DECIDE ON A COLOR SCHEME OR THEME — Think outside the box with new color combos to create a fresh tablescape. Consider fun color combinations other than the traditional red and green. Dishes and glassware, as well as florals, are great ways to bring  color to your table. 

GET CREATIVE — Use things in unexpected ways. We’ve been trained to set forks on the right and knives on the left, but holiday tablescapes give us the freedom to step away from tradition. Play with the napkins. Move them around until you find the perfect spot. And never feel like you have to cover a wooden table! The texture of the wood just creates another layer.

MAKE IT PERSONAL — Work with what you have. Don’t think you have to go out and buy everything new. You can’t go wrong with a mix of modern and antique tableware, or high-end and low-end. If you have a fabulous collection of sterling napkin rings or colored coupes, use them! Mix Limoges with Pyrex like we did! We played around with my china and crystal and swapped plates and glasses and candlesticks in and out many times before we settled on what we used.

KEEP IT FRESH —  Go big on fresh flowers, garlands, and greenery. Natural elements are key to making a holiday tablescape memorable. Tuck sprigs of greenery into the tablescape or use them to adorn plates or candlesticks.

ADD SOME SPARKLE —  Metallic finishes just draw people in. Whether its metallic threads in linens or glitter ornaments, everyone loves a little sparkle!

A PINK AND GREEN COLOR SCHEME: The green plates, used as chargers, create a vibrant backdrop that makes the mix and match place settings in various shades of pink and green pop against the bleached walnut table. The vintage Tulu rug, along with the bright colors and bold patterns of the antique Louis XVI style chairs, adds contrast and character to the natural wood. Delicate pink peonies, glasses of pink champagne, and an array of pink and pistachio macarons complete the setting, adding a delightful touch of elegance and whimsy. 

THE TABLE IS SET À LA FRANÇAISE: The tines are pointing down in traditional French style. We chose to use heirloom silver passed down from my great aunt, Pyrex chargers gifted by my mama, beautifully detailed antique Limoges dishes, and Raynaud Festivite salad plates. As you can see, my love for antiques and vintage treasures extends far beyond furniture! The pretty pink candles in simple sterling candlesticks, along with the sparkly trees and glittery garland, make this setting wonderfully festive.

A WALK ON THE WILD(ER) SIDE: The luxurious look and feel of the natural undyed, mid-century Turkish Angora woven blanket from Paige Albright Orientals that we chose to cover the homeowner’s custom made chunky white coffee table was just what we needed to spice up our picnic, along with a spiced rum cocktail, of course. I know most of you probably don’t have a tiger striped mohair rug laying around — but if you do… If you don’t, you definitely want to add it to your list! IT’S. THAT. DAMN. FABULOUS!

S'MORES ARE THE QUINTESSENTIAL DESSERT: They require no baking! You’re free to choose as few or as many ingredients as you like. For this setting we mixed and matched modern tableware, using a white charger to stand out against the fabulous mohair rug and anchor the black La Chamba pottery. We placed fresh cut greenery on the salad plate, while the marshmallow filled bowl had a simple place card attached, and a sparkly napkin ring added for an extra pop of shimmer and shine! Because more is more, and we love shiny finishes, gold flatware was used.

RUN, RUN RUDOLPH: We chose dinner plates embellished with 22 carat gold, and paired them with neutral chargers, both from Table Matters, for a contemporary look that exudes timeless elegance. The gold flatware is simple yet sophisticated, and the antlers, mixed with a natural runner of moss, pinecones, greenery, glittery berries, and the glow of gold votives, add a rustic charm to the setting. 

AU NATURALE: The bleached wood table serves as a soft, neutral canvas, allowing the vibrant colors of the Royal Crown Derby Olde Avesbury dinner pates sitting atop Jaume de Chrome Cream Scale gold chargers to truly stand out. The dinner plates, adorned with intricate, colorful birds, and a hinged vase filled with simple white scabiosa or pincushion flowers, seamlessly blend the natural and exotic, bringing a fresh and organic element to the table. The overall effect is a harmonious balance of elegance and nature, with each detail contributing to a refined yet inviting setting.