table setting: design and entertaining

around this time of year i start obsessively pinning autumn meals and table settings for holiday inspiration. but setting a holiday table shouldn't be a math problem.

how does one create a space that is simple and inviting, but also elevated and elegant?

the truth is, i really love the whole process - the design, food, the entertaining; who doesn't want to be surrounded by beautiful souls and amazing food?

with everything going on, we are hosting a very intimate friendsgiving with just two couples.

this year has been hard for everyone in its own way, presented its own challenges and growth. and because of this, we look forward to the little moments more than we have before. i want to make this year special and memorable in it's own inspiring way.

so if you are feeling a little down about the smaller gatherings, the lack of travel, or maybe change in tradition, i've thought of some ways to infiltrate some happiness, and positive energy into our holiday this year. this year i bought cards for our guests to fill out their favorite quote and place it in a jar. before dessert each person will pick one out and read it aloud, all anonymous, not as a guessing game but to stimulate our perceptions and give some depth to our thoughts.

on to the table setting, the decor and aesthetic of holiday entertaining

for the table, think texture and levels; and of course, less is more.

i have a raw edge oak wood dinner table, so i prefer leave that visible to my guests and only put down a runner. a gauze runner can be messily placed with folds throughout to add some imperfection if that suits your aesthetic. the imperfections, in my opinion, are what make the space inviting.

i also prefer some natural elements. as a neutral lover, i utilize plants and greens to add some life and color to the kitchen year round. this year, i've sourced a silver dollar eucalyptus & olive branch garland from the New York Flower Market to place atop my runner at friendsgiving.

if you prefer more color, check your fridge! scatter some apples, or put some seasonal fruits in a bowl as the centerpiece. florals are always a beautiful centerpiece as well, my only suggestion would be to make sure they are tall and take visual precedent on your table.

don't worry about it being perfect, the negative space and imperfections are what make anything beautiful, including your holiday dinner table.

candles are always a must in my book, they look beautiful and set the mood.

if you're worried about having lit candles, or have children that will be running around, there are so many amazing flameless candle options these days; from tea lights to tapered, textured and plain. i've always loved the look of flameless tea lights in small holders placed randomly around a table center.

no matter the size or shape, candles can be perfectly aligned down the center of your table or scattered randomly with fruits or small vases throughout. robb and i have a set of six varying candlestick heights that i've used in the past to draw the eye towards something; usually a stunning dried floral centerpiece bouquet.

my personal preference? i fell in love with these vintage rod iron candlestick holders and have used them for most table settings. to me, they have a story and evoke a feeling of happiness and serenity. pull out what you really love, the special pieces in your home and kitchen, and work from there. these can be anything from a bowl to a cheeseboard, vessel, pedestal, candlesticks, anything really.

if you read my antiques round up you'll know about my love affair with vintage cutting boards and bread boards. and i recently scored a stunning round dough board from the 1800s that i am so excited to use as part of our charcuterie construct.

honestly, i prefer a slightly off and undone table setting, it just feels organic to me.

but the table, is likely, not the only place in need of some elegant decor.

i prefer to set a bar station for our guests as well as an appetizer table with crudités or a charcuterie board, and loaves of artisan bread with varying spreads.

if you're kitchen has a large island, i find that's the best place to set up appetizers. then decorate as you did the table: with varying levels, a large floral arrangement in the middle, maybe a pedestal or stunning bowl filled with fruits.

although this may seem an unwritten rule, it must be said. make sure everything is aesthetic, including the condiments. it truly hurts my soul when someone has spent so much time and put so much love and passion into creating a room that is inviting, moody, and elegant to be ruined by a plastic container, a red heinz bottle or keychain bottle opener. utilize your most loved serve ware including salt cellars, crystal oil dispensers for balsamic glazes and oils, small artisan bowls, whatever you have around your kitchen.

when all is said and done,

i like to set up the table and island then take a picture, walk around to see it from different angles and adjust from there. the secret weapon is the picture, a photo will always tell you where you need negative space and where there is too much clutter.

set the tone with soothing holiday music in the background.

leave some space around the island for people to put their plates down, talk, and eat.

if you have a smaller space like us, our guests tend to sit at the table with their appetizer plates. we utilize the island to put out the thanksgiving dinner dishes where guests serve themselves and this frees up space on the table for other needs like wine, sauces and dressings.

however with a larger dining room table you may want a more traditional approach. place the dishes throughout and then pass them along for guests to serve themselves as they continue their conversations.

there's no right or wrong way. believe me, i've had takeout on thanksgiving, on the couch with an old classic movie and a few friends, and it was one of the best years i can remember.

i do like to set up a couple days before just to get an idea, incase you have slight ocd like i do, its nice to feel prepped ahead of time. but truly, there's no reason to stress, take a hygge approach, let things flow and be and change, don't feel pressured to clean up every single thing as it happens: let food sit out, enjoy the time you have, the conversations and energy. we could all use the love this year more than ever.