Whether your friends and family gather at a beautiful table setting everyday or just a few times a year for the holidays, the decor should reflect your home and heritage. Magazines, decorating websites and antique stores are a great place to get inspired, but remember that table settings aren’t about perfection: they’re about memories. AFM talked to Ken Mosesian, table design expert from ForYourTabletop.com, on how to put a vintage, yet modern twist on traditional holiday themed table settings and colors.
1. Use rich colors-Instead of focusing on what’s trendy, think about what makes you feel good. Opt for rich colors this season like deep green, blue and amber hues. If you’re starting with a blank slate, Mosesian suggests pairing together a dark green place mat, a solid white plate with a royal blue border and a salad plate in a lighter amber shade.
2. Swap a few pieces for a holiday touch-If you have a table setting year round, there’s no need to buy a completely new setting. Swap out candles for a glittering gold color (preferably unscented), linen napkins with a simple holiday design like a pine cone (stay away from Santa Claus) and add new place mats or a favorite holiday family heirloom.
3. Stay away from distracting center pieces-Mosesian’s favorite part about the table is incorporating people into the action of celebration. If you can’t see your loved ones through a distracting floral arrangement or tall candles, they don’t serve a purpose. This season, place a bowl of citrus fruits in the center of your table—you’ll be able to easily communicate with everyone around the table and the light scent is refreshing as well.
4. Highlight a couple vintage pieces-If you use more modern pieces in your table setting, make sure to mix in vintage pieces or family treasures. If you don’t have anything vintage, Antiques on Central is a great place to find that one-of-a-kind piece for the holidays. Choose one to two pieces to make the table pop.
5. Mix it up-Meals bring a variety of people together, so the table’s décor should reflect that. Mix patterns and styles to create a unique setting that will be a conversation starter.