Dressing your table

by Jamie Menaker

The holiday season brings with it many opportunities to gather with those that you love, to share food, drink, memories, love, and the warmth of the season. Gatherings can range from casual to black-tie affairs, but each event comes with some necessity for decoration to set the festive mood for guests. Even if it’s just your own family that will be coming together around the dining room table, why not put in the extra effort and create a unique setting to make the time spent together more memorable. With this in mind, we asked our local home décor specialists to help come up with some inspiration for setting a beautiful holiday table, for Thanksgiving, the holidays, and New Year’s Eve.

Warm Glow

Your guests and family will feel how special they are to you when they sit down at this beautiful holiday table, where the glow of the candles and the deep red wine-colored garland create a warm and festive atmosphere. Pictured: Holly print tablecloth by Saro, pear place card holder, wine bottle topper, custom table centerpiece, sugared greenery, electric (battery operated) wax candles sold in five sizes. All available at Midori’s Décor, Stockton.

Traditional Christmas

A return to the origin of the Christmas holiday is the inspiration for this table, a gathering of earthy brown metals, whites, and burlap, accented by red and green Christmas greenery and traditional religious items. Burlap can be found at your local fabric store. Pictured: Red painted charger under place setting, Jan Barboglio hammered bread dish (pictured with cookies), glass cross votive candles by Lux, vintage crucifix on place setting and tall candle, antique embellished bible, Jan Barboglio small metal cross with votive candle, and large metal cross with three votive candles. All available at C.R. Porter Home Décor, Stockton.

Colors of Fall

An abundance of fall colors—red, mustard yellow, green, and orange—bring to mind crisp autumn afternoons and piles of leaves, accented by the cool metal of iron accessories. White dishes and a touch of leopard print make for a fabulous table. Pictured: Tall etched drinking glass on iron base, hammered charger below place setting, set of three candlesticks of different heights, votive candle holder on place setting, monogrammed napkin ring, fruit bowl with iron roses (holding decorative pumpkins), all by Jan Barboglio, with leopard table runner. All available at C.R. Porter Home Décor, Stockton.

Natural Surroundings

Inspired by the bounty of the harvest, the squash, mango, pear, and gourd shapes on this table remind guests of the many reasons to be thankful. Terra cotta and elm wood enhance the elements of nature, and the wine stems are wrapped in beaded necklaces to embellish their look. Pictured: Leaf garland running length of table with gourd ornaments, sheer napkins by Saro (in cups), mango wood votive candle holders sold in three sizes, custom centerpiece arrangement, metal leaf candlesticks, wrapped pears, Zulugrass beaded necklaces (on wine stem), elm wood table and chairs, mini pumpkins and gourds around place setting. All available at Midori’s Décor, Stockton.

Silver and Sparkle

The more glitz the better on New Year’s Eve—just keep layering accent pieces on the table that sparkle and shine. This table’s look started with the pewter-hued tablecloth, and then grays, whites, silver, and shimmer were added. Look for the faux crystal beaded garland at arts and crafts stores like Michaels. Pictured: Custom centerpiece with white flowers, antique mirrored glass display bowls, silver and glass dome cheese pedestal, pewter candlesticks, Jan Barboglio communion candle on place setting. All available at C.R. Porter Home Décor, Stockton. SJM