3 Steps to a dazzling Holiday Tablescape
‘Tis the season of hosting friends, family and out of town guests and eating far, FAR too much food - but if you’re like us, then you’re here for it all. It’s also about spreading cheer, giving to others, and embracing and appreciating the joys we have in our lives. Likely, your home is one of those things. Opening your space for others to enjoy is one of the wonderful ways to celebrate the season. We know that this time of year can be a little overwhelming, so we’re here to take something off your plate (pun totally intended).
Last month we shared with you how to create the ultimate fall tablescape. We also shared color palette inspiration and styling tips to make a timeless and organic table setting. You all loved it so much that we’re back with a holiday version! In this blog, you’ll see lots of the same decor that we used in our fall tablescape, just reinvented for winter. Here, you’ll find styling tips & decor substitution ideas to easily transition your tablescape from fall to winter. We’re also sharing lots of design inspiration which can be recreated by shopping our Amazon Storefront and our Blythe Shop.
Happy designing!
1. creating a seamless, seasonal shift
Let’s be real, the holidays are hectic, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to your decor. You know the saying, “work smarter, not harder”? Well, you can apply that to our approach! When you compare these two photos, you’ll see that the plates, flatware, drinking glasses, votive candles and some of the serving dishes are all the same. By replacing just a few items and adding in holiday decor, we effortlessly updated the tablescape.
Just like fall, we’re embracing a neutral look with selective pops of color. This means we’re using neutral staples like plates and napkins which are a great choice as they are easy to build upon...plus, a neutral palette is timeless and elegant, making it ideal for just about any style or space. Additionally, we’re using items made of natural materials like wood, linen, ceramic and glass for a sophisticated and elevated look.
And just like we did for our fall color palette, we’re ditching the traditional holiday colors and opting instead for blush pinks and softer greens. We also added in some unexpected colors, like light blue, for what we’re calling a “Calif Cool” holiday vibe. It’s a little retro, a little playful and beautifully unique.
Try adding in a few selective pops of gold to bring a tasteful amount of sparkle to your setting. The introduction of more gold to our tablescape added a little extra festive flair that’s perfect for the holidays. Swapping out wooden napkin rings for gorgeous, modern gold ones and adding a gold centerpiece vase made beautiful additions and paired perfectly with our existing gold flatware.
Here are a few other quick swaps & additions we made:
We swapped out the linen napkins and runner for a lighter option
Brought in cedar sprigs instead of eucalyptus down the center of the table
Incorporated blush pink ceramic & sparkly bristle brush Christmas tree decor
Swapped orange drinking glasses for light blue and green
Added gold taper candles and beautifully detailed, neutral candlesticks
Removed wooden salad bowls and terracotta candles
Added in elements of light wood, and a few funky, unexpected items and colors to contribute to that laidback, Cali Cool holiday look
2. channel a whimsical approach
The definition of whimsical is, “playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way” and that’s exactly the mood we are trying to create. More traditional tablescapes feature uniform, matching items however, coordinating decor instead of matching it can result in a whimsical and charming ambiance that adds a touch of personality to your space. By combining elements that share a common theme, color palette, or style while maintaining some distinct differences, you can achieve a playful and eclectic look.
This approach allows for creativity and flexibility in selecting items that resonate with your individual taste, infusing your environment with character and charm that’s perfect for creating a little holiday magic!
3. keep with a layered look
Creating a whimsical feel isn’t just about the types of items used but it’s also in the art of how you place and style them. Yes, keep things neat and clean, but by layering and nesting your decor, you’ll create a gorgeous, collected look. The layers cultivate a sense of abundance and detail that is both visually appealing and inviting.
By placing multiple elements such as a runner, greenery and a layered place setting, you introduce a sense of depth and texture that instantly warms up your space!
LAYERING TIPS:
Try artfully placing greenery, like juniper or cedar, down the center of the table
Place candles and other decorative items in the greenery to create a layered look
Nest your plates or use a charger or placemat for added dimension
Thanks so much for reading! We hope you found lots of ideas & inspiration to create your own holiday tablescape! Remember, keep it natural & neutral with small infusions of colors and a splash of whimsical playfulness.
Happy holidays and happy hosting!
See more of our favorite HOLIDAY decor!
SEE MORE OF OUR FAVORITE AMAZON DECOR OR SHOP OUR BOUTIQUE BLYTHE SHOP!
From cozy throw blankets to stylish garlands, we’ve got everything you need to create a stunning home for the holidays
If you’re looking for specific advice about your space, give us a call for an in-person or virtual consultation!
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