Here is our guide to the best sparkling stemware, decor inspiration and chilled bubblies to make your holiday gathering shine.
Who says white after Labor Day is gauche? When paired with copper, the pure-as-snow hue feels right at home on the holiday table. “We wanted to embrace the warm tones of this metallic that seem to make the colder months of the year feel a bit cozier,” says Jennie Love, owner of Love ‘N Fresh Flowers. Industrial copper chairs and copper mugs were a jumping-o ff point for a whitewashed table featuring an array of seasonal flowers. Heirloom varieties of chrysanthemums, ivory dinner-plate dahlias, rose hips, eucalyptuses and other foliage burst forth from a trio of footed vessels that blend all of the tones together. “ This particular color palette and tablescape is a lovely balance between formal and casual,” says Love. “ The muted earth tones of copper, ivory, taupe, garnet and gray bridge the gap between the late autumn and winter holidays and could be just as suitable for Thanksgiving as they are for Christmas.” Plenty of chunky white pillar candles add a warm glow, while miniature white pumpkins grouped along the table make everything feel more grand. This unexpected color palette is sure to spark conversation—and score compliments—as your guests enter the room.
INNER GLOW Candlelight adds a festive air to the winter table. And the Evelina candleholder centerpiece by AERIN is a stylish, versatile centerpiece that holds eight tapers while adding its own sparkle to the tablescape. “ There’s something so cozy and inviting about lighting candles in the winter. Especially during the holiday season, candles immediately create a festive, warm environment,” says company founder Aerin Lauder. “I like to decorate with a lot of red and gold, but candles are always the best finishing touch.” Given that this centerpiece is customizable and can be configured in di different shapes for small or large tables, it means you won’t only use the Evelina for the holiday dinner, but you can make a chilly Tuesday night a special occasion simply by lighting a few candles. $900, Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia Mall; aerin.com
TABLE MANNERS Any host worth their salt knows no holiday place setting is fully dressed without fine linens. Enter the table-toppers of the smart set, Julia B.’s hand-embroidered creations. Raised in Tokyo and San Francisco, founder and CEO Julia Berger credits an attention to craftsmanship as key to her handmade limited-edition designs. With myriad monogram styles and designs available, these linens are the most delicious thing on the dining table this season. Venezia table linens, set of four mats for $620, four dinner napkins for $640, four-round cocktail napkins for $190, monogramming for $160, juliab.com
LET’S RAISE A GLASS! What’s more glam than glassware by famed French cristallerie Saint-Louis? The St. Regis Midnight Supper set by Saint-Louis—a sublime pairing between Saint-Louis and the luxury hotel brand. Inspired by Caroline Astor’s Midnight Supper tradition, which dates to the St. Regis New York’s 1904 opening, the collection pays homage to glamorous dinners throughout the ages. “Saint-Louis has often set the table for St. Regis—from fashion week events in New York to luxurious crystal-laden picnics in London’s Hyde Park to one-of-a-kind Midnight Suppers around the world,” says Saint-Louis CEO Jérôme de Lavergnolle. The set includes a mix of the amethyst Tommy cocktail glass, Stella American water glass, Les Endiablés Bubble glass, amethyst Bubbles hock and amethyst Excess Champagne Flute. $2,300, Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia Mall; saint-louis.com
ON THE GRID New from Danish objects company Georg Jensen comes Matrix. Designed by acclaimed Swedish designer Monica Förster based on Georg Jensen archives, it’s the ideal way to incorporate some of Scandinavia’s finest designs into your holiday decor. Made from mirror-polished stainless steel, the cube vase, tube vase and bowl are all three available in both small and medium sizes, making the possibilities for use endless. $40-$195, georgjensen.com
Whether you are hosting a holiday brunch for 20 or a much smaller fete, the secret to setting the most inviting table is to play up the layers and textures. An otherwise rustic table gets a glamorous makeover thanks to thickly woven placemats that add shimmer beneath traditional white dinner plates. A linen napkin with a modern motif and wintry pine cones tie the look together. Meanwhile, candlelight from a multitude of votives and tapers, along with decorative antlers, a fford that cozy, snowed-in ambiance. “We wanted to incorporate warmth not only with the candle glow and texture but also with food,” says Lauren Weintraub of Belovely Floral & Event Design, who worked with Birchtree Catering to create a backdrop of culinary abundance reminiscent of the spirit of the season. “We wanted warm, rich colors, and flavors like hot chocolate or a savory root vegetable tarte tatin,” says Birchtree co-owner Allegra Derengowski. “ e atmosphere is festive, neither too formal nor casual, and gives the room a little sparkle and brightens up the wood and stone features of the space.” The result is a richly layered setting that evokes a charming fireside allure—perfect for the holidays.
SHAKE, RATTLE, ROLL Recently, Tiffany & Co. launched a new men’s collection the luxury maker describes as “direct, uncomplicated and rooted in a legacy of expert craftsmanship.” The Ti ffany 1837 Makers Collection (the name a nod to the brand’s founding year) was inspired by the jeweler’s holloware workshop and by its longstanding business in handcrafting championship trophies. A sure winner is this gorgeous and sturdy cocktail shaker in sterling silver and brass—a can’t miss for the fellow who has (almost) everything. Reed Krako ff, the chief artistic officer for the house, says “there’s a person behind each object”—in this case, someone who appreciates an exquisite drink, exquisitely delivered. $2,250, King of Prussia Mall, ti ffany.com
AT YOUR SERVICE We find ourselves in hearty agreement with Peroni beer’s slogan this year: Whatever you do, do it beautifully. It holds especially true at the holidays. So we were delighted to learn of the brand’s limited-edition bar cart, a stylish partnership with prolific designer Jonathan Adler. Rendered in clear acrylic with nickel detailing and featuring the beer’s blue stripes, it’s made for the host or hostess whose gatherings feel like an evening on the Amalfi Coast. “ There’s no place I love more than Italy,” Adler says. “And the bar cart I created… is the next best thing to actually being there.” Salute! $1,450, jonathanadler.com
MERRY & BRIGHT Traditional isn’t always better. Witness the reimagining of the Christmas tree into a modern, glowing masterpiece. Modern Christmas Trees founder Matt Bliss’ grandfather created the prototype when he made a family Christmas tree out of cardboard in the 1960s. From that midcentury start, Bliss fashioned a new version of the A-line tree from concentric acrylic rings, chandelier crystals and LED lighting. The final touch is the Sputnik-reminiscent star on top. The trees come in four heights, with di fferent color options and, even, a new, inclusive rainbow design. $269-$1,399, modernchristmastrees.com
LUXE LABYRINTH Ceramicist Paul Schneider is no stranger to the spotlight, having caught the eye of his top-tier clientele early on with his signature chevron prints, dappled techniques, and multi-banded drip process, which he meticulously applies to an assortment of lamps, trays and accessories. This season, Schneider swirls into new territory with the launch of his geode collection, which utilizes an innovative marbling process. What to expect? A whimsical mix of rich hues, intricate design and swoon-worthy pieces that will make for the perfect addition to your holiday tablescape. And like the ceramic artist himself, each piece is one-of-a-kind. $325, paulschneiderceramics.com
The holidays are synonymous with tradition, which is why we love the idea of taking an old-world style and giving it a decidedly modern twist. For this table scheme, event design rm Confetti & Co. drew inspiration from 17th century Dutch Masters paintings and incorporated deep saturated hues and vibrant textures to achieve a wow factor. “ This look lends itself to a more formal feeling, as it feels moody and rich, which is less fitting for everyday and wonderful for holiday entertaining,” says Creative Director Sara Murray. Zinc chargers overlaid with charcoal-hued plates and deep gray linens are paired with sleek copper flatware. e deep color palette is o set by a bright and bold display of fresh owers that organically cascade and take shape at the center of the table. “ The palette of peach, orange, nude, burgundy and a light pop of lavender create that fall vibe,” says florist Kate McManus, owner and creative director of Devon & Pinkett. While there is definitely an air of sophistication and formality, nothing about the table design is too sti ff, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere as your guests sit down for an evening filled with merriment and celebration.
Photography by: Emily Wren Photography; Product Photos Courtesy of Brands
