding Lovely

From tartan napkins to sparkly candles, it's time to deck the tables for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even just create a joyful backdrop for your morning coffee. You can build up an abundant table full of greenery, ornaments , and ribbon, or you can go with a minimalist setting that uses just votives to create a twinkly glow.

Whether you prefer a classic holiday look or like to try something more modern and simple , it's time to put on your favorite carols and get inspired by these 40 Christmas tablescape ideas to help you celebrate the holiday season.

Mixed Materials

Bethany Adams Interiors / Emily Kennedy Photography

Bethany Adams, Principal Designer at Bethany Adams Interiors , created a glamorous Christmas tablescape with candles in different colors and heights, set on a bed of petals. The result is a holiday tablescape full of movement. It doesn't feel tied to one holiday—you could use this right through the New Year.

Iridescent Touches

PURE Design / Photo by Janis Nicolay

Glimmering iridescent touches feel both nostalgic and modern. In this tablescape by Ami McKay, creator of  PURE Design , iridescent glassware in a sleek silhouette adds a playful touch to an otherwise classic Christmas table.

Black Contrasts

GreyHunt Interiors / Christy Kosnic Photography

"I wanted to create a tablespace that felt natural, embracing the holiday greens but also chic," says Sallie Lord, Owner of GreyHunt Interiors . "The black became more of a backdrop, with the white allowing it to be about the green colors and textures."

Tabletop Trees

Who doesn't love mini Christmas trees ? These tabletop evergreens from Finding Lovely are set amidst a garland of moss and glass ornaments, creating a magical, woodland setting that's a fresh alternative to more classic Christmas palettes.

Unexpected Colors

Bethany Adams Interiors / JL Jordan Photography

"I love mixing a collection of decorative trees—crystal, feather, brass—and candlesticks down the middle of my table for a scene that is dynamic and festive," says Adams. The silhouettes feel midcentury-inspired, while the colors are glamorous, creating an unexpected tablescape.

Classic Details

Middleburg Hospitality

If you love an absolutely timeless look, then this table from Matilda Reuter Engle, proprietor of Middleburg Hospitality and general manager at Red Fox Inn & Tavern, will have you dreaming of sugarplums.

Start with a rich velvet tablecloth in a natural hue inspired by seasonal sugared fruits like cranberries, figs, pears, and pomegranates.

"Pair this decor with heirloom crystal containers and brass candelabras with tapered candlesticks to create a warm, inviting ambiance," Engle says. "To tie your tablescape into the rest of the room, integrate foraged greenery as garland around the fireplace or mantel."

Woodland Theme

"This holiday season we're bringing our clients unique personalities to the table, creating a whimsical wonderland where each detail tells a story using Mrs. Alice's velvet mushrooms, charming woodland creatures, and stunning bold linens and glassware," says Sarah Klingman, founder and CEO of event planning company gthr .

There's no need for red when the table feels this dreamy.

Spray Painted Pine Cones

Grey Joyner Interiors

"I love to bring whatever we have outside, indoors," says Grey Joyner, owner and interior designer at Grey Joyner Interiors . "A can of spray paint can work wonders on magnolia leaves, pine cones, or any other wintery foliage."

In this space, the classic red and green elements add a quirky touch to the vibrantly colored room.

A Simple Garland

Viv and Tim

"This cozy neutral Christmas tablescape features a festive Christmas garland with lights, pine cones, and red berries to set an inviting atmosphere, and is paired with gold flatware and creamy neutral dinnerware that can easily be used for any other occasion," says Vivianne Chow, interior stylist and founder of the home decor blog  Viv & Tim .

The garland isn't over the top, but it adds a simple, welcoming feel.

Natural Elements

Artem Kropovinsky

"To design with nature is to honor the season, and a tablescape reflects the soul of an occasion," says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight . "Bring elements from the forest—branches, leaves, and twigs—to create an authentic and grounding atmosphere."

Kropovinsky uses elements foraged straight from the forest as a direct reference to winter's cozy yet powerful ambiance.

Timeless Red

The Decor Mantra

A timeless red tablecloth and napkins are a vibrant and cheerful base for a holiday tablescape.

"Add a row of classic holiday greens, nestle tall green candles, use simple and elegant napkins, white dishware, and finish with gold accents to add a touch of holiday whimsy," says Pallavi Dhar, founder of The Decor Mantra .

Tartan Fabric

A Hundred Affections

A piece of tartan fabric or scarf adds a Christmas element to an easy holiday tablescape.

"Using simple, rustic elements is an easy way to add cozy charm and warmth to your holiday table," says Kate Landry, content creator at A Hundred Affections . "Throw in something unexpected, such as a scarf, for extra interest."

A Festive Winter Scene

Pop of Gold

This storybook winter scene feels like something out of your favorite Christmas movie. With little winter houses, red trucks hauling Christmas trees, and ornaments scattered across the table, it doesn't get any sweeter or more festive than this table from Pop of Gold .

Metallic Neutrals With Red and Green

Weston Table

"The neutral color scheme of the plates and flatware set off the bright reds and evergreen colors for a sophisticated and timeless look," says Dianne O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Weston Table .

The shiny elements of the place setting add a modern touch to the classic and abundant greenery and florals.

@hmbien / Instagram

Add literal warmth to your table with candles and an indoor fire bowl. Incorporate brass, tartan, and wood elements to give the tablescape a woodsy touch that seems to bring the outdoors in. You could even do s'mores for a festive dessert over the indoor fire bowl.

Icy Palettes

Create an icy palette with white and monochromatic icy blues. Add small touches of wood to add just a touch of warmth to your light and bright winter wonderland tablescape.

Holiday Pastels

Neutral Home Design

Red and green or white and silver tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to Christmas tablescapes, but there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to holiday decor.

"Think out of the box this Christmas season by doing a tablescape full of fun pastel colors," says Kelly Marohl, interior decorator at Neutral Home Design .

Gold, Silver, and Florals

@kathykuohome / Instagram

If there was a Vegas version of Christmas tablescapes, this would be it. Kathy Kuo Home designed an abundant, bigger than life table with this holiday scene that incorporates gold, silver, florals, trees, and every shimmering detail you can dream of. Sometimes more really is more.

A Longer-Lasting Tablescape

Madeline Harper Photography

Don't feel like your table has to be put away as soon as Christmas is over.

"It's easy to rearrange as required for Christmas dinner or other holiday events and you can add or subtract real greenery or florals as the weeks go by," Adams says.

Here, she used a thick swag of greenery down the middle of the table, but she can easily swap that out as it fades or for a New Year's dinner.

White, Gold, and Green

This all-white backdrop for a Christmas table feels like you've fallen into the most delightful snowstorm. There are subtle touches of greenery and gold throughout, but they're simply accents in this fresh fallen tablescape.

Tall Candles and Greenery

Christy Kosnic Photography

This tablescape by GreyHunt Interiors puts a different spin on the normal row of candles running down a table. Typically, you'll see candles tapered at different heights. But by using a uniform line, this tablescape creates contrast between the candles and the abundant, loose greenery. It's a modern feel for a Christmas celebration.

Memory-Filled Tablescape

"The holly balls that are tied to the backs of the chairs are gifts from my grandmother," says Joyner, who recommends incorporating elements from your family for a sense of memories and connection around the holidays. She used pink and turquoise accents in this table to tie it to the room's decor.

Blue, White, and Tartan

If you're a blue and white devotee, you don't have to give up those classic motifs just because it's the holidays. Mix your blue and white with a dash of tartan and a splash of red for a tailored Christmas tablescape.

Bell Napkin Rings

Bells will be ringing—literally—as your guests sit down and unfold their napkins. Tie a jingle bell to each napkin, then echo that glittery gold in flatware that matches. It's a holly, jolly festive tablescape.

Warm Colors

You can borrow Thanksgiving's warm, rich colors for a Christmas tablescape, like Kathy Kuo Home did in this inviting scene. A few touches of red and glittering votives to add a bit of holiday festivity.

Neutral Holiday Table

House of Huck

"For this Christmas season, we opted for a neutral tablescape to evoke a timeless and sophisticated ambiance," says Meredith Huck, Owner and Principal Designer of House of Huck .

By grounding the table in black, she's able to swap out decor throughout the season, taking the tablescape from early winter celebrations through the New Year.

Holiday Arbor

M Starr Design Studio

Add a bit of drama to a rustic Christmas tablescape by building an arbor of greenery and holiday foliage that arches over your table. Keep the place settings simple and let the arbor be the star.

High Contrast

A dark black tablecloth lets a red tartan runner and a white floral centerpiece with red berries pop. Because of the black, the tablescape feels more formal than it would have on a wood or white surface, giving it the perfect Christmas Eve look.

Dried Citrus Slices

Villa Visuals

Dried citrus slices are one of the most classic Christmas motifs, and people have been DIYing dried citrus slices as garland for generations. Add a few perfectly placed slices to your Christmas tablescape or use them to adorn your place settings.

Red and Gold

Emily Coyne Events

"Try a sophisticated and elegant tablescape with Old Hollywood flair featuring a bold color palette of black and gold with a pop of bright red seasonal florals," says Emily Coyne, wedding planner and founder of Emily Coyne Events .

This is perfect for a glamorous dinner party or an event between Christmas and the New Year.

Foraged Greenery and Branches

"Set the table with traditional red tartans and foraged greens and branches," O’Connor says.

Add seasonal fruit for decor that feels abundant and rich, but is easy to source at the grocery store or market.

Single Swag of Greenery

Huck, who embraces simplicity and functionality in her tablescapes , added a single swag of greenery to this place setting. It perfectly mimics the evergreen design on the plates, but the overall feeling is still minimalist.

Ornament Accents

"I am big on tradition and on cherishing and displaying things from the past." Joyner says. "Some ornaments that my husband’s grandmother made are used in the dining room on the napkins at each place setting."

If you're not using family heirlooms, you could also use ornaments that double as favors.

Tiny Logs and Winter Florals

PURE Design

In this centerpiece, PURE Design brought in tiny logs cut from branches, along with winter florals and foraged greenery. A few votives add a twinkling effect to the otherwise rustic look.

Wrapped Presents

There's nothing more festive than brown paper box packages tied up with a bow, especially when they're used to add volume and height to a tablescape. It's an added bonus if there is a small gift inside for the guest to open.

Layered Candy Cane Stripes

Sabavi Home

"Just go classic, " says Hank Reinhart, Founder of Sabavi Home . "Go with with candy cane striping and top it off with candy canes,"

He suggests keeping the table simple otherwise. "Let the stripe pattern do the loudness for the rest of the table."

Cookie Decorating

If your tablescape is geared towards kids—or adults—who are enthusiastically ready to decorate cookies, then let the supplies do the talking. Set a charming Christmas scene in the middle, then carefully set out the supplies in a way that's both functional and styled.

One Single Garland

You don't need to go over the top to create a beautiful holiday table . Add one simple evergreen garland —perhaps foraged from your yard—right down the center of your table.

Advent Wreath

@home.and.spirit / Instagram

Use your advent wreath as your tablescape on your everyday Christmas table. It will serve as a festive and meaningful holiday centerpiece throughout December, and you won't forget to light the candles when they're right in front of you as you eat dinner.

White Trees and Foraged Branches

Little white trees and foraged branches, with snowflake ornaments delicately dangling, form the most delightful winter woodland scene. With a palette of white, ivory, blue, and silver, it feels as if you've stepped outside into a charming snow scene.

How Do You Make a Christmas Tablescape?

You can make a Christmas tablescape out of anything that you might consider Christmas decor. That could mean foraged greenery and berries from outside, Christmas ornaments from the tree, ceramic trees and houses, garlands, tinsel, presents, candy canes, and anything else that catches your eye.

The end result can be simple or abundant, rustic or sophisticated, classic red and green or modern silver and white. There are endless possibilities to make your Christmas tablescape all your own.

How Do You Decorate a Simple Christmas Table?

If you'd prefer to keep things simple, you can use just a single garland running down the table or set a small branch of berries at every place setting. Maybe you create a minimalist tablescape with a few candles and sprigs of evergreen.

Consider setting your table as you would any other day—with clean, neutral dishes—then adding just one or two Christmas-inspired elements, whether that's greenery, tartan napkins, or a candy cane on each plate.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Simple table centerpiece ideas to wow your guests this holiday season

November 8, 2023 // By Deborah Hamilton-Lynne

By Deborah Hamilton-Lynne November 8, 2023

When it comes to décor for the seasonal holidays, the dining table centerpiece is the star of the show. Table decorations during the holiday season don’t require a degree in floral design and don’t have to break the bank.

A dining table centerpiece can be as varied and individual as its creator and can be customized for any size table or occasion. Whatever your design style or décor, starting with a festive holiday centerpiece is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Here are a few table centerpiece ideas that are sure to wow family and friends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Wreaths make long-lasting, fresh centerpieces

One of the easiest ways to create a centerpiece that will take you through the holiday season is to use a wreath as a base. You can use a wreath made of natural grapevine, straw, rattan, pinecones, shells — practically anything!

For a festive centerpiece from Diwali to New Year's Day, take a traditional wreath and change out the decorative elements to suit the occasion. From ribbon to votive candles to floral arrangements, you'll have a whole new look for each holiday.

For inspiration on ways to use a traditional wreath made of noble fir, cedar, and pine — which will fill any room with magical smells — look to Lynch Creek Wreaths .

Leverage what you already have

No time to make a centerpiece for a dinner party? No problem! Grab a tray or charger as a base and fill it with anything festive you have around the house, such as small wrapped presents, ribbon, holiday candy, tree ornaments, or a menorah. Add a few votive candles for sparkle, and you have a stress-free table decoration in minutes.

Use food as the centerpiece

Food often takes centerstage for the holidays, so why not make it the centerpiece? This Mardi Gras centerpiece, designed by Pam Barker, a North Palm Beach, Florida, podcast host and lifestyle guru, uses a king cake as the main attraction. Surrounding table decorations complement both in color and mood.

Pro tip: Invest in a footed cake stand to give your featured food a real boost!

Play to your personal décor

Is your vibe minimalist or maximalist? Do you love traditional or modern? Are you a fan of chinoiserie? Whatever your personal style, you can create a centerpiece to reflect your home's décor.

Tucson, Arizona, artist Cindy Robertson loves the black-and-white motif of Mackenzie-Childs and has created a seasonal centerpiece that can go from Halloween through Thanksgiving. Use garland as your base and then add items from your personal collections and treasures to create a centerpiece. Embellish with ribbon, feathers, berries, gourds, apples, faux leaves, pine cones, or seasonal flowers for a simple way to display the things you love.

A centerpiece that becomes a gift

A simple but memorable centerpiece is one that becomes a gift for your guests when they leave.

For small dinner parties, group poinsettias (or other blooming seasonal flowers) at the center of the table. Intersperse candles with your favorite holiday scents or decorate with festive ribbon. When your guests are ready to leave, the plants and candles become take-home holiday gifts.

Create seasonal holiday candleholders by covering small jars with upright candy canes held in place with a rubber band and ribbon. Place small tea-light candles in the glasses to give your holiday table a festive glow. After dinner, the candy canes can be given to children or used as stir sticks for mugs of hot chocolate.

Another simple centerpiece gift idea is to fill a large, cylindrical vase or crystal bowl with tinsel and holiday ornaments. As guests leave, they can pick a little decorative sparkle for their homes.

Look to history for traditional table decorations

If you are a traditionalist, there is no better place to look for inspiration on holiday centerpieces than Colonial Williamsburg . Since the early 1930s, Colonial Williamsburg has been showing enthusiasts how to decorate in the traditional style that dates back to the 1700s.

Instructions on how to create centerpieces and other seasonal holiday decorations are included in the classic book, Colonial Williamsburg Decorates for Christmas .

Try this dollar store hack

Create a centerpiece from seasonal holiday décor and Christmas crafts found at the dollar store . For less than $10, you can fill a decorative tray with faux snow, snowmen ornaments, a tinsel tree, and two blue votive candles. You'll have a magical winter wonderland for your table in minutes!

Use heirlooms as centerpieces

Everything Granny is now considered grandmillennial style for those craving nostalgia in a modern way. Why not use those beautiful silver candlesticks or porcelain figurines passed down in the family as your inspiration for a holiday centerpiece? Interior designer Susan Nowell has created a classic Christmas design inspired by Lenox Holiday china and a large pedestal stand with an heirloom charger as a base for her centerpiece. Complete details for this easy-to-replicate centerpiece can be found on her blog .

Join classes or communities for centerpiece ideas

Heather Lundervold, founder of Christmas Design Institute , is on a mission to help spread holiday cheer through her online classes. Learn how the pros create centerpieces that wow, as well as tricks of the trade for designing the entire tablescape.

Get Ready to Set Your Holiday Table covers seasonal design and centerpieces for fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Another excellent resource for inspiration and ideas is the Beautiful Table Settings Facebook group , which has almost 200,000 members. Here, you can share and discover fantastic ideas and information on everything from centerpieces and china patterns to crystal and linens.

About Deborah Hamilton-Lynne

Deborah Hamilton has been in love with words, their meanings and their power her entire life. Professionally, she has used that love of words and writing while working in advertising, marketing and public relations, non-profit organizations, education, advocacy and as a writer, content creator editor and radio show host. She has written a syndicated column, scripts for television and film, plays for the stage, books and many magazine articles. She loves to write about "anything groundbreaking, current and interesting" especially profiles of people and businesses and lifestyle. Her passion is travel and cruising.

Read more about Deborah Hamilton-Lynne here.

Connect with Deborah via: Facebook | Instagram

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3 Holiday Tablescapes to Inspire Your Dining Dreams

By Erika Owen

Photography by Lizzie Soufleris

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Your table setting says a lot about you. Think about it: In the process of growing up, getting your own place, and gathering a collection of adult furniture, the dining table is a huge milestone. Whether it’s a small bistro table or a solid-wood behemoth with never-ending leaves, adding one to your space will create an area dedicated to slowing down and having a meal by yourself or with loved ones. And even if the dining table became a jack of all trades in recent years—surprise, you can work from home in the same place you eat (cue defeated sigh)—it’s still a sacred space worthy of its own home decor strategy. And don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t such a thing as the art of tablescaping ; there is art to setting the table, and it’s just as much about gut feeling as it is following design rules.

One of the ways to make your tablescape even more special is by giving it a personality. Think of it as an interior design project. Assigning a theme to your tableware and greater dining room or area can give it that extra oomph, the kind of vibe that has dinner-party guests snapping inspiration photos of your charcuterie board, bragging about your design skills on Instagram, and asking where you bought every single thing before dessert hits the table. From the textiles, like a table runner or placemats, and candle holders to napkin rings and crockery, there are so many different ways to achieve a beautiful table. 

To get your wheels turning on decor ideas, we worked with beloved designer Noz Nozawa to curate three holiday tablescapes that you can shop for your own festive holiday feast. 

Traditional: Classic glassware and timeless patterns

We’re not talking about your parents’ (or grandparents’) tablescape when we talk about traditional style. Sure, there are elements that feel nostalgic: There’s a place for the antique pitcher that’s been passed down your family line, and maybe you’ll want to drop a charger underneath your plates for some extra fancy vibes. But think of traditional style as more of an equation. You’re going to set out multiple pieces of flatware (a dinner fork  and  a salad fork), your tablecloth will have a pattern, and the glassware is going to be nice . Here, we used a classic  Tartan tablecloth from Williams Sonoma. This table linen sets the scene to let your glassware, dinnerware, and silverware really shine without adding too much visual texture. 

For the glasses, we opted for  crystal coupe glasses and  crystal highball glasses from Williams Sonoma. The silhouettes are classic, and the high-quality construction feels heavy in your hand (in a good way). To fast-forward the look a few years closer to present day, we added the Twist napkins from designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen . The swirl edges add just a touch of whimsy, especially when paired with Sophie’s metal squiggle pitchers. 

Pro tip: Introducing a simple design in an unexpected material—like metal—can make the difference between a tired tablescape and one you won’t want to deconstruct after dinner. Another way to add some color and texture is to introduce a centerpiece: Go for a trio of small DIY floral arrangements or a bit of greenery at the center of the table. And definitely take the time to make some place cards (cursive is encouraged).

Williams Sonoma Classic Tartan Plaid Tablecloth

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Dorset Crystal Highball Glasses

Williams Sonoma Dorset Champagne Coupe Glasses

Sophie Lou Jacobsen Squiggle Pitcher

Sophie Lou Jacobsen

Sophie Lou Jacobsen Twist Napkins

Johnson Bros "HERITAGE WHITE" Salt & Pepper Shakers, Made in England

Vintage Mikasa Large Plate, Made in Japan

Pottery Barn Unscented Taper Candle, Set of 6, White

Pottery Barn

Modern: Color and sculptural shapes  

If you’re going for a more current vibe, have some fun with the color scheme of your table decor and choose one that really speaks to you. Here we went with a sunny palette manifested in the  wavy Edie Parker placemats , a  soft peach tablecloth from Tekla, a  Bilboquet Carafe  from Sophie Lou Jacobsen, a  quirky olive dish from Susan Alexandra, and a  honey-hued bowl from Liquidish. These warmer moments are complemented by cooler objects, like a semi-pastel Our Place  Perfect Pot in lavender and  Material plates in Dune . 

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Charlotte Collins

By Katie Schultz

The consideration here is to not add too many different color families to your tabletop. Think of it as layering and embrace silly moments here and there—a fun table encourages fun times, right? This is a great time to debut an accent color you’d like to see in more spaces around your home. It’s also a great time to incorporate a set of vintage wine glasses, a wood serving set, or some luxe sculptural flatware. Top everything off with a table centerpiece like a small sculpture or a vase filled with fresh flowers (tulips offer great texture and shape).

Cabana Lecce Blue Placemat, Set of 4

Via Maris Kiddush Cups

Caraway Dutch Oven

Yield Century Glass Amber, Set of 2

Minna Goods

Fable Glassware Set

Estelle Colored Glass Gray Wine Glass Set

Edie Parker Wavy Placemat Set

Edie Parker

Material Kitchen The Place Setting

Material Kitchen

Liquidish Medium Pink Bowl

Our Place Perfect Pot

Sophie Lou Jacobsen Bilboquet Carafe

Susan Alexandra Pal Olive Dish

Susan Alexandra

Alessi Multicolor 100 Values ES17 Sottsass Corkscrew

Hudson Wilder Brant Handblown Wine Glasses Set

Hudson Wilder

Tekla Table Cloth in Apple Core

Porta Dragonfly Jug

Kitsch: Anything goes (really)

Kitsch is all about keeping it unexpected and using humor to keep things un-serious. It’s about starting at one corner of the table and having no idea what design object is going to hit the tablescape next. Those who take on a kitschy tablescaping style are inviting those who experience it into their brain and heart. It’s likely each piece of glassware, plate, or candlestick has a story. If you want to toss a few Legos on the table (you know, for mid-conversation creative relief), go for it.

We leaned into a few special moments for our kitsch-inspired holiday tablescapes, starting with a  cabbage-ware platter from Williams & Sonoma. To keep it from going too retro, we incorporated a  black-and-white checkered wine cooler from Mackenzie Childs and kept the pattern going with a  cutting board from Nordstrom. For a bit of a throwback, opt for tartan napkins. The rules are loose when it comes to kitsch—if it makes you smile, chances are it deserves a spot on your tablescape.

Williams Sonoma Classic Tartan Napkins, Set of 4

Williams Sonoma Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Oval Platters

Williams Sonoma Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Cheese Tray with Lid

Momi Vintage Checkered Cutting Board

MacKenzie-Childs Christmas Nutcracker

MacKenzie-Childs

MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Enamel Wine Cooler

Majolica Christmas Tree Napkin Holders, Set of 6

Williams Sonoma Lifetime Linea 20-Piece Flatware Set

John Derian Large Holiday Cupcake Candle in Green

John Derian

John Derian Crostata Diam Itu Cioccolato Blackberry Pie Candle

John Derian Small Verona Pandoro Cake Candle

Friends NYC Baguette Candle

Friends NYC

Looking for more holiday tablescapes inspiration?

Check out our favorite  wine glasses , flatware sets ,  dinnerware sets ,  placemats , ice buckets , and  glassware sets .

By Will Porter

By Dana Thomas

By Hannah Martin

How to Bring a Taste of Travel to Your Holiday Table

by Amanda Burgess | Dec 2, 2019

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Last updated on December 2nd, 2021

Foodies dish out memories, tips, and recipes

Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, and whatever holiday you celebrate, you can bring a taste of your travels to your table with some creative thinking, forward planning, and a little inspiration from food and wine professionals.

When it comes to sensory memories, our taste buds hold a treasure trove. They’re also time machines. One hint of spice, flavour or memorable dish and we are transported back to places our journeys have taken us faster than the Ghost of Christmas Past whisked Scrooge away.

Infusing a taste of your travels into your holiday meal can shake up and spice up your traditional menu, bringing back memories and the opportunity to create new ones with your guests. To give you some practical tips for doing just that, we called in a panel of experts – chefs and a sommelier from Toronto and beyond with diverse backgrounds and cuisine specialties.

Meet the Experts

Theresa albert, owner, rosehurst stratford b&b – stratford, ontario.

Theresa Albert’s special mix of chef training, 10 years in Hotel Management, and experience as a Food TV host and Nutritionist makes her an ideal Innkeeper. She recently moved to Stratford to keep playing with her food – a journey she shares on her new show Breakfast at Rosehurst where viewers can enjoy what her guests sit down to daily at her inn .

A taste that transports her to past travels: The chicken pate she perfected in her kitchen to remind her of various trips to her food mecca of France. “Life has come full circle for me. To be able to live in an agricultural region and town where food is revered and culture (as well as the discussion of it!) is invited reminds me of my recent and ancient roots. I have attempted to create my own little French Village in which to enjoy my days, and one spoonful of this pate brings me right back to that first taste of pate at Grand-mère’s table and to each subsequent visit to its homeland of France.”

Jose Hadad, Founder, Mad Mexican – Toronto

Before Mad Mexican became one of the most recognizable Toronto brands for guacamole, salsa, and chips, founder Jose Hadad cut his teeth in an apprenticeship for German-Canadian celebrity chef Michael Stadtländer at his Eigensinn Farm . While helping Stadtländer create his Heaven on Earth farm-to-table dining experience, Mexico City-born Jose marinated his ambitions and brought his desire for fresh food back to the city when he began selling his own creations at St. Lawrence Market. From there, he opened up a restaurant – Frida – with a partner and eventually decided to invest heavily in his bourgeoning Mad Mexican brand, expanding it to include a flagship taco house and production space.

A taste that transports him to past travels: “Probably achiote, which is a spice made with ground Annato seeds. Brings me straight into Yucatan, where this spice is very popular and there are a bunch of recipes using it. Like Cochinita Pibil, which would be a baby pig, slowly cooked and marinated in achiote, with a spread of refrito beans, cochinita, and habanero pepper salsa. Just like being in heaven, unless you overindulged in the habanero. You get the point.”

The Best Culinary Travel Experiences, Recommended by our Women’s Tour Operators

We asked some of our JourneyWoman women’s tour partners, who are experts in local cuisine, to share their best culinary travel experiences.

Spanish Holiday Meal Traditions – Nancy Manotas “In Spain and South America, holiday traditions are fairly similar. There are more corn dishes in Central and South America. We make special rices in the form of tamales or paella style with meats and vegetables,” she says. “Sweets are very important and define the holiday in a very special way. Nougat or turrones are made with almonds and a light wafer layer, plus the egg white filling. We enjoy theme with chocolate and hazelnuts. Russian-style potato salad, prepared with homemade mayonnaise, is a must!” Nancy’s holiday 2019 meal will be punctuated by roasted almonds with mountain honey to bring a taste of Spain to her table. “We will get excited about the roasted pinenuts and almonds in saffron rice, and we will eat lots of turrones or nougat to remind us how delicious Christmas can be, and how good it is to share the most delicious nougat in the world perfectly made in Spain with all members of our family,” she says.

Chef McNish with his vegan Julboard creations for the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden.

Swedish Holiday Meal Traditions, Veganized – Doug McNish “This year, I have been consulting for a hotel in Stockholm, Sweden, and was tasked with helping to create a vegan Julboard – basically the most awesome table full of the most amazing food that Swedish people love to indulge in. I created a veganized Glazed Holiday Ham, Lentil Walnut Meatballs in a traditional Gräddsås sauce, and a rack of Baby Back Hickory Smoked Ribs,” he says. “In Sweden, they generally have more pickled and preserved foods, most likely due to climate. Since spending so much time in Sweden, I have definitely looked at other ingredients like lingonberries and other vinegars in a different way. For example, I love the use of more acids and vinegars here.” Doug will be in Sweden this year for the holidays and is looking forward to digging into some of his own creations – vegan ribs, meatballs, ham, creamed kale, and potatoes au gratin – and bringing some of the flavours and textures of the country to his cuisine in North America and abroad.

Holiday Meals & Memories of Mexico – Jose Hadad “My mother was from the Northern part of Mexico, so I was raised with very North American-style traditions – turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, and gravy. There were some Latin-style dishes that accompanied the meal, like Salt Cod Portuguese-style and some others,” he says. “I have recreated some of the recipes in restaurants that I have owned, mainly following my gut.” When asked to recall his favourite holiday memory, his choice is less about food and more about family unity. “My favourite had to do with my brother. We did not have a stellar relationship throughout the year, but when we were about 17, we indulged in some Mexican spirits, had a beautiful chat and ended up hanging out until the early morning, talking about everything,” he recalls. “Looking back, we were so young, knew nothing about life, but respected ourselves and each other.” His holiday menu at home this year is decidedly less Mexican – A roast or turkey, potatoes, gravy, medium-cooked Brie with a fig compote, and lots of red wine and family.

Tips, advice & recipes to bring a taste of trips past to your table this holiday

We aim to bring you inspiration and information with utility in equal measure here at Journeywoman, so we asked our chefs to share some tips and a favoured global holiday recipe as a gift to you, along with a champagne feature from sommelier Erin Henderson and her wine pairing recommendations for each chef recipe. We hope the following bits of advice and mouth-watering recipes spark your imagination and ensnare your senses. And if you try your hand at any of them, send us a photo and your verdict at [email protected] !

• A Taste of France, Canadianized with Theresa Albert
• A Taste of North America with Paula Roy
• A Taste of Spain with Nancy Manotas – To Come!
• A (Plant-Based) Taste of Sweden with Doug McNish
• A Taste of Mexico with Jose Hadad
• Top 5 Things You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Sparkling Wine with Erin Henderson

Happiest of holidays from the Journeywoman Editorial Team to each and every one of you, our fellow Journeywoman. You make this community the rich, engaging, and inclusive resource it has always been. Becoming part of it has been the most unexpected and enriching gift for each of us. Our wish for you is that 2020 takes you more transformative places – in your travels or in your life’s journey – than any year before it.

Discover More Food and Drinks From Around the World

The Ethics of Food and Travel: What to Eat, or Not Eat When You Travel

by Maureen Littlejohn | Mar 11, 2024

Horse, insects, rats, dog? How do you navigate the ethics of food and travel, while being respectful of local cultures?

Where to Eat in Florence, Italy, From a Culinary Expert

by Carolyn Ray | Feb 8, 2024

With thousands of restaurants in Florence, culinary tour entrepreneur Coral Sisk shares lesser-known places to enjoy in the off season.

How to Enjoy Dining Alone: 30 Tips from Solo Women Travellers

by Carolyn Ray | Jan 14, 2024

Solo women share their best tips on how to enjoy eating alone, revel in your own company and embrace the wonder of the moment.

Amanda Burgess

Amanda Burgess is a Toronto-based writer and creative strategist whose bags are always packed for her next adventure. She is a Certified Cancer Journey Coach who creates a safe space for cancer patients and caregivers to design their dream lives – while living with cancer, and on the other side of it. Amanda freelanced for JourneyWoman until December 2021.

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know. Disclaimer: We are so happy that you are checking out this page right now! We only recommend things that are suggested by our community, or through our own experience, that we believe will be helpful and practical for you. Some of our pages contain links, which means we’re part of an affiliate program for the product being mentioned. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. JourneyWoman is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you! We want to hear what you think about this article, and we welcome any updates or changes to improve it. You can comment below, or send an email to us at [email protected] .

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Setting a Table for the Holidays? Designers Share Their Secrets.

For starters, don’t worry if there isn’t much space: “The closer the people are, the better the party.”

By Tim McKeough

Serving a meal is about more than just feeding your guests.

“It’s about people and sharing a moment together,” said Amanda Reynal , an interior designer in Des Moines. “The visual, the scent, the taste and the sound of your loved ones or friends around you are all critical to creating an unforgettable experience.”

That’s why taking the time to set a beautiful table can be rewarding — for a Thanksgiving dinner or any other special meal.

“There’s a saying that ‘we eat with our eyes first,’” said Shea McGee, who, with her husband, Syd McGee, runs the design firm Studio McGee and hosts the Netflix show “Dream Home Makeover.” “That’s usually about food, but it’s also about what’s around us. When you set a beautiful table, whether it’s for eating with your family or having guests over, it makes them feel like they matter, because you’ve taken the time to show you care.”

What makes for a beautiful table? Ms. Reynal, Ms. McGee and other designers shared their advice.

Begin With the Basics

Before you think about table decorations, take a close look at the space where you plan to have the meal. Do you need to add table leaves to extend the dining surface, or maybe bring in a children’s table? Are there enough chairs for everyone? Do you need to use a buffet to free up space for dining?

A dining table doesn’t need to feel expansive. In fact, when Kate Martindale and Amy Neunsinger, the partners of the Los Angeles-based design firm Rose & Mortar and the hosts of the Magnolia Network show “Capturing Home,” set a table, one of their tricks is moving the chairs closer together.

“When you seat people close together and they rub arms, and they’re passing things and interacting, they get to know their neighbors,” Ms. Neunsinger said. “We’ve found the closer the people are, the better the party.”

The designers also don’t hesitate to pull up benches or mismatched chairs when necessary to accommodate everyone.

Run With a Theme

It’s often helpful to choose a theme — anything from a creative concept to an overarching color scheme — before you make any further decisions.

For one dinner party, Ms. Martindale and Ms. Neunsinger wanted a fashionable literary vibe, so they rolled out a hemp tablecloth and scattered it with vintage books, bird cages and pages torn from magazines. The tablescape “just created a really fun environment,” Ms. Martindale said. The materials cost almost nothing, she added, but “it felt like you were being transported somewhere else.”

Charlotte Moss , a New York interior designer, once composed a sophisticated Halloween dinner table with yellow spider mums, orange bittersweet, black candles and pumpkin cakes.

Meals with friends “are moments of celebration,” Ms. Moss said, “so they should be special.”

For another meal, where she planned to use decorative kale centerpieces, she chose green and purple dishes and table linens to reflect the coloring of the leaves.

“That was totally inspired by the kale,” Ms. Moss said. “When I saw the colors, I went, ‘Oh, I have a cloth, I have these napkins, and I have all this purple stuff.’ I just pulled it together.”

One tried-and-true way to set a table is to start with a grounding tablecloth and build up with layers of linens, dishes and decorations on top.

“A tablecloth gives you a good idea of direction, of style and mood, as well as a good color palette to work from, so I usually start there,” Ms. McGee said. “It’s also an easy way to dress up an everyday table.”

Next, she chooses accessories and flowers that go with the pattern and color of the tablecloth. “When I’m selecting a napkin, I’ll make sure it complements the tablecloth in some way,” she said, “whether that’s a coordinating color or a pattern that plays off it.”

Ms. McGee also likes to use things with pleasing textures, so she might add place mats woven from natural grasses, glassware with visible air bubbles and iron candlesticks.

Benjamin Reynaert , a stylist and creative consultant in New York, is a fan of maximalist tables. “I’m a more-is-more type of guy,” he said. “The most important thing, to me, is layering different materials and textures.”

Still, he thinks about which pieces will get the most attention and tries to create an overall sense of balance. “If the tablecloth has a dense pattern, you can offset that with more solid colors when it comes to plates and linens,” he said. “Then more neutral tablecloths — like ginghams, checks, tone-on-tone or solids — are great backgrounds for Moroccan pottery and more patterned plates.”

Fancy or Casual?

Setting an elaborate table with a luxurious tablecloth, chargers, fine china, cut crystal and cut flowers can be wonderful, but there are other ways to welcome guests. Many designers prefer a more casual look, depending on the event.

“The table doesn’t have to be overcomplicated to be beautiful,” said Bradley Odom , an interior designer and the owner of Dixon Rye, a store in Atlanta. “I like an approachable table. When it’s casual, you can sort of belly up to the table and just enjoy spending time with the people you’re with.”

Mr. Odom once used a worn piece of sailcloth as a tablecloth, added napkins with frayed edges from Target, and scattered magnolia leaves as decoration. Then he set out simple white ceramic dishes with intriguing shapes from Astier de Villatte.

“In my shop, we talk a lot about this idea of combining raw and refined,” he said, “and how that can create something luxurious.”

Use What’s Around You

It would be easy to spend a small fortune on distinctive dinnerware and centerpieces. But most of the designers interviewed for this article said the best dishes and table decorations are often hiding in plain sight.

“I truly believe that incorporating unexpected items — and pulling things from other rooms of your house that maybe you wouldn’t think to use on your dining table — are the most fun objects to incorporate,” Mr. Reynaert said. “I’ve used decorative glass fruit, candlesticks of different shapes and sizes, match strikers and all kinds of decorative objects. It’s all about bringing your personality forward.”

TJ Girard, a food designer and the founder of Taste:Work:Shop in Los Angeles, is another fan of using unexpected objects and family treasures.

“When you’re surrounding yourself with your loved ones, it’s a nice time to maybe bring out your aunt’s embroidered linen,” Ms. Girard said, adding that she has used her grandparents’ antique silver wine tasters, or tastevins, as serving dishes.

“I’m also a collector when I go to flea markets and travel,” she added, “so it’s an opportunity to share those objects with other people.”

That philosophy extends to the garden: Seasonal flowers, branches and even fruits and vegetables are ideal table decorations, said Ms. Reynal, who once designed an autumnal dinner table inspired by the yellows and greens of squash and a Christmas table awash in holly and red plaids.

“Use anything fresh you can find and get creative with it,” she said.

If you don’t have a garden, she added, it’s perfectly acceptable to use items from the grocery store: “Find colors in the produce section, and enjoy them as the bounty of the harvest, on the table as well as in your food. It’s a visual reminder of the season.”

Most important: Don’t get so swept up in designing a beautiful table that you forget to enjoy the meal with your guests. The table should always be set before they arrive, Ms. Girard said.

“It’s all about being relaxed and present for that initial greeting when people come in,” she said. “It’s part of welcoming people into your home.”

You should also consider how the table will function as the evening progresses. Ms. Girard, who was once an owner of the New York-based catering company Pinch Food Design, likes to designate serving platters and utensils for every course, labeling them with tape so there’s no guesswork once the meal has started.

She also tests the serving vessels on the table ahead of time, to make sure they’ll all fit. That way, “if you’re doing a big tablescape down the middle, which is very on trend, you know there’s room for everything when the food comes,” she said.

“These are little tricks you can use,” she said, “so you can be the mellow, cool host who’s just serving people drinks and telling jokes and stories.”

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The State of Real Estate

Whether you’re renting, buying or selling, here’s a look at real estate trends..

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

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If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

Alya and Campbell

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The Travel Quandary

The Ultimate Trip Planner Template – Easy To Use Excel Format!

You’re about to embark on your next adventure – hooray! 

Travel planning comes naturally to some who thrive on the challenge to find the best deal on a tour, stay at the coolest hotel or dine at the hottest new restaurant. These travellers are always at the airport on time, check opening hours of attractions before leaving home and have packing down to a fine art form. On the other end of the scale, there are travellers who prefer to go with the flow, do things spontaneously and are happy to rock up to a new destination and “wing it”.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNTWO), 1.4 billion people travelled internationally in 2018. And apparently, there are over 750 million users of Microsoft Excel worldwide. There’s a high chance that you’ll fall into both of these categories (we don’t know the exact number but it would make for a pretty neat Venn diagram). And if you also classify yourself as an “unprepared” and/or “unorganised” traveller, our trip planner template is designed to help YOU.

Microsoft Excel is not only used by accountants and finance people. Microsoft Excel has become the ultimate planning and analysis tool, recognised and used worldwide which is why we’ve chosen it to create our trip planner template. We hope you find it useful and welcome your feedback and recommendations!

FREE TRIP PLANNER TEMPLATE! MICROSOFT EXCEL & GOOGLE DOCS

Why use a spreadsheet to plan your trip.

• Identify gaps in your itinerary (closures, public holidays, mandatory reservations)
• Save money (better budget decisions, better choices on trip)
• To get you excited! You’re going on a holiday! Hooray!

Download your free trip planner template here

Note: For Google Docs template, download the .zip file and upload the spreadsheet to your Google Drive. Once uploaded, open with Google Sheets.

Using this spreadsheet

The Ultimate Trip Planner Template is built into a spreadsheet which is divided into six sections. We’ve built this trip planner to include 16 days of travel but you can adjust the length of the trip by adding or removing columns in the spreadsheet.

Once you’ve confirmed your travel plans, add them here. This is where you can record all your reservations – flight details, accommodation, car rental, equipment rental, tour reservations etc. Listing them on one tab means you can quickly jump in and find those important details when you need them.

2. Planning

Researching airlines, hotels, Airbnbs, car hire, tour operators and travel insurance policies can be exhausting. You’ll probably go through a phase where you’ll have so many tabs open on your browser, it’ll make you want to pull your hair out! If you also need to compare prices and dates with your travel companions, it can become downright overwhelming.

When you find a potential option you like, add it to the “Planning” tab. When your research is condensed into a neat summary, it will be a simple exercise of reviewing all possible suppliers, key dates and prices and then after a process of elimination, you will be left with the most suitable option.

A budget is by no means set in stone. Our budget tab is designed to help with your travel planning decisions. We feel that it is important to understand the costs of a holiday before making any hasty decisions. And we consider it even more important that you don’t spend beyond your means!

We don’t want to sound like party-poopers but the last thing you want is to get ripped off and/or find yourself stuck abroad without any money. By understanding where you plan to spend the bulk of your hard-earned money on your holiday, you can plan where you’ll allow yourself to splurge and other areas where you may need to tighten the purse strings.

For example, we give ourselves extra budget for food and coffee experiences as this is an aspect we love about travelling. We tend to book budget/basic accommodation on the road depending on the destination and available options, as all we need is a bed, access to a (preferably) hot shower in a secure room.

A good chunk of your budget will already be paid or known in advance before you’ve even left home (i.e. flights, some ground transport, accommodation, tours (if applicable) etc), so this should also help when allocating your budget to food, shopping and extras. There will also be times where you need to be strict and say “no” if your gut feeling and bank account tell you that you cannot afford a certain something. Be conservative but also be kind to yourself – you are treating yourself to a holiday after all and you’ll have to spend money to fully enjoy the experience!

4. Itinerary

We spend a lot of time planning our travel itineraries on a day by day basis and even breaking it down to each hour of each day. Some people call us crazy but when we are short on time and have an extensive list of things to see/do/eat/shop etc, we prefer to be organised.

Laying out our trip day by day also helps us to block out periods of time for travel or to take note of when restaurants and attractions are closed. Of course, plans can and will change. Rain may force you indoors (museums, galleries, shopping) or an unknown public holiday may disrupt your planned travel day.

We recommend using this tab to roughly outline your plans and drop in the activities and places you simply cannot miss. You can move activities to different days if your original plan doesn’t work out. If you want, record your daily expenses at the bottom and you can track how your actual spending goes against your budget.

5. Packing List

For those who begrudge packing, it tends to be the case that you will end up wearing 20% of your packed belongings during 80% of your trip. Or if you’ve left packing until the last minute and thrown items higgledy-piggledy into your suitcase, you’ll arrive at your accommodation to realise you’ve forgotten your favourite undies or packed the wrong shoes.

Packing lists work. Once you’ve considered the weather and climate at your destination, your baggage allowance plus the duration of your trip, you can plan what you need and limit unnecessary purchases on the other side.

We’ve compiled a pretty epic packing list covering practically every type of adventure and possibly everything that you may need. Feel free to adjust accordingly to your requirements.

6. Checklist

This is the final step before you walk out your front door to embark on a brand new adventure. Before you go, use this tab to ensure you’ve dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s. And then you’re off!

Bon voyage!

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Give us your feedback of the Trip Planner Template below!

Like this post pin it and share it.

CONTINUE PLANNING YOUR TRAVELS

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28 thoughts on “the ultimate trip planner template – easy to use excel format”.

HOLY COW I cannot believe I found EVERYTHING I needed all in one for FREE. I feel like I have ROBBED someone! My partner and I never grew up in households where family vacations were had, so we have no idea what were doing. Thank you kindly to The Travel Quandary. If I can donate, share your page, volunteer, etc. let me know how I can repay <3

SO HELPFUL ! THANK YOU SO MUCH !

How you extend the dates! I am going for a month

This template is so great! Planning a trip to New Zealand and will be traveling around a lot – this is super helpful!

NICE!! MUCHAS GRACIAS VERY COOL!!! Alina

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your files!

Thanks so much for the template. This is a very good start for a traveller like me. Easy to use!

Amazing template! Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

Thank you for the great tool! I was wondering if theres a way to enter an end date as well to the itenerary?

Hi there! I was wrapped to see that the template is created by some Aussies! and local ones as well. I’m from Melbourne! Template is a charm! Just what I’ve been looking for ages! Planning our Europe trip for 2023 that got cancelled in 2020! (We all know why!!) Will let you know how it goes and will definitely check out your website! Thanks,

Hi Rosanna, we’re so glad to hear that you’ve found this template useful! Very jealous that you’re planning an escapade to Europe. No doubt it will be amazing! Safe travels 🙂

Thankyou for your post on THE ULTIMATE TRIP PLANNER TEMPLATE on excel. It is very usefull. I have been using this template to plan my trips for a while now and it has saved me a lot of time. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a travel planner.

Didn’t work. At least, not on my version of excel.

something about “delimited” something or another.

Hi Piotr, We’re sorry to hear this. What version of excel are you using? Are you on a Mac or PC? If you wish, we can email you an Excel copy of the template.

So so sooo helpful! I’m happy to find this great itinerary template! Thank you so much.

Thanks Tahira! We’re so glad that you found it helpful. Enjoy your travels! 🙂

Hi Tahira, we’re thrilled you found this template helpful. Enjoy your travels!

I needed this so much, easy and simply. Thank you for a great spreadsheet.

Thanks Nga! Happy travel planning!

Hi Nga, we’re so glad you loved this spreadsheet. Hope you had an amazing travel adventure!

Thank you , soooo much ! I appreciate you putting this together and sharing it

Hi Priscilla! So glad that you found this planning template useful! We hope you enjoy your trip!

I am so excited to find this. (Thank you, Pinterest!) I will be leaving in a month on an eight day train trip and this is exactly what I needed to get all my ducks in a row. Thank you so much!

HiTeresa! We’re so glad to hear this and so exciting for you. Enjoy your trip!

This is great! Found this as i was looking for a newer travel planner and this is very helpful and user friendly!

We’re so glad to hear this! Happy travel planning!

great tool. never used a planner before and it has most every item to consider… add a route sheet for those who driving to, during and back from their vacations…

Glad you like it and thanks for the feedback. We’ll look into adding a new tab for routes.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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3 tips for planning holiday travel with Airtable [2022 edition]

Laurel Beyers got her first taste of Airtable at work, using it to sort UX priorities at a fast-growing startup.

Because the platform is irresistible to organized people, Beyers started using Airtable for personal projects too, from planning outings to budgeting to buying a house.

“If you put me on a scale of all my friends, I’m the highest level of organized,” says Beyers , a product design manager for VMware.

If you put me on a scale of all my friends, I'm the highest level of organized.

Beyers saw that Airtable, with its visual elements and multiple views , was particularly good for travel planning. So she deployed it to organize a month-long backpacking trip through Hong Kong, Bali, Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan. She also managed a birthday trip in the Phillppines using an Airtable base that’s now been copied more than 700 times.

As holiday travel activity returns to pre-pandemic levels , Beyers and others know Airtable can help them keep the details straight.

Below, you’ll find tips from seasoned travelers about how to use Airtable to plan well for the holiday rush.

Use Airtable to sketch out travel scenarios

Long before she heads to the airport, Beyers builds out tentative itineraries and budgets in Airtable. Christmas in Los Angeles, New Year’s in New York? Sometimes she and her partner flip through travel books or research destinations on Google and Pinterest, then she pulls that info into Airtable.

“How do we divvy up the budget, given what we want to do?” she says. “Then I start deleting things from my Airtable,” she jokes.  

But she's not actually deleting anything. Rather, she moves vetoed travel plans to a separate table , so she has a history of the scrapped ideas and can add them back if needed.

Rank rewards, round trips, and pit stops

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed looking for cheap airfare or feverishly toggling between travel sites. Instead, take a deep breath and build an Airtable base .

Or use Rajesh Narayanan’s Travel Itinerary/Trip Planner base , which lets you compare flights side-by-side and rank them according to what’s important to you. (“Allows checked bags,” “has a short layover,” etc.) His base includes an itinerary and detailed Gallery view to show different phases of any getaway.

If you book flights often, take a note from Howie Liu, Airtable’s CEO and cofounder, who built this Ultimate Frequent Flyer Guide to keep all his awards programs, plan numbers, and mileage expiration dates in one place.

Traveling by car? Former Airtable employee Victoria Plummer built this Road & Tour Manager base with rockstars in mind, but you can swap in family dinners for concert stops.

→ Get inspired with our Travel Agency Fliers template

Keep dates flexible, and plan as far ahead as possible

Spontaneity is a beautiful thing, but 2022 is probably not the year to make last-minute travel plans.

The World Travel & Tourism Council found that the travel industry made a slow recovery last year, but it’s been roaring back in 2022, a trend that’s likely to continue. Hotels, tourist attractions, museums, rental cars, and historic sites will book up quickly as the world shakes off the pandemic dust and starts making plans again.

No matter where you’re headed on the busiest days, Airtable can give you better visibility into less-busy ones too. Users have designed bases for campsite reservations and availability , bookings of all kinds , the best honeymoon hotels (from Greece to Hawaii), and fun stuff to do in a number of cities. (Check out our Travel & Outdoors and Local Interest bases, and guides to NYC , San Francisco , and Colorado .)

At the end of it all, if you want to see what you’ve checked off the bucket list, try Walter Chen’s Travel & Trip Tracker . As Chen notes, it’s gratifying at the end of the year to plot the points and view them all on one map.

Get a head start on all things holiday with our collection of planning templates

How Airtable helps educators teach Asian American history

How an airtable product ops strategist makes roadmap updates at scale.

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Europe’s best beach holidays: Donoussa, Greece

This quiet island in the Small Cyclades has one small town, several wild sandy bays and a plethora of panoramic walking and running trails More beach holidays | Spain | France | Portugal | Italy

E lias, quiet and unassuming, meets us at the tiny harbour and says he could drive us to the house but it would be quicker on foot. He directs us up a narrow alley past a bustling kafeneio , where people are debating the news of the day over coffee.

One of a little cluster of houses, ours has a pergola of rough-hewn logs and bamboo, and looks out to sea across a garden of rosemary and agave, a vegetable patch and composter, and the pen that is home to a donkey called Yolanda. Inside there is restored wooden furniture and textiles woven on a loom by Elias’s partner, Ploumitsa, who waves as she returns from feeding the chickens. The young couple’s passion for preserving the unspoilt landscape of their island makes Argalios guesthouse an inspiring place.

One of the Small Cyclades, just five square miles in area, diminutive Donoussa feels reassuringly low-key and relaxed. Most of the 150 permanent residents – and visitors like us – are in Stavros, where houses sit among palms and prickly pear and nothing is more than five minutes’ walk from the village beach. There is a bakery, a music bar, and half a dozen places to eat, with traditional dishes such as fava (split pea dip) and goat with potatoes. The shop in the back of the bar is open every day, and the other minimarket sells gloriously misshapen lumps of goat’s cheese, xinotyro , from neighbouring Naxos.

Elias, bringing fresh bread from his grandmother’s wood-fired oven, recommends Kedros beach, south-east across a headland, where his family has a cafe-bar serving organic local produce. After a 20-minute walk we find a gorgeous sweep of pale sand fringing sapphire sea amid gentle hills dotted with low shrub. I swim into the bay and look down through clear water to rippled patterns and wispy sea grass.

Apart from the guesthouse and taverna, Elias’s main occupation is maintaining and promoting the trails for walking and running. Over the following days on these paths we explore the rugged south coast with its old windmills and farmhouses and an ancient settlement.

Bathed in late afternoon light, bright white rock glows and blue sea shimmers. Goatherds call to their goats. From the spring at Mersini, a path of pale ochre stone leads down a valley to Livadi beach, another breathtaking sweep of soft sand, natural and unadulterated, and pale turquoise sea.

Most spectacular is the route to the north of the island, skirting the almost 400-metre peak of Papas. After a hike to the ridge, we look down at Kalotaritissa, a handful of cottages on a deep blue bay encircled by hills. At the end of the zigzagging trail, chickens and goats wander as the priest finishes his weekly call to the oldest resident.

A footpath continues around the edge of the bay to a perfect place for a swim, then we settle on the taverna terrace for a platter of grilled biftekia with a tomato salad, rough-cut slabs of feta drizzled with olive oil and oregano, and dense tzatziki streaked with garlic.

The owners offer a shot of something strong for the walk back. “Come back any time!” As we return to Stavros, the setting sun lights the hillsides like switching on an electric element, and stars pierce the fading blue sky.

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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British tourists hit by holiday travel warning over new EU rule most are 'unaware' of

T wo thirds of Brits are unaware of EU biometric border controls that will be brought in for UK tourists from October, according to a bombshell new survey.

British citizens and those from non-EU countries will need to pass through a fingerprint checks and face scanners, under the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).

The new system will see each passenger's name and biometric data when they enter into an EU state. However, according to a poll from Co-op Insurance, 63 percent of UK adults are unaware of the new border rules, as many eye summer holidays in Europe.

According to the research, almost 25 percent of Brits say they would be "put off" travelling to the continent because of the stringent new checks.

Of that group, just under half said they didn't like the idea of their personal details being recorded and being kept on a system for up to three years.

Nearly 40 percent the possibility of "long delays at border control" would make them think twice about travelling. The changes are part of the drive to create a "digital border" between the EU/Schengen Area states and third countries, like Britain.

As well as those flying to Europe expressing concerns about the new system, there are long-standing fears that the digital border could wreak havoc at the Port of Dover.

MPs were told by Guy Opperman there would be a "six-month soft launch" that should ease the transition.

Mr Opperman told the Commons' European Scrutiny Committee: "We certainly have a six-month period where the implementation of this is effectively by way of a soft launch."

He went on: "If one got to a situation where there were a certain amount of queues or delays, then the provisions of the precautionary flexibility measures allow for much greater freedom of passage of vehicles, coaches, HGVs and cars.

"That takes care of so much of the queuing, so many of the complications."

Home Office minister Tom Pursglove told the committee the Government does not expect the EU to complete the development of an EES app before the scheme is launched.

He said: "My clear understanding is that the app will not be available at the point at which this, we anticipate, goes live in October. We would expect this to follow on accordingly.

"It is an area that we are consistently raising both at official level and ministerial level as something that we feel very strongly ought to be put in place at the first possible juncture.

"There are huge advantages around trying to be able to do as much of this processing upstream as possible." He added: "We will continue to push on this.

"My understanding is that there is a recognition on the EU side and on the individual member state side that this is something that will really help to mitigate some of these challenges. "And again, there is a determination to try and deliver that app-based solution as quickly as possible."

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France holiday destinations: the most beautiful places to explore this year

Whether you want to taste world-class wines in lovely vineyards, explore prehistoric caves or laze on a Mediterranean beach, France has all of this and more

France has the perfect region for everyone – which is why we've rounded up our favourite France holidays to feature something everyone will love, from gorgeous coastal resorts and blissful islands to bustling cities, from national parks and reserves filled with thrilling outdoor pursuits to world-class art and architecture.

You might head for an alpine lake or be lured by a river beach, you might discover modern metropolises that are busy greening themselves for the 21st century and beyond, or you may be tempted by splendid châteaux, cathedrals and other great reminders of bygone eras. But perhaps the best thing about France is that you don’t have to choose – it’s all there for the taking in fantastic destinations in every corner of the land.

And anywhere you decide to go, you’re guaranteed the fabulous cuisine that is so much part of the reason people come back to France time and again.

Whether you're looking to travel by Eurostar or drive, there's a city , coastal spot or beautiful countryside to be explored. From Bordeaux to Lille and Provence to Marseille , these are the best France holiday destinations to discover this year.

At the heart of one of the world’s most revered wine-growing regions, this rapidly evolving river port draws oenophiles but also those who love French gastronomy and culture in general. Perhaps its main sight is the immense and wonderfully interactive Cité du Vin, but part of the charm of Bordeaux is just discovering its districts - including hip Chartrons - and its riverside on foot or by bike.

You’ll be rewarded for your amblings by architectural glories in styles ranging from Gothic and neo-classical to contemporary, by art and history museums galore, and of course by wine estates including the bijou Chateau les Carmes Haut-Brion within the city limits, with a spectacular modern wine cellar by Philippe Starck. Bordeaux is also a fantastic French destination to reach by train, less than six hours from London by Eurostar and TGV.

Where to Stay : The best Bordeaux hotels range from boutique urban boltholes to wine estates offering dining in the midst of the vines. Some have Michelin-starred restaurants and some even have grape-based spa treatments. Try the chic Mondrian Bordeaux , which opened recently.

Provence and the Côte d’Azur/French Riviera

A vast and varied area, the South of France (the historic province of Provence, which is now largely equivalent to the modern-day Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region/Région Sud) embraces everything from the North-African-inflected city of Marseille and glam, yacht-filled resorts such as Nice, Cannes and St Tropez to tiny timeless villages lost amid rugged countryside scented by local herbs.

Provence and the Côte d’Azur are perfect for anything from a long weekend in France to a full-on holiday, and the weather is mild enough even in February to make this a great pick for a winter break. It’s also easy reached by Eurostar and TGV.

Where to stay : The best Provence hotels are inspired by surrounding nature, whether it’s lavender fields or Mediterranean beaches, and many have great restaurants showing fresh produce including fish fresh from the fishing boats – some holding Michelin stars. See also our round-up of recommendations in the laidback Riviera resort of Antibes with its cobbled streets, 16th-century ramparts and Picasso museum. Try La Place Boutique Hotel , located in the old town of Antibes.

Loire Valley

Dating from its 150 years as home to the French court, the castles of the Loire Valley are so impressive that this entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among the most breathtaking are Chenonceau straddling the Cher river, and the almost ridiculously opulent Chambord, the biggest, including a famous open double-helix staircase said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

But the landscapes of the Loire Valley are spectacular too, from the wide swathe of the River Loire itself to the vast old hunting forests full of stags and wild boar, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including boat cruises, canoeing, cycling along the river banks, and exploring local cave homes.

How to visit: Country Living's tour of the Loire Valley takes in several extravagant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals and abbeys, and lush gardens.

Now an an artists’ village with workshops, galleries and a re-creation of a historic artists’ studio, this Normandy beauty spot 75km north-west of Paris was home to Claude Monet for half his life, from 1883 to 1926, and provided inspiration for his iconic water-lily and Japanese bridge paintings.

Long a pilgrimage site among both art and plant lovers, it’s back in the limelight thanks to the film Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse . You can also see other sites in the surrounding Seine Valley that inspired Monet and his fellow Impressionists.

How to visit : Giverny is the focal point of our tour of Monet’s France through paintings and gardens, accompanied by Paula McWaters and also including the chance to immerse yourself in Monet’s vast Les Nymph é as (The Water Lilies) in Paris’s Musée de l’Orangerie.

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From its Haussmannian boulevards to its great green spaces, the City of Lights is always a delight, no matter how many times you visit or with whom. There are too many sights to do justice to here, but among the highlights are the Jardin du Luxembourg with its sculptures, boating pond and puppet theatre, the Jardin des Plantes – botanical gardens housing three natural-history museums – and of course the Seine (a river cruise is a great way to take in several major landmarks including Notre-Dame cathedral).

Paris is also a glamorous destination for foodies and fashionistas, with some of the world’s best dining plus superb shopping everywhere from neighbourhoo boutiques and historic department stores to incredible fleamarkets.

Where to stay : Hôtel Madame Rêve has a beautifully nostalgic setting in Paris’ old central post office near the Louvre, a breathtaking decor of boiserie panels, golden velvet and 8m-high ceilings, and fabulous views from its top-floor restaurant and roof terrace.

Oozing creativity, innovation and cultural dynamism, this port city on the Loire River in western France has the unique attraction of the amazing Machines de l’Ile, a collection of giant mechanical ‘living machines’ based on the imaginings of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci and others, some of which you can ‘test’ or even ride, including the 12m-tall Great Elephant and the Marine Carousel.

Jules Verne was born in the city, and there’s also a Musée Jules Verne with a multi-media trail. Another must-see is the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, including displays on Nantes’ role in the slave trade.

Nantes is also a very green city, with an evolving network of eco-friendly transport including new tram lines and green zones for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s also handy for the seaside in destinations including La Baule, Le Croisic and Noirmoutier island with its oyster huts.

Where to stay : The first five-star hotel in the area, a few minutes from the city centre, the Château de Maubreuil sits in a wooded estate with lovely gardens and offers a Cinq Mondes spa and superb dining.

Pastel-painted houses lining the river and canal banks, winding cobbled alleys and array of green spaces make the ‘Venice of France’ a fairytale destination - especially in its Vieille Ville (Old Town). It also holds the rare Fleur d’Or (‘Gold Flower’) award from the national association Villes et Villages Fleuris (‘Cities and Villages in Bloom’).

Other highlights of this capital of the Haute Savoie region of south-eastern France are the Pont de l’Amour or Lovers’ Bridge, a wrought-iron affair with to-die-or mountain and lake views, and the Jardins de l’Europe – laid out by Henry I, Duke of Savoy-Nemours, with ginkgo bilboas, laricio pines, giant sequoias and a tulip tree. There’s also walking, cycling and lake-based water sports to enjoy.

Where to Stay : Hôtel Le Pélican occupies a former alms house transformed by star architect Christian de Portzamparc and offers lake and mountain views from many of its rooms and other spaces, which include a bistro and an artisan bakery. There’s also a seasonal outdoor pool with a pool bar.

The birthplace of art is so named for having some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, and while you can’t access the most famous caves, Lascaux, for risk of damaging their 16,000-year-old artworks, you can see reproductions of two of the cave halls at nearby Lascaux II and further reproductions in Le Thot – Centre d'Interpretation de la Prehistoire.

Once ruled by the British, Périgord – as the French know it – is still popular for its slower-paced of life, its rolling countryside dotted with lovely châteaux, and its amazing, if often very rich, food (this is truffle country). But you can work it all off by swim or canoeing in or the Dordogne, especially at Limeuil, with its river-beaches. You can also take a trip along the river in a traditional gabarre , seeing fabulous castles en route.

Where to stay : Le Clos 1855 is a luxury B&B near Limeuil with the option of fabulous dining on local products, plus an outdoor pool for the summer months.

Lively festivals, beautiful beaches and incredible geological formations, record-breaking lighthouses, spiralling head-dresses ( coiffes ), record-breaking lighthouses, and even fairies (the shapeshifting korrigans of local myth)… The northwest corner of France is another world, although it shares a Celtic heritage with parts of Britain and many of its ancient sites were built by the same folk as Stonehenge.

Among must-sees are St-Malo, an ancient walled pirates’ city, the Côte de Granit Rose with its pinkish rocks carved by the elements, the wild, windswept island of Ouessant with Europe’s most powerful lighthouse and unique dwarf black sheep, and Carnac, the most important prehistoric site in Europe, with around 3000 menhirs older than Egypt’s pyramids, thought to have been a lunar observatory.

Where to stay : An icon and an institution dating back nearly 150 years, the Hôtel Barrière Le Grand Hôtel is a classic seaside hotel with views of the St-Malo ramparts and a spa with a pool, sauna and hammam.

It’s not hard to fall in love with this French island perched out in the Mediterranean, clad in fragrant evergreen maquis and studded with ancient cork oaks and olive trees. Time seems to stand still here as you hike past rock roses, prickly pears and immortelles while red-tailed kites circle overhead.

Among the island’s most charming spots are the Balagne region with its hilltop villages including Montemaggiore and Pigna with their charming rustic architecture and authentic little bars serving fresh lemon and clementine juice from Corsica’s orchards. The bustling ports of Bastia, Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio are all worth spending time in too, and the local markets are sensational.

Where to stay : A family-owned five-star in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, the Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa overlooks a vast sandy beach in the bay of Porto-Vecchio and includes a swanky Nucca spa.

More European ideas:

- The best hotels in Geneva

- Where to stay in Rotterdam

- Vienna's best hotels

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best laptop deals right now: Apple, Lenovo, HP, and more

We use laptops for everything from editing video in 4K to answering emails. But, eventually, it becomes time to retire our old machines and upgrade -- a prospect that can be daunting when prices are high. From portable gaming devices to laptops suitable for your home office and remote work setups, we've rounded up deals on some of the best laptops out there so you can find a laptop that you or a family member will love -- while saving some significant cash. 

Also:  The best laptops you can buy

If you see something that looks like a great deal, we recommend adding it to your cart ASAP. Prices tend to change quickly and stocks may vanish quickly if popular models are on sale. 

Best laptop deals 

• Apple MacBook Air 15-inch, M2 chip, 512GB : $1199 (save $300)
• ASUS Vivobook 15.6-inch FHD laptop : $250 (save $80)
• Microsoft Surface laptop 5 : $800 (save $500)
• Dell Inspiron 16 laptop : $450 (save $250)
• Acer Aspire Vero 15.6-inch Full HD laptop : $400 (save $230)
• Lenovo Yoga 6 13-inch hybrid tablet : $530 (save $330)
• HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop : $1100 (save $350)
• ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 gaming laptop : $1699 (save $300)

Apple MacBook Air

• Current price: $1199
• Original price: $1499

Best Buy often offers discounts on the Apple MacBook range, and one deal we particularly like the look of is for an Apple MacBook Air. If you need a light, portable laptop for travel and work purposes, the $300 discount is attractive. This model has a 15-inch display suitable for all of your work and entertainment needs, an Apple M2 chip, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage.

HP Envy laptop

• Current price: $810
• Original price: $1280

You can also enjoy a $420 discount on the HP Envy, an excellent option if you want a Windows-based device suitable as a steady workhorse. This laptop offers users a 17.3-inch Full HD display and is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor. 16GB of RAM is included (upgradable to 32GB) alongside 512GB SSD storage. 

Samsung Galaxy Book3

• Current price: $1,000
• Original price: $1,350

This excellent Samsung Galaxy Book3 deal is worth considering. $1,00 is not too much to spend on a robust, future-proof laptop, and if you need a reliable model, there is a substantial $350 discount. The Samsung Galaxy Book3 is a 2-in-1 model sporting a 15.6-inch Full HD AMOLED touchscreen, an Intel i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. 

HP Stream 14-inch laptop

• Current price: $199
• Original price: $229

Walmart's deal on the HP Stream laptop is worth considering if you need a budget-friendly machine suitable for travel and portability. I particularly like this laptop for its easy parental controls, having set one up recently for a friend who wanted to give their 12-year-old their first laptop in a safe manner.

The HP Stream is a 14-inch Windows 11 laptop with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage. Sure, it's not the most specification-heavy, but at only $199, this laptop is a steal. 

Lenovo V15 Series laptop

• Current price: $400
• Original price: $480

Another deal we like the look of is $80 off a Lenovo V15 Series laptop. This new model comes with 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD storage, a 15.6-inch Full HD display, an Intel Pentium 4 processor, a variety of connectivity ports, and Windows 11 Home. 

Alternative laptop deals 

Amazon laptop deals, asus chromebook flip c434 2-in-1 laptop deal for $365 (save $140), asus vivobook 15.6-inch fhd laptop deal for $250 (save $80), asus rog strix scar 15 gaming laptop deal for $1699 (save $300), acer nitro 17 gaming laptop deal for $1295 (save $105), walmart laptop deals, asus vivobook 16-inch laptop deal for $499 (save $200), acer nitro 5 gaming laptop deal for $899 (save $100), lenovo ideapad duet 5 chromebook deal for $329 (save $40), asus zenbook 14-inch oled laptop deal for $577 (save $112), best buy laptop deals, hp 14-inch chromebook deal for $159 (save $140), microsoft surface laptop 5 deal for $800 (save $500), acer aspire vero 15.6-inch full hd laptop deal for $400 (save $230), lenovo slim pro 7 laptop deal for $900 (save $300), apple macbook deals, apple macbook air, 13-inch, m2, 256gb deal for $849 (save $250), apple macbook air, 13-inch, m3 chip, 256gb deal for $999 (save $100), apple macbook air, 15-inch, m2 chip, 1tb deal for $1499 (save $400), apple macbook pro, 14-inch, m3 chip, 512gb deal for $1449 (save $150), apple macbook pro, 16-inch, m3 pro, 512gb deal for $2349 (save $150), apple macbook air, 2023, 13.3-inch (refurb) deal for $380 (save $620), how did we choose these laptop deals.

We searched for laptop deals at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, and also at the websites of leading manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, Acer, and Asus. We also used various price trackers to ensure that a claimed deal wasn't spurious.

We have concentrated on quality products from leading vendors, as discounts on these laptops are likely to be most sought-after by potential buyers.

When compiling the list of the best deals, we considered the following:

• Price : Naturally, the price point of our recommended laptops has to include a worthwhile discount. While some discounts are small in relation to an overall price tag - for example, $30 off a $150 device - and other discounts are in the hundreds of dollars, we wanted to ensure that in any case, it's value for money.
• Features : We included a range of laptops with features sure to appeal to you, including different screen sizes, processors, memory options, and storage. Furthermore, these laptops include varying levels of security, parental lock options, and display resolutions.
• Use cases : At ZDNET, we also took into account different use cases. You might be in the market for a budget-friendly, basic laptop for a child, for example, or you may need a future-proof laptop suitable for work. Or, it might be a gaming device you're after. So, we have compiled a set of recommendations based on different purposes. 

What specifications do I need to look for in a laptop?

The right specs depend on your needs and how you intend to use your new laptop -- whether for gaming, studies, video calling, or simply daily internet surfing. We break it down for you below:

• Processing power/CPU:  The processor is the computer's brain and handles the basic programming tasks. Gamers will want a higher processor that can even boost to a higher GHz threshold for AAA games like Death Stranding and Halo Infinite. Higher processor outputs will also apply to content creators who need a laptop to handle editing video software, but if you're using your laptop for general work or just surfing the internet, you can opt for a lower processor. 
• Graphics card/GPU:  Again, gamers and content creators will want a higher graphics card to reflect the beautiful imagery for their gaming. I personally recommend that gamers opt for at least an RTX 3060 at the moment. However, again, internet surfers and workers shouldn't worry too much about the graphics if you're focusing on building out Word documents.
• Storage : For those that focus on lighter laptop use, 256GB of SSD storage will be plenty of space for your laptop. However, if you need more storage for high-resolution photos, videos, or more, you'll want to opt for 512GB of storage or even 1TB.
• RAM : In conjunction with the CPU, RAM is used to help the computer multi-task and is vital to running programs. ZDNET expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes breaks down RAM needs here , but at minimum, especially for working, you should opt for around 8GB, and gamers will potentially want more.

Do I need a gaming laptop or a "regular" laptop?

Again, it depends on your needs. Those who aren't  gamers can opt for a regular laptop with high specs, but content creators or those who work with heavy editing software should opt for a designer's laptop or a gaming laptop. Not because, of course, you want to have the best gaming specs on the side, but because those laptops come with powerful CPUs, GPUs, and high RAM to handle the heavy requirements that software needs.

How much should I pay for a good laptop?

When you're considering your budget for a new laptop, you have to consider what you want to use the device for. 

If you're a gamer who needs a high-spec laptop with a decent graphics card, top-of-the-range display and high refresh rate, you should expect to pay more than $500 - $600 -- and potentially beyond $1,000. However, if you need a laptop for basic tasks, studying, and streaming, you can easily get away with a basic laptop for a few hundred dollars. 

What are the best deals right now?

ZDNET experts split out the latest and greatest deals for you below.

Best deals by retailer

• The best Amazon deals
• The best Apple deals
• The best AT&T deals
• The best Verizon deals

Best deals by category

• The best VPN deals
• The best laptop deals
• The best robot vacuum deals
• The best phone deals
• The best iPhone deals
• The best TV deals
• The best deals under $30

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