Now picture those white plates sandwiched in between textured gold and silver glass, topped with a napkin that’s circled with a pretty gold beaded ring. Even pumpkins are getting gilded and “silverized.” Imagine an all-white table setting. Whether it’s a gleaming, polished finish, hammered surface or texture, metals can be woven into tabletop modestly or lushly. What’s great about gold, silver, copper and other metals is that their sparkle elevates the decor. Some have the look of vintage postcards, others possess a more modern vibe, and still others are so graphic, often with an image embedded in the design. Iconic symbols like turkeys, pumpkins, Santas, reindeer, angels and nutcrackers have risen above kitsch because many now are artist-drawn. A place mat of woven rattan or ruby beads might be teamed with a gold or silver charger, then a creamy white dinner plate, and topped with a shimmery metallic glass or patterned salad plate. It’s especially fun to mix plates and their surrounding elements, and you can totally change up the style by doing so. So hand-painted dinnerware depicting pumpkins and vegetables really is appreciated, especially with seasonal imagery. Hand-craftsmanship is so appreciated in everything for the home. But it also can stand a touch of glamor or bling as a strong counterpoint. Reclaimed wood, natural linen, greenery and pine cones complete a look that’s casual and inviting. One of the settings that Carolyne Roehm designed for the Baccarat Museum in Paris took a cue from plum and cream Picasso calla lilies, which she teamed with floral-patterned porcelain from Bernardaud, Baccarat crystal glassware and charming amethyst butterflies. Bring a little aubergine in with saffron and persimmon amethyst or indigo also are vivid additions to the December table that can be very rich and elegant. But you don’t have to be locked into only what’s expected. Red and green spell Christmas, in poinsettias, candy canes, green boughs, Santas.
An autumnal palette draws guests to the Thanksgiving table, just like the complementary hues of squash, pumpkin, cranberries and the golden brown skin of turkey. Who doesn’t have white dinnerware? And if not, why not? So versatile, it can be dressed up or down, teamed with bold or pastel colors. Here are just a few tips for setting the holiday table. In a digital world, this still is a tradition held closely by the most chic hostesses.” And send paper invitations and use place cards (she designed a line for ). Beautiful things are useless if they aren’t displayed and admired. “What better time to show it than during the holidays? If you have one very beautiful vase, dish or bowl, try to incorporate it onto your table.
French and Italian hostesses do this frequently with ease, and it’s fabulous.”Ĭachet says she’s seeing a return to “unabashed opulence” in home decor, which naturally extends to the table. Florals in rich reds and violets are perfect for winter holidays.
“For Christmas, mix some mismatched vintage red china for an unfussy yet elegant vibe. Use gold flatware because it’s special and everyone will have an ‘oooh’ moment when seated.”įor the unexpected, Cachet suggests mixing in an animal print, “like Ralph Lauren’s gorgeous leopard” border on the Hutchinson porcelain, for a casual chic dessert setting. “Hermes Chasse Yellow is luxurious,” she says, “but still unpretentious when layered with rich hued linens and crystal. The prettiest, chic tables are always awash in color, depth, flowers, shiny objects and light.”įor fall tables, Cachet likes starting off with an off-white base and building on it with a mix of vintage fine porcelain. “When it comes to setting a fabulous table for the holidays,” says Cachet, “one phrase says it all: More is more.
Style-maker, designer and TV personality Courtney Cachet is a huge believer in ramping everything up for the holidays. After Christmas, you could use it with an Indian bedspread tablecloth to tone it down.” “It’s simple but a little elegant because it has the gold. “We did different patterns to give it that collected look,” says Williams. For Christmas, she likes things sparkly, with glittered reindeer and candles, for example. In September, she styled a magnificent table that celebrated crystal for Maison Baccarat in Paris, in three different palettes for place settings: red, green and plum – all stunning on white.īunny Williams loves the mix of vintage and new, and drew from a collection of early French china pieces for inspiration for her most recent Gold Star collection for Ballard Designs. The former fashion designer, who has a passion for flowers, just released her latest book, “At Home in the Garden” (Potter Style). On Caroline Roehm’s tables, you’ll always find beautiful flowers.