10 Styling Twists to Amp Up Your Holiday Tablescape
Our friends at Delish whipped up some delicious recipes for the holidays – but we also couldn't keep our eyes off their sparkling table decor.
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When it comes to holiday entertaining, it's really all about the table. There's the food, of course, and this year our friends at Delish have some truly inspired dishes on the docket — we're talking cinnamon sugar squash, Brussels sprout casserole, and a super-savory twist on turkey, for starters.
But before the food, must come the tablescape (and, oh, how we love a good tablescape). So before the Delish team filled their dining table with food, we swooped into take a peek at the decor. Steal these tips to make sure your table reigns as supreme as your Grandma's stuffing recipe this year:
Styling: Daphna Guttin
Put Food on a Pedestal
If these ears of corn, persimmons, and pomegranates prove anything, it's that not everything edible should sit on your plate this Thanksgiving (hey, there's an exception to every rule). To show off your earthy centerpiece, pile the decorative produce on top of a cake stand.
Create a Natural Runner
Magnolia leaves are long and thick, so when positioned down the middle of a holiday table, they create a festive green and brown runner that complements an already rustic style.
Blend All the Neutrals
Decking out a table in brown and gray feels like breaking the rules — you don't see those two neutrals paired often. But together, they're actually modern perfection. Grays (like the napkin and table runner here) insist the table won't look too drab or vintage-y, but browns (like the mahogany-hued plates) ensure the settings don't feel sterile and cold.
Go Vertical With Blooms
This statement-making centerpiece is filled to the brim with conversation-starting flowers like amaranthus, delphinium, dahlias, eucalyptus, and hypericum berries. We love how the overflowing style adds a casual vibe, but still implies that you're serving a special meal.
Tie Up Your Utensils
Instead of wrapping silverware in cloth napkins, showcase the pretty print by lying them flat, and corral utensils using a suede ribbon. This easy extra detail offers texture and a burgundy accent to the table, while the gold flatware adds sparkle to the set-up.
Navy and yellow plate (center), West Elm. Flatware, Williams-Sonoma. Napkin, Orishibori.
Break Up Patterns With White
Stacking plates is a quick way to add glamour to a table. But if you want your china pattern to stand out (you only use it once a year, after all), sandwich patterned pieces around a plain white plate. Suddenly the quirky blue prints seem even more interesting and pop against the light gray runner.
Table runner, Sur La Table.
Try Unexpected Color Combos
Red and green have gotten plenty of attention over the years. So opt for a different (but equally striking) palette, like blue and gold. Then add hints of red to maintain the festive feel.
Red glass, Williams-Sonoma. Flatware, West Elm.
Float Candles With Fruit
Candles are a quick and easy way to add warmth and dimension to a table. And a floating candle (surrounded by festive cranberries) just ups the cool factor even more.
Layer Old With New
If you can't figure out how to use Grandma's china, might we recommend layering it with your newer purchases for a stylish effect? Mixing and matching patterns makes the table feel less formal and results in a one-of-a-kind look.
Don't Forget About the Kid's Table
A mini version of the main centerpiece is easily rendered from the leftover stems, and helps unify the theme across multiple tables. Place it on the smaller table for children, or (if your group is full of adults only) throw it on the buffet.
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
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