I’m excited to bring you the next article in my interior design series with Living Spaces… and just in time for the holidays! The next topic in our #FabLiving collaboration, brought to you once again by Living Spaces Interior Designer Brynna Evans, is on how to put together a holiday tablescape. With less holiday entertaining this year (thanks, Covid) it’s an opportunity to experiment with your tablescape and step outside the box when setting the mood for your more intimate holiday meals. Brynna is sharing great tips on how to set your table for the holidays, along with some of this year’s table design trends.
Stay tuned for more interior design and home décor ideas, insights, trends, and tips from the professional designers at Living Spaces here on Fab Everyday, and follow @livingspaces on Instagram for ongoing home style inspiration.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Table Decorating Tips
By Brynna Evans, Interior Designer, Living Spaces
With less holiday entertaining this year, why not take a stab at going all out with your table décor! With less family and guests (and less stress) you have an opportunity for trying something you wouldn’t normally do (without worrying about being judged for your tablescape). Here are some helpful tips to follow when setting your table.
Don’t be afraid of color
Color can be a crucial element when decorating for the holidays. However, most of us typically follow holiday color palettes of warm natural tones with greenery. Don’t be afraid to incorporate teal, pink, or any other bold colors into the décor. You can even add simple changes to your current set up to liven up the room and make it feel a little more like the holidays.
Runner
A runner is the dining table’s base, much like the traditional table cloth we are used to. However, when added to a solid wood dining table, it adds a beautiful texture. Runners come in all designs, ranging from intricate to simple. Some even have holiday themes sewn into the edges. You can build from there and add all your decor on top.
Use different heights on table décor
Different height items are a must when picking centerpieces to play with the table’s overall visual appeal. Accessories such as candles, vases, and serving platters create dimension and depth. Another option to add to the design is floral arrangements! Try decorating with bright colored flowers to liven up the table and add a pleasant floral aroma.
Candles
Depending on the style of holiday gathering you are hosting. You can choose from a variety of different candles. Candles can provide warmth to the table, as well as mood lighting. The most common traditional candle for a dining table is tapered. However, you can also use pillar candles instead to create a more modern design. Tapered candles are more traditionally shown in candelabras, where pillar candles can be added to various décor items. Other popular candles are votives and tea lights, which are perfect for adding just a little hint of whimsy.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a common décor trend when it comes to fall. I know I have at least one in every room of my house (yes, even the bathrooms). If you are not obsessed with pumpkins like me, you can use just one or two in the center of the table. Or you can go all out with a full pumpkin display running from one end of the table to another! Make sure to use pumpkins of different colors and sizes to add height and interest. Then accompany with greenery if needed between the pumpkins.
Related: Silver and Gold Thanksgiving Table and DIY Pumpkin Centerpiece
Napkin rings
Napkin rings can be a great way to add little details to the table that your guests will appreciate. Most of us don’t think about using them as the accent pieces to our plating arrangements. I know my grandma used basic black or gold ones to not distract from the overall design she had in mind. However, I feel this is an opportunity to show our creativity in color, pattern, and materials without distracting our guests from the overall theme.
Related: Easy DIY Napkin Ring Ideas
Chargers
Chargers are the largest item at the bottom of a place setting, similar to a placemat just elevated for design purposes. They add a touch of detail to the table to make the plating arrangements and napkins stand out from the other décor around the table. Try to use unconventional materials such as leaves or cut wood circles to be that statement in your design. I love incorporating the outdoors inside of my home to bring warmth and texture to the table.
Greenery
Greenery can either be a simple addition or a statement piece to any table. There are multiple ways to use greenery in the dining room. Garland is the most popular holiday greenery used throughout the home, usually on the mantle. Although when it is placed in the center of a dining table, it can add drama. Or it can be added to floral arrangements to provide height and balance.
Napkin folding
Another way to add interest to the table is by learning napkin folding! There are many online tutorials through YouTube and Pinterest to help add interest to the table. This could be a fun activity to do with your family; I will never forget the holiday napkins my family had created together. They don’t have to be anything outrageous or complicated. Personally, I am a fan of the Christmas tree napkins!
I hope you and your family can create lasting traditions using these tips and tricks as a base for your designs. Remember, don’t be afraid to try new things, they might not work, but at least you can say you’ve tried! If you fail the first time, try again! Happy Holidays!
About the Author
Brynna Evans
Interior Designer
My name is Brynna Evans, I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, where I completed her Interior Design degree. Since then I have moved to Southern California with my boyfriend Joshua and our two dogs, Milo and Mazie. I started working in flooring, but quickly moved on to work for Living Spaces Furniture as an Interior Designer. Where I have been there for the last five years helping guests complete their home design projects. Recently I have been working on a design coalition creating courses for team members to become designers throughout the company. My personal designs are inspired by my love for nature, which I use to create unique and colorful spaces.
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