This was our first Christmas in our new home, and I wanted to make a statement with our dining room table. I began with an idea and then searched Instagram and Pinterest for images I felt fit within the parameters of what I wanted. My goal this year was red, red, and more red. I think creating a monochromatic color scheme for your table can read flat if you don’t mix in different textures and tones. I also think it’s important to begin with some sort of inspiration, whether it be a photo, a beautiful item you already own or plan to buy, an element you want to play off of in the space, etc. Whether you are using your own inventory or wandering the web for new pieces, having no inspiration or direction can sometimes lead to items that don’t quite go together or a design that doesn’t quite make sense.
My first step for any type of design is always to create a mood board. It helps me stay on course and ensure everything marries well together. I like to take my time in this process because the last thing I want to do is buy a bunch of items and then be disappointed in the outcome. I also like to find timeless pieces that will always pair well with existing dinnerware, serverware, decor, etc. Once you create a good collection, it’s so much fun recreating tablescapes by mixing and matching all of your inventory.
My biggest source of inspiration for this year's holiday table was a post I came across on @floral_style and @art_petrov instagram. They did an absolutely incredible red and pink table that I wish I could copy and paste into my dining room. Playing off of my inspiration and the style of my home, I knew I wanted everything to be red, so I set out on a mission to find all the pieces to bring my vision to life.
To start, I knew we didn’t have holiday dinnerware, so I scoured the web for the perfect red and the perfectly imperfect design. I have a deep passion for the Wabi Sabi principles of accepting the imperfect. I find that when you have something that already has imperfections, it takes away the anxiety of damaging it or feeling like it’s too special to actually use. After an extensive search and many carts filled on various websites, I found the perfect set. The set was the Vietri Lastra 16 Piece Dinnerware Set in red. Each clay piece is fashioned together with twine before being fired, making each piece unique. They are also highly resistant to chipping. From the design to the beautiful shade of red, I felt this was the perfect set to last for many holidays to come and perfect to design the rest of the table around.
Next up, a tablecloth and napkins. I played around with a bunch of different red napkins. I looked at solid-colored napkins and different printed napkins. I ultimately thought keeping it simple would make the biggest statement without actually being too loud. So I went with Costa Nova napkins in Chili Pepper and a Celine Mancurti tablecloth in Crimson. Both of which I purchased on the Food52 website. I also paired existing placemats I owned from Uashmama.
From there, it was just about adding decor. I have a dangerous obsession with candleholders, so I, of course, had to invest in a few new ones. I have existing LES Collection candleholders that are scattered around my house, so I wanted to find something new that would pair well. I think I love candleholders so much because they immediately elevate every space. Also, they don't have the biggest footprint, so they work perfectly in filling small areas or being on a dinner table without getting in the way. I decided to get a few candleholders from Doing Goods. They have really great handmade recycled brass items.
I also found some pretty epic cardholders on their website. I think there's something to be said about a perfect seating arrangement. They can subtly guide the flow of conversation, fostering connections and enhancing the overall experience. A well-thought-out arrangement can introduce diversity into conversations, prompting an exchange of different perspectives and creating a lively, enriching atmosphere.
Lastly, I think lighting on a table is so important. When you are serving beautiful and delicious food/drinks, people need to be able to see it! Candles work, of course, but our dinners can run for hours, and I haven't found a candle that can keep up. I am notorious for liking moody lighting, which drives my husband nuts because he claims “he can’t see.” So, I had to find a fix that would make us both happy. These Zafferano Poldina lamps are perfect. They are wireless, have a small footprint, and can be dimmed. I have been seeing a lot of fabulous wireless lamps online lately, so I will link a few options that vary in price!
I think creating a tablescape should be fun. I don’t think you need to buy everything. You can use existing items or even make a lot of the pieces yourself! We always have a full house during the holidays, so there have been many iterations of our table design every night. Stay tuned for the grand finale Christmas table!
Happy tablescaping!
