The holidays are upon us, and so is the time to start thinking about entertaining and setting a beautiful table for family, friends, and loved ones. Setting a table doesn’t have to be overly complicated or stressful. But, if the thought of it does cause you some angst, try looking at it as an opportunity to create a memorable and inviting atmosphere for the people you care about. Incorporating pieces you already own, mixing in family heirlooms with newer pieces, and not being afraid to mix colors and patterns are the keys to achieving a beautiful look with a unique twist. Think of setting your table the way you think about decorating your home: you want it to be comfortable and inviting, functional but also (and maybe most importantly!) beautiful. There’s something wonderfully familiar about using pieces you already own, but mixing them up with new pieces keeps it fresh. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing!

It’s hard to pick one, but I will go out on a limb here and say this one is my favorite. Insert all the heart eyes. This set up can be as comfortable hosting a formal holiday dinner as it is a lovely springtime soiree. The pieces are all incredibly versatile, and together, they make for a stunning combination. For the holidays, I dig that the colorway is an unexpected twist on traditional red and green. However, if a traditional red and green Christmas is more your style, you could easily change up the flowers and glassware. For example, a mix of white hydrangeas, red roses, greenery, and crystal glassware would immediately shift the whole feel of this look. What I also love about this is that it feels elevated and special, but the little hits of whimsy (the unexpected shape of the cabbage ware, the pink glasses, the hypericum berries) keep it from feeling stuffy or unattainable.

Oh, heeeeey, all my grand millennial and blue-and-white-loving friends. This is another setup that could be used for so many occasions. I especially love how layered this look feels, thanks to all the varying shades of blue, when in reality, it is a super simple setup. I also love how you could use the same dish combination paired with a more formal tablecloth and placemats and have a whole new feel. This is another combination that feels seasonless to me - it can easily transition from winter to spring or summer. And if you are a color lover like me, just imagine popping in some pink peonies or some orange tulips into the mix. Swoon. 

Sometimes, certain occasions call for a little more formality, or maybe you are just more of a true traditionalist. To me, this setting is the most traditional of the three tablescapes I’m highlighting here, but I think there are a few elements worth noting that keep this set up from feeling like your grandmother’s table. 

• First, the gold flatware feels modern and really accentuates the beautiful gold rim on the dinner plates. (I challenge you to name a scenario that which those beautiful plates don’t work! Seriously.) 
• Second, there’s a great balance of patterns. The stripes from the linens are a perfect masculine juxtaposition to the feminine florals on the salad plates. 
• And lastly, the mix of non-floral and natural elements for the centerpiece feels current and fresh.

Hopefully, seeing some of these timeless pieces (some of which you may already own!) reimagined with unexpected color and pattern combinations, punchy linens, and modern accessories gives you inspiration to think about how you could put a spin on your own tablescapes and traditions. What are some of your favorite ways to put your spin on the traditional? 

  

Cameron Jones Interiors, LLC
www.cameronjonesinteriors.com
(202) 617-5976