10 Styling Secrets For A Timeless Holiday Tablescape
What Is A Tablescape?
A tablescape is an artful composition that transforms dining into an experience of discovery and delight. Beyond the essential elements of placemats, napkin rings, and glassware, a thoughtfully curated tablescape design weaves together layers of texture, light, and organic elements to create moments of beauty that spark conversation. Each table setting becomes a living canvas where carefully chosen linens, candles, and greenery dance together, inviting guests to pause, gather, and share in the intimate art of dining.
When to Use a Tablescape
While tablescapes traditionally mark special occasions, enhancing the celebration of joyous moments, their artistry need not be reserved for annual festivities such as Christmas or Thanksgiving alone. From intimate Shabbat dinners to cozy Sunday lunches, a thoughtfully curated table setting transforms any meal into an occasion worth celebrating. We love maintaining a permanent tablescape as a living installation—an ever-evolving centerpiece that brings dimension, intrigue, and a sense of occasion to your home throughout the year.
GDV x VGH: Trade Secrets for The Perfect Tablescape
We recently had the pleasure of hosting Von Gern Home founder Kira Faiman for an intimate Holiday Tablescape Masterclass at our Greenwich shop. Showcasing her latest seasonal collections, Kira shared her expert vision for creating captivating tablescapes that transition seamlessly from festive gatherings to everyday moments of elegance. Discover Julia and Kira's curated approach to crafting unforgettable table settings that invite connection and conversation:
1. Height
"Consider in advance how you will create a sense of drama with your tablescape through varying heights on the table — candles, vessels, foliage. It’s important to vary it without overtaking the place settings or blocking the view to encourage good conversation." — Julia
2. Texture
"I am always pulling in texture to add interest to any tablescape. Texture can be the found in the placemats, the napkins, the napkin rings… but also in the choices of centerpiece or table decoration. I often look for added texture in organic items found within nature; Leaves, pomegranates, nuts, pinecones, bark… all serve to add texture, interest and grounding." — Julia
3. Organic Touches
"Incorporate seasonal greenery, such as pine branches or eucalyptus, pumpkins, bundles of cinnamon sticks, and berries, for a fresh, natural feel that adds elegance and an aromatic element without being overly formal." — Kira
4. Playing with Scales
"Use elements of varying shapes, sizes, and heights such as tall candlesticks, round vases, low floral arrangements, and layered place settings to create visual interest and keep the setting dynamic. Play with unique objects and sculptural elements to create intrigue. Mixing heights helps guide guests’ attention around the table and makes the layout feel intentional." — Kira
6. Layering Materials
"Mixing textures and materials like linen, glass, luxurious beading, and metallics with natural elements such as wood and greenery brings dimension and depth to the table, making it feel rich and full and creating a tactile experience for your guests." — Kira
6. Lighting
"Consider a space’s lighting when designing your table. As well as the time of day. I love adding candles into a tablescape, whether they are votives, pillars, or tapers… and the vessels should sit well within the design and add their own version of height and texture. Plus, everyone always looks better in candlelight!" — Julia
7. Tone
"I love table settings that are immersive in both texture and tone. Choose one that reflects the season as well as the space and don’t be afraid to go darker! Especially in the evening, darker tones can add a captivating mood." — Julia
8. A Signature Color Palette
"A harmonious color scheme, like winter whites with hints of gold or deep jewel tones, sets the mood beautifully without overpowering. Choosing complimentary colors across linens, plates, and decor creates an inviting and harmonious feel." — Kira
9. Personalized Touches
"Small, personal touches like hand-written place cards or a small gift at each setting, make guests feel special and add a layer of thoughtfulness." — Kira
10. Harmony
"Choose elements that layer well together to create interest without disconnect or discord. Last year, I combined miniature orchids, evergreens, bark, crystals, and feathers! Have fun with it but be willing to edit." — Julia
Holiday Tablescapes
At Grayson De Vere, we believe the art of holiday entertaining finds its fullest expression in a thoughtfully composed tablescape. From harvest season's rich organic elements to winter's sparkling refinements, each occasion calls for distinct settings that capture the spirit of the season. These curated tablescapes transform gatherings into moments of wonder, honoring the distinct beauty of every celebration.
Our Thanksgiving Tablescape
A thoughtfully curated Thanksgiving tablescape captures the essence of gratitude and abundance, drawing inspiration from autumn's offerings. Deep oranges, warm browns, and rich charcoals set the scene, while natural elements add dimension and drama. Discover our favorite pieces for crafting a tablescape that honors this cherished gathering:
Pinecones, Pumpkins, Dried Fruit + Feathers
Natural elements in rich autumnal hues bring dimension and warmth to your tablescape, creating an atmosphere that honors nature's abundance. From striking pinecones to delicate pheasant feathers, these organic touches celebrate the harvest season's offerings while adding layers of intrigue to your gathering.
Candles + Hurricanes
Whether rising gracefully as standalone tapers or nestled within hand-blown artisanal glass hurricanes that delightfully diffuse their glow, candlelight brings an essential warmth to the table. These luminous elements cast a soft, ethereal radiance that transforms any gathering into an intimate celebration.
Vegan Leather Placemats
We cherish the refined texture of leather placemats and how their organic character elevates any tablescape while celebrating the natural world. Crafted from sustainable materials, these placemats offer the perfect blend of elegance and practicality—gentle on the environment, mindful of animals, and remarkably resilient to the inevitabilities of entertaining.
Our Christmas Tablescape
Drawing from winter's sophisticated palette, our Christmas tablescape weaves together elements of enchantment and tradition. Crisp whites, rich evergreens, and touches of metallic create layers of seasonal splendor, while flickering candlelight casts an ethereal glow and traditional elements add warmth and nostalgia. Here, we share our favorite pieces for crafting a tablescape that captures the magic of this joyous celebration:
Beaded Accoutrements
From shimmering silver to luminous gold, beaded placemats and coordinating napkin rings bring layers of refined radiance to your holiday tablescape. These intricate pieces create a foundation of festive elegance that transforms every seat at the table into a moment of celebration.
Personalized Place Settings + Table Gifts
From elegantly hand-calligraphed place cards to thoughtful details that distinguish each setting, personalized touches add an intimate air to your tablescape. These Mini Needlepoint Stockings bring both charm and individuality to each place—serving as playful markers for guests to discover their seats. True to their heritage, these miniature stockings are perfect for hiding table gifts to commence the celebrations, or can themselves be the cherished keepsake for guests to take home.
Scents of the Season
Much holiday magic lies in the nostalgic aromas that fill our homes. From the fresh vitality of seasonal greenery—pine boughs, holly sprigs, and winter garlands—to the warm sophistication of frankincense and cinnamon, these cherished scents transform spaces into sanctuaries of celebration. Whether wafting from fresh-cut branches or dancing from an artisanal candle's flame, these fragrances beckon us into the heart of the holiday season.
The art of the holiday tablescape extends beyond mere decoration—it's an invitation to pause, gather, and celebrate life's precious moments. Through thoughtfully chosen elements, from striking pinecones to luminous accents, we create settings that transform meals into memories that honor the essence of the season. Each carefully considered detail, whether a beautifully penned place card or a beaded accent catching the light, adds to the atmosphere of elegant celebration. At Grayson De Vere, we believe these curated moments inspire connection and bring delight, turning every holiday gathering into an occasion of lasting enchantment.
