Our tables are so often at the center of holiday traditions. It’s where we might carve the turkey, decorate Christmas cookies, and toast to new beginnings. It’s the backdrop for moments that draw us closer to the spirit of the season, and delighting in the details of our table is just another gift this season offers. The best part? When the people who have gathered at our table feel welcomed and considered, and we sit in the warmth of their company, we’re reminded that this intentional space can create its own kind of magic.
Below, we’re showing you three different seasonally-inspired tables: a look for autumn, Christmas, and New Years.
First Things First:
To start, consider how many people will be seated at the table. Your guest count will help determine how much room you’ll need for both decor and food. Once you have a general idea of spacing, you can start to think through the textures and colors you want to incorporate to bring your table to life. Tip: Take stock of what you already have around the house before buying something new—sometimes great accents just need a little dusting off!
Let’s Talk Details:
First, welcome seasonal pieces that dress up your tableware and reflect the occasion at hand, like fresh greenery, garland, florals, table runners, and other decor.
Second, layer in tableware like plates, serveware, and utensils. We love mixing styles, colors, and materials here. Think: antique silverware paired with a modern charger plate and vintage glasses. This will give depth to the overall look and create an interesting, collected table your guests can gather around.
Let’s break down these three looks and see how these details translate across each occasion:
An Autumn Look
Autumn is grounded in rich colors, familiar scents, joyful gatherings, and ever-changing weather. We’re inspired to let our tables reflect those characteristics of the season with berry stems, copper taper holders, and rustic-style dishes.
The Details:
Seasonal Pieces:
- Choose a statement vase and large stems for a noteworthy centerpiece—like a uniquely-shaped ceramic jug and sprawling, burgundy branches. For more height, add copper-finished iron taper holders.
Tableware + Mixed Materials:
- Select a collection of pieces with warm-toned colors to emphasize a cozy atmosphere. For depth and visual interest, layer in a textured carafe, seeded glasses, rose gold flatware, and cream, and rustic-inspired plates.
Holiday Hosting
The holidays are rooted in tradition. Put a fresh spin on a classic Christmas look with green accents, gold finishes, and textured ceramic pieces.
The Details:
Seasonal Pieces:
- Start with a table runner, then layer faux or natural garland across for a festive foundation and taper holders for height.
Tableware + Mixed Materials:
- To help keep food above the garland, add a cake plate filled with festive desserts for sharing. Even as you mix materials, you can still keep balance and cohesion on your table with the colors you use. The brass in these chargers tie with the flatware and taper holders, giving the table a holiday shine, while the white in the plaid napkins ties to the plates and table runner.
A New Year’s Celebration
As we celebrate endings and anticipate new beginnings, New Year’s gives us permission to pull out all the bells and whistles. So for this joyful scene, we grounded our table in a color palette of dusty pink and rose tones, and layered that with clear glass, gold accents, and balsam picks.
The Details:
Seasonal Pieces:
- To scale back from the rich garland of Christmas, but still nod to the wintry season outside, opt for balsam picks in small, clear bud vases. You can also repurpose certain pieces from one season to the next—like these brass taper holders. For subtle color and texture, add embossed glass votives.
Tableware + Mixed Materials:
- For cohesion (and as a nod to the occasion), use a tiered bronze tower to add height and tie to the flatware, chargers, gold-rimmed glass tumblers, and napkin rings. To create contrast and soften the overall look, add a neutral table runner, napkins, and plates.
We hope these tips inspire you to create tablescapes for all the memorable gatherings to come this holiday season. To shop these looks, click below:
