What is the best way to formalize a small dining area for the holidays? — R.J. Richardson, TX
Dim the lights. One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to formalize a dining table is with glass and candles. Start with a table runner. Add glass vases down the center filled with water at slightly different levels for floating candles. Drinking glasses can also transform the look of a table, so have fun with them. They'll play off the candlelight to create a beautiful glow.

Polished Pumpkins
It only takes a simple coat of spray paint to add a little enchantment. Transform your pumpkins into priceless centerpieces, or set each guest's place with a tiny polished pumpkin tagged with their name. Play off the colors of your décor to choose the best metallic. Copper, for example, looks fabulous paired with light blue, while gold stands out against plum for drama.

Feast for the Eyes
Combine silver, gold, brass, black, rod iron and colored glass for a bountiful table. Mix and match water glasses and pair silver candlesticks and rod iron trivets. A matching charger or napkin at each place setting will create a polished look.

At what point is décor too large for the dining table? I run into the issue more during the holidays. — M.C. Hampton, GA
If you can't fit food and plates on the table, it's probably a little too large. Maximize your surface area to fit the holiday ham and mashed potatoes. Cluster candlesticks down the center of a table runner, add a bottle of wine and you have a beautiful centerpiece. Save the large-scale décor for less utilized spaces.

Al Fresco
Bring nature to the table this Thanksgiving by creating a tablescape with organic touches. Details made of corn husks, pampas grass plumes, berry covered branches and asparagus placecard holders are a simple backdrop for turkey and dressing. Be creative with the abundant textures and colors of the resources outside your window. Your guests will be impressed and thankful.

Server-scape
If you serve a family-style meal for thanksgiving with all the trimmings, there's not a lot of room on the table for an elaborate centerpiece. Focus your attention and your guest's attention to the server with a Thanksgiving-themed server-scape. Try a more sophisticated approach to the typical fall décor this year with a fresh color scheme and touches of cut glass and silver.

Season's Greetings
Whether your wreath is made from magnolia leaves or cypress boughs, there's something special about being greeted by a fresh touch. This DIY wreath made of fresh carnations is an unexpected welcome.

How about brass these days? Is anyone decorating with it anymore? How can my really nice, expensive brass pieces be brought up to date? I hate to just throw them away! — C.H. Frisco, TX
Good quality brass never went out of style. If you've gone with a different look year-round, the holidays are a perfect time to bring it out for a special touch of warmth. Play up the tone and carry it throughout your holiday theme on your tree and with gift wrap.

Match Your Mistletoe
Play up your home's existing color palette this season to create a sophisticated theme. For an eye-catching focal point, trim your tree with metallic and shimmery details in your home's predominant tones. Enhance the look with coordinating wrapping paper, ribbons and table décor. Before spending a fortune, refresh old ornaments and other decorations with spray paint to match your new scheme.

Trim The Mantle
To keep things fresh, year-to-year, use your usual holiday décor in unexpected ways. For one twist this season, add a little interest to the underside of the hearth. This area often gets overlooked before the stockings are stuffed and after they've been emptied. With a few temporary hooks, add greenery, satin ribbon and some ornaments and you'll want to find a new place for the stockings.

This is the time of year to turn ordinary into fanciful. Dazzle your guests with your accessories used in unexpected ways. This new Havertys piece is beautiful year round and will amaze in place of your typical ice bucket. For a finishing touch, add a whimsical hint of the holidays. Visit your local Havertys to shop our latest accessories.

Plan Your Party
Transform your home into a space for your New Year's guests to move around and mingle. With our free room planner at havertys.com/roomplanner, it's easy to visualize a perfect social layout when you can move around your furniture instantly. Decide the best place to serve drinks & hors d'oeuvres, then map out comfortable walking paths and lounge areas. Who knows, maybe you'll also come up with a new look for the New Year.

What are some easy, inexpensive ways to update or change my décor for different holidays?
— E.B., GA
Start with basic pieces like pillar candles, voluminous vases and trifle bowls. Then change out the details around them for each season. Pinecones or shimmery details add a touch of winter; moss and tulips add a fresh energy for spring.

I'm hosting Christmas and New Years back to back with a lot of the same guests. What can I do to change things up without taking down the tree and redecorating? — J.H., TX
Parties tend to gravitate toward one area of the house or another depending on your activities. If you have a formal dinner for Christmas, everyone will get to enjoy your formal dining room and living room décor. To make New Year's Eve feel like a different event, set up a buffet and let your guests gather for games and festivities in the other part of the house while they watch the ball drop.

Winter White
A look that's chic all season, regardless of which day you're celebrating, is winter white. Especially in a city where you may not see lots of snow, fluffy feathers and dazzling whites come with a whimsical, snowflake-on-your-eyelashes feeling. Feathers turn this simple topiary frame, found at your local craft store, into a wonderland statement piece.