How to Create the Perfect Holiday Setting, from a Seasoned Designer

With Thanksgiving around the corner, there is so much to be thankful for. Although we have all had a rough year with the never-ending pandemic, the holidays offers us a time to reflect on an abundance of gratitude, while spending time with our loved ones around a table with delectable food (safely, of course!).

What if you could have the perfect setting for this celebration? I am collaborating with AllModern this month to bring you tips to style or redesign your space just in time for the holidays! Read below for tips to bring your Dining Room to life!! (Shoppable links at the end of this post).

1.       Set the Foundation – the Area Rug:

I have to admit…I am personally NOT a fan of rugs in Dining Rooms. My small little family is quite careless, and I would be vacuuming every day if I cosigned on installing one in our dining space. However, my one exception is in a formal Dining Room, in which case a rug would do marvelously, since it is not your EVERY DAY dining space. If you choose to purchase a rug, my suggestion is to use a rug that’s indoor/outdoor, like the one used in the mood board. That way, any spills or stains will be easy to treat, as the rug will be stain and moisture-repellent.

 

2.       Your Backdrop – the Wallpaper or Paint:

As much as I like minimalistic aesthetics and subtle colors on backdrops, I LOVE a Dining Room with dramatic wallpaper or paint! The Dining Room is the main space where you entertain (especially if formal), and it could always use a bit of character. High-gloss painted walls & ceiling, in an unusual moody color, OR a fun unique Wallpaper will add the spark you need, especially if it is wedged between beautiful pre-war details, like paneling and crown moulding. Take your time to decide which wallpaper to choose by buying samples or sample rolls.

 3.       The Gathering Spot - the Table:

I don’t know about you, but I have a very large immediate family (11+ and counting)! I love round tables, but I often cannot find a large enough table to seat all of us. In its place, I prefer an oval table, something that can accommodate many people and still feel conversational. Conversely, you can try a rectangular form. Extendable is best, if you can accommodate it, but if not, opt for a simple form. Extra tip: Glass tables get dirty quickly, so wood is your best bet! And what better way to warm up a space than with woodgrain?

 

4.       The Proper Dining Chair:

Find something comfy for your guests. The worst thing to experience while dining is sitting on an uncomfortable chair; it takes away from the whole vibe. I like to source leather or stain-resistant fabric chairs for my clients’ dining spaces, so that they are easily cleanable, yet stylish & comfortable. One way to add additional seating for larger groups is to keep a few ottomans nearby. In my mood board, you will see them next to the credenza — you can have fun with these as well, since they will not be used often.

 

5.       The Hidden Gem - the Multifunctional, Storage Piece:

There is a reason why sideboards and buffets are usually placed in the dining rooms: the definition is its name! It’s so much more seamless when you have a buffet-style area set up for food, plates, cups, and utensils so that each person can bring their serving back to their own seat, rather than reaching over too many items and passing them back and forth. So, make sure you have a sideboard (usually filled with dinnerware for special occasions – goodbye china cabinet!)… Lay out your spread there, and add desserts or sides to the Dining Table. Then, purchase a table runner for the buffet so the clean up from food spillage is easy!

 

6.       The Showstopper - the Light Fixtures:

I love dim lighting, but struggling to see clearly while dining is less than ideal. In a Dining Room, I love to incorporate a chandelier or pendant light that branches out over the length of the table, so that everyone has an even amount of light. I like to stay away from bare bulbs, as this can be glaring for guests in this type of setting. For added glamour and layer of light, I added a pair of sconces on either side of the buffet, for an extra dimmable layer of lighting, and a dash of character!

 

7.       The Tailored Piece – The Window Treatments:

Window Treatments are usually one of the last things I choose in the space, based on the details of the room and the other elements that I want to shine. If you chose to install wallpaper, opt for a set of window treatments that complement, rather than fight, the pattern of the wallpaper. For my mood board, I highlighted a dark teal color in the drapes to bring out the small teal flares in the wallpaper. If you have a high-gloss or interesting wall color, opt for pattern in the window treatment fabric. And if you have some beautiful window trim details, try an inside-mount roman shade, following the same rules for pattern, above.

 

8.       The Final Touches – Wall Décor:

Mirrors reflect back all that is amazing about the room back into the space. I like to incorporate a simply formed mirror if it is being installed on wallpaper, while using an interesting and unique form on painted walls. In this instance, I chose an acrylic mirror with brass details, to complement with brass details found throughout the space. For artwork, I chose items that were solid colors, not too busy, to help pull the room together. Artwork is very personal, so I would check in with yourself on what you want the room to evoke before choosing your subject.

9.       Finally, the Holiday Tablescape + Dinnerware:

Did you know that AllModern sells Dinnerware? If not, you should check it out! Creating a Tablescape is not my first choice, being a minimalist. BUT, I can get into the Holiday Spirit! A beautiful place setting and tasteful decor can make the experience so much more special! Start with a Centerpiece — a vase with flowers (preferably low), some candlesticks (mine are from Connected Goods), and perhaps a linen table runner. While I love troughs with branches, this is my simple idea for a Dining Tablescape, drawn from this beautiful simple photo shown here. Add a few vases on the buffet, a beautiful serving bowl, complementary Dinnerware & Silverware…and Voila! You’re the hostess with the mostest!

10.       Fantastic Company:

The most important aspect of this Thanksgiving Holiday is that we are present with our loved ones, taking everything in and showing our gratitude to them for being by our sides through these tough times. I can’t go on without acknowledging that a lot of us will not be with family or friends, due to the Pandemic. But, I hope that these tips have helped you to make your Thanksgiving just a little bit more of an extraordinary experience with your immediate household, whoever that may be. Happy Thanksgiving Friends! Be safe, and Cheers to a better and safer 2021!

Here are shoppable links for the product in these moodboards!

Marta Barragan Wallpaper // More Modern WallpaperSling Upholstered Chair // More Modern Dining ChairsOmar Dining Table // More Modern Dining SetsBumper Ottoman // More Modern Dining BenchesWalnute Omarion Sideboard // More Modern CredenzasAticus Sputnik Chandelier // More Modern Pendant LightingNature Woman Print // More Modern Wall ArtDeskins Sconce // More Modern Wall SconcesFramed Painting // More Modern Abstract ArtCasurina Bottle // More Modern DecorSycamore Vanity Mirror // More Modern MirrorsWarwickshire Vase Set // More Modern VasesDrift Serving Bowl Set // More Modern Entertaining

Keep the inspiration going and browse AllModern for: Mid Century Dining Sets / Glass Dining Tables / Modern extendable Tables / Plug-In Wall Sconces / Abstract Art / 8 Small Dining Room Ideas