Deck the Table
There is no better time of year to go all out on your table setting than the holidays! It is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit, do a little something special for your seasonal guests and reconnect with the outdoors. The winter months may not be flush with blousy flowers, but the season offers so much in the way of natural decor, all perfect for adorning the tabletop.
Take a walk and be inspired; Mother Nature never disappoints and will always have something to offer. It’s a timeless and inexpensive way to prepare your home for the holidays. Even the simplest tablescape fit for the modern minimalist can be found on an afternoon walk through the trails. A few snips of bare branches tucked into a simple vase with a scattering of pinecones and maybe a candle or two is simple, natural and elegant.
Fragrant evergreens are also a fabulous choice, with their rich hues and robust scents. Create a natural runner of pine, cedar and fir, and toss in a few bunches of bright red berries or some edible fruits—fresh, dried or even a mix of both. Winter fruit is both beautiful on display and on the plate, so get creative with the edible offerings. A cake stand piled high with pomegranates, oranges and chestnuts can put on a stunning show in addition to being a delicious edible treat after the meal.
It is a special time of year, so whatever style you tend to lean towards, remember to pull out those fancy candle sticks, the heirloom linens, the “special occasion’’ dishware and, of course, the crystal! Because if you can’t use these for the holidays, when can you?!
Holiday tablescape ideas are endless, but here are a few of our favourites, the ones we come back to year after year.
Classic Holiday
This look is bold and opulent with a focus on the traditional holiday colours of red, green and gold. Think lots of fresh greenery, some bright red Amaryllises tucked into antique ironstone tureens, tall candles and a spattering of antique gold ornaments, which look spectacular tucked into the greenery. We love weaving some beautiful tartan-style ribbon through the greenery. Set the table with some gold-rimmed plates, crystal stemware and your favourite crisp white linens. It is classic and timeless, and meant for that very special meal.
Magical Winter Woodland
If you have little hands eager to help out, this is a fun and creative table setting. Create the magic with potted mini trees, felted woodland ornaments and sweet little gnomes. Place low arrangements of hellebores and anemones with chunky pillar candles placed on wood rounds down the centre, and a scattering of tiny hemlock cones. Stoneware or pottery dishes look stunning with this look, and bistro-style glassware is always a good choice for little hands. Neutral linen napkins tied with a bit of thin leather will finish off this fun set. We always have the kids make the name places on some wood rounds; it's an easy activity to keep them busy and they will love having an important role in the table setting!
French Farmhouse
This style is not overly fancy but is steeped in charm and elegance with the use of antique collectables, patina-graced pieces and French linens. Since we both have homes full of French and English farmhouse antiques, this is one of our favourite styles and allows us to use many of our found treasures and foraged finds. Create a table-length centrepiece with stoneware crocks holding small firs alternated with a collection of white pitchers filled with pine branches and paperwhites. A grain-sack runner placed underneath the crocks and pitchers will protect the table and give a little touch of French country. English or French transferware and ironstone platters are a perfect match. When it’s time to eat, replace the large crocks with some candelabras. Your table will be so inviting with all its old-world charms.
A Cozy Winter’s Night
This is not a traditional style for the holidays but it embraces and aligns with the season so perfectly. When we host a New Year’s Eve gathering, we love to create this cozy scene by using a collection of brass candlesticks and black tapers, with moody dark linens and simple foraged foliage encircling the candles. Black dishware really shines here, and simple, lined glassware is subtle yet elegant. Build a stunning centrepiece with a piece of slate holding a few wedges of some special cheeses to enjoy during and after the meal. A scattering of dried oranges, shiny pomegranates and flutes filled with Champagne give this moody style a sparkling, jewel-toned touch.
Scandi Inspired
As avid collectors, we usually can’t get away with this style! But there is something so alluring about that Scandi look over the holidays. Handmade wooden trees and ornaments combined with some simple swags of greens and a few branches plucked from the hedgerows can really make a simple, clean space feel festive. Chairs draped in sheep skins, baskets of firewood in the corners and candles sparkling in the windows—this cozy, warm and welcoming look is just made for the holidays.
