AN INTERACTIVE TABLE
Five Steps to a Festive Dining Masterpiece
The dining table is the heart of holiday gatherings—where conversation flows, glasses clink, and memories are made. This season, elevate your hosting game by creating a tablescape that feels both curated and effortless. Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or an elegant soirée, these five steps will help you design a setting that delights the eyes as much as the taste buds.
1. Start with Layers
A beautifully layered table begins from the ground up. Start with a bold, graphic tablecloth—think classic stripes or a statement print—and build from there. Layer festive and seasonless greenery across the table, not just down the center. Mix cedar garlands, magnolia leaves, and even a touch of moss to bring texture and depth. Combine fresh and faux elements for a natural yet polished look that can last through the season.
2. Add Eclectic Elements
Forget perfection—embrace personality. Mix and match plates, glassware, and serving pieces from different collections. Borrow from friends or rediscover pieces tucked away in storage. Combining old and new adds character and ensures your table feels lived-in rather than staged. A vintage coupe beside a modern dinner plate? Perfect. The unexpected pairing makes it all the more charming. Just stick to a similar color scheme for cohesion.
3. Choose Complementary Napkins
Cloth napkins instantly add warmth and refinement. Instead of matching them perfectly to your tablecloth, choose a coordinating fabric that adds interest. If your tablecloth features red stripes, pair it with a red toile or an organic botanical print. The subtle contrast feels intentional and layered, giving your table that editorial, styled-with-love look.
4. Light the Way
Candlesticks bring height, glow, and romance to the table. Choose holders in a material that contrasts your dinnerware—wood, brass, or glass all add tactile variety. Then, opt for tall taper candles in a rich, complementary shade like cranberry or deep plum. When lit, they cast a soft, inviting light that makes every dish look divine. Feel free to sprinkle in votives, too.
5. Make it Interactive
A holiday table should invite participation. Weave edible elements into your greenery—think figs, pomegranates, grapes, or citrus fruits guests can snack on. Elevate desserts on cake stands and scatter them throughout the tablescape to build anticipation for what’s to come. The result? A table that’s as engaging as it is beautiful, encouraging guests to linger long after the last bite.
Your holiday table is more than décor—it’s an experience. By layering textures, mixing elements, and adding interactive touches, you’ll create a space that feels festive, personal, and full of heart. After all, the best tablescapes don’t just look beautiful—they tell a story of the season and the people gathered around them.
Interiors Editor Erin Melkonian
Photographer Don Dizon
