Pick Your Pottery
Minimalism served on warm-colored ceramics with a side of velvety rich fabrics—that’s Farra Mirón’s no-fuss place setting philosophy. “Pottery is the driving force in this design,” says the stylist and founder of Hostess Haven. “You can build off of that, adding wood for an earthier feel or metal for more glam; it can go either way. Make it your own.”
For Mirón, that means incorporating neutrals, like the molasses-colored East Fork Pottery ceramics. “It’s so holiday to me!” she says. “Pairing terracotta’s copper and rusts and blush for November, deep reds and emeralds for December, and aubergine and berries and whites for January.” Of course, she reminds, it’s what you bring to the table that counts most. “I love the food on a table as much as the setting, even inedible dried fruits and vegetables for staging. Most importantly, bring tradition and purpose to your table.”
Holiday Entertaining: Three Riffs On a Table Setting
Photo by Madison Parker
Mix Metallics
Andrea Meendering, owner at Not My Dish, opted for a single color to anchor this tablescape. “Blues are a favorite this year, and we’ll continue to see that into the holidays,” she says; also on trend is mixing metallics. Consider the silver cutlery, copper charger, and brass candlestick holders playing nicely together. From there, “organic elements such as greenery, fruit, nuts—or in this case, spices—add a warm and tactile quality to even a modern setting.”
She adds that she’ll even snap a few greens from her yard when she’s in a pinch. As for the most tried-and-true place-setting tip she’s found, she says: “If the location and time of day permit, always add candlelight.”
Items available for rent with styling at Not My Dish.
Holiday Entertaining: Three Riffs On a Table Setting
Photo by Shannon Henry
Maximize the Festivities
“Like good food, good design also connects people, starts conversation, and can delight,” says Tricia Reina, founder of Tenfold Style. “Don’t worry too much when you put the table together. Experiment!” Here, Reina did just that by mixing textures, traditional touches of red and green, and found objects.
“Look in your cabinets for family heirlooms or vintage finds, sterling silver, gold plates, ceramics, plus any decorative objects you picked up from your travels.” Antlers? Ornaments? Lantern? Check, check, and check.
Items available for rent with styling at Tenfold Style.
Holiday Entertaining: Three Riffs On a Table Setting
Pottery is the driving force of Farra Mirón’s holiday design | Photo by Jamie Street
