Lighting the Holiday Table to Bring People Together

The best part of the holidays is reconnecting with those you love most. Simple lighting has power beyond mere illumination. Feng Shui tells use light is a form of energy. Architectural Psychology points out that human beings are drawn to light and avoid the dark. Lighting is a powerful tool for bringing people together – if you know how to use it.

Think of the archetypal camp fire and how it invites everyone to gather ‘round. It’s in that circle we make eye contact and deepen connection. The holiday table (no matter its shape) is the place for such gathering. You can enhance this human connection by bringing light to the center of your dining table – either with a pendant light, a chandelier or candles. Then dim the light around the edges of the room. Recessed ceiling lights cannot create this welcoming pool of light.

Think of the glowing faces of family and friends around your table. Simply fine-tuing your lighting can create this powerful bonding environment.