Gather ‘Round: Tabletop Décor and Expert Hacks
Dazzle dinner guests with dreamy tablescapes this holiday season.
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CategoryCA Love, Homes + Spaces
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Written byJennie Nunn
MARCH
Founded more than two decades ago in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, the gallery-like home boutique is lined with a curated assortment of artwork, tabletop wares, ceramic vessels and more. Inside the European-inspired trove, appointed with crisp white walls, choose from made-to-order March kitchen tables designed by Union Studio, culinary tomes; mouth-blown crystal glasses by Austrian architect Josef Hoffman for Lobmeyr; still life paintings by British artist Jason Line; bleached white oak platters by Silvia Song; and handwoven napkin rings by Rush Matters. Director Katharine Lange reveals her favorite picks for the holiday table and expert tips.
Katherine’s Picks
“It’s an ode to classic creamware with Japanese inspired subtle shape shifts for each plate shape with molds thrown by one of our favorite artisans.”
“Handcrafted in Italy with a spiral white ribbon of glass during its making, the semi-transparency of this collection is an elegant addition to other white dinnerware on the table and can be mixed in or stand on its own.”
“The subtle details in these Milan made napkins like tonal diagonal hemstitch versus contrast hemstitch at the edge are bespoke details rarely found in table linens.”
Holiday Hacks
Emphasize Place Settings
“Add one to each place setting for merriment. It’s a nice way to decorate your table and bring cheer to any special meal or celebration, allowing each guest to share their joke and gift [included in the cracker], and it’s a delightful way to spark conversation. These are made in England using hand-marbled papers.”
Don’t Overlook the Linens
“Always use large linen napkins for a luxurious feel. We like generous napkins with subtle details (tonal hemstitch or handset fringe edges) in a natural linen so that they can drape across your lap at the table.”
Create Ambiance
“Use hand dipped dripless taper candles in a corresponding color to your table for a rich layered feeling of color. These have a subtle organic nature that is perceived by the guest subconsciously while looking beautiful on the table.”
Elsie Green
Located in Concord, approximately 30 miles from San Francisco, the trove—conceived by Pottery Barn alum Laurie Furber—is stocked with sustainably-sourced wares and antiques such as vintage French wooden boards, reclaimed wood farm dining tables and étargères, linen bags, Moroccan woven baskets, vintage silver champagne buckets, and antique copper cake molds.
Laurie’s Picks
Holiday Hacks
Present The Unexpected
“Add some personality to your table by adding something special to each place setting. An escargot pot filled with sea salt; a petite pear or plum [depending on your color palette], or a sprig or rosemary from the garden.”
Forgo Fragrance
“Use only unscented candles so there’s no fragrance to compete with the food. Beeswax tealights or votives are nice, or our everyday tapers are a good choice because they’re short enough for your guests to see over.”
Go Vertical
“If you’re squeezing extra seats at your table, turn your placemats 90 degrees so the short side is on the table, and the length drapes over the edge of the table.”
Dacha
Design doyenne Lauren Gregory, founder of home and lifestyle brand in Manhattan Beach, West Hollywood, and San Marino, curates her trio of stores with global-inspired and eclectic pieces such as vintage enamel bowls, ceramic candleholders, rattan serving trays, agate coasters, and travertine console tables.
Lauren’s Picks
“The aged bronze serving set is super chic and reasonably priced. We love these for entertaining and as a hostess gift.”
“I love to use splatter painted serving bowls from local homewares company, Earl. The splatter paint mixes well with more traditional serving ware, but gives it a fun, modern twist.”
Black Mango Wood Rectangular Board
“Serve cheese and charcuterie on this oversized mango wood board. It offers plenty of space for an assortment of nibbles and looks great with the aged bronze serving set.”
Holiday Hacks
Light Candles
“Candlelight immediately sets a mood. If your dining room light is not on a dimmer, turn it off and add extra candles.”
Look Outside
“Use branches from your [or your neighbor’s] yard. Eucalyptus and magnolia are a seasonal favorite. If you can find pomegranates and/or persimmons, even better. Add natural elements like pinecones, feathers, and interesting mushrooms. I like to repurpose small pumpkins and gourds from Halloween by spray painting them gold, copper and silver for a pop of shimmer.”
Layer Your Linens
“White-on-white can feel a bit flat. I like to use a solid-colored tablecloth (to the floor) as my base and layer some kind of textile over the top. I have used an African kuba cloth, an Indian sari and Indonesian ikats. I tend to favor an interesting print in a more muted color palette—so usually shades of brown, green or rust for fall.”
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