October 28, 2015

Setting the Perfect Holiday Table

The air is crisp, the leaves become as beautiful as flowers and as we say it in the South “It’s Fall y’all!”  First I grab a quintessential Pumpkin Spice Latte, head to my local HomeGoods and then get to work decorating for my favorite time of year.  Having a colorful home can sometimes make it difficult when it comes to Holiday décor.  What some may see as a challenge, I see as a chance to embrace the beauty of white and metallic shades.  Pairing these stunning neutrals creates such a sophisticated and elegant display.  These intricate velvet and linen pumpkins by LoveFeast Shop are the perfect touch to create chic elegance.

With every new season comes the chance to create a unique tablescape for Holiday dinners.  When planning a tablescape, always first consider the company.  For this event we are having an adult Fall dinner party.  Therefore, china and linens are appropriate as well as the opportunity to create an elegant display.  These fun, colorful salad plates from HomeGoods add my signature splash of color to an overall neutral table setting.

One of the most important “rules” of tablescaping for a dinner party is to design around conversation.  Using décor that is too tall or large prevents flow of conversation.  Keep décor low or narrow enough to prevent it from getting moved around during the evening.  It’s also important to create a comfortable environment with ample space for guests around their table setting.  You want your company to feel they can move around and have space for drinks and extra plates.

When it comes to putting together a stunning centerpiece, my main design tip is to vary heights and sizes in your décor.  These tall, thin candle holders from HomeGoods add height which creates interest and draws the eye around the table.  Varying textures and colors, even between neutrals, also creates depth to your display.  I love the juxtaposition of combining velvet pumpkins from LoveFeast Shop with more rough and rustic wood tones from HomeGoods.  Mixing natural elements like moss with fancier textiles also adds a little spice to a classic arrangement.

And finally, don’t forget to think outside the box.  What looks like a standard placemat simply turned vertically can completely change up the look of a tablescape.  The overhang over the sides of the table gives it more of a tablecloth effect without all of the fabric.  Looking for a unique centerpiece?  Take a wreath and top it with a pumpkin or other large object.  This rustic vine wreath created a fun and rustic pumpkin holder that added height and interest to the display.  Wish you had napkin holders for every Holiday?  These simple and inexpensive napkin rings have simply a leaf glued on top that can easily be changed each season.  The leaves were cut from a floral garland used in another room of the home.  And finally, do the unexpected.  Rather than simply having a set of plates or even topping the setting with a napkin, add something fun.  These metallic pumpkins add a whimsical touch to each place setting in an otherwise elegant display.

Table Display Sources

White & Gold Pumpkins- LoveFeast Shop

Teal Side Plates & Candlesticks- HomeGoods

Placemats, Vine Wreath, Polka Dot/Striped Pumpkins & Orange Pumpkins- Target

Moss & Gold Leaves- Michaels

Napkins, Napkin Rings & Gold Salad Plates- Wal-Mart

Gold Stemless Wine Glasses- World Market

White Plates- World Market

Dining Room Sources

Chandelier: Murray Feiss Chandelier, Sconces: Horchow, Bench: Hayneedle,Artwork: One Kings Lane, Rug: Wayfair, Wallpaper: Daydream (Green) by Julia Rothman, Custom Quartz Dining Room Table, Wishbone Chair:World Market, White Tufted Chairs: World Market, Wingback End Chairs:World Market, Watercolor Ikat Fabric (drapery): Candy Kirby Designs, White Linen Fabric (drapery): Fabric.com, Purple Plus Sign, Pillow Fabric: Candy Kirby Designs, Purple Ikat Pillow Fabric: Candy Kirby Designs

XOXO, Brittany Hayes