Christmas Dinner + Holiday Home Tour

I don't think I've ever met a dinner table that I didn't want to set for a beautiful occasion. I think it's the temporary nature of a tablescape that allows me the freedom to create a fantasy, even if it diverges from my everyday style. Of course I always bring my signature preference for casual elegance, but with tabletop design, I allow myself to use colors and themes that I couldn't necessarily live with on a daily basis.
table
I also approach tables the way I used to design fashion collections, beginning with a concept that, more often than not, is driven by color story and, more importantly, pattern mix. In this case I knew I wanted to use tartan, but I enjoy challenging myself to use patterns I've used before in new ways.
Last year I did tartan with gilded chargers and rose china, so I knew I was looking for something quite different here. (You can see that post here: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/christmas/tartan-roses-christmas-dinner-6214508) I had purchased the black and cream salad plates for an upscale Halloween table and thought it would be fun to re-use them here.
Once those two patterns were selected, I needed to ground my color story. Steering clear of the red and gold I had done before, I decided to concentrate on mossy green and silver, all with an underpinning of snowy white.
To add a note of complexity, I chose not to use a tablecloth, and instead used white linen placemats and a stone linen runner. I like a table to look lush and full and the expanse of all white tablecloth can sometimes hinder that look.
To ensure an air of festivity, I added holiday ornaments, both tucked into the greenery and even popped into a martini glass. The restrained use of red makes it stand out even more and the glimmer of the ornaments communicates holiday cheer.
The clustered napkin set has become a bit of a signature look for my tables. It adds both an opportunity to use color as well as a richness through layered fabrics. Here the lime organza napkin is just translucent enough to see the claret one beneath, and the jewel-like crystal napkin rings are emphasized by the dark colors they gather within. (The very same rings were used on my delicate French blue and white table for a completely different look, underscoring how easy it is to re-use your tableware in very varied ways. That one you can see here: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft/seasonal-decor/hannukah-french-blue-and-white-holiday-table-setting-11655403)
For the centerpiece, I wanted to highlight my cherub garden statue and around it I placed holiday greens. The greens are, in fact, two large door swags that I simply placed upon the table runner. Snow dusted pine cones add to the Christmas ambiance.
For the rest of the details and sourcing info, plus the rest of the home tour,please visit the blog at the enclosed link. I wish you a very Merry Christmas!!
Lory @ Designthusiasm
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