Designer-Approved Tips for a Holiday Tablescape That Wows

Share News:

A beautiful table enhances the holiday experience. (Mrs. Alice)

With just a week until Thanksgiving, it’s time to talk turkey — and stuffing and cornbread and pumpkin pie. But what really elevates the celebration? A festive holiday tablescape.

Just ask Dallas interior designer Noel Pittman. “An inviting environment enhances the overall experience for everyone you’ve chosen to celebrate with.”

For a classic look, she suggests sticking to autumnal hues — oranges, yellows, reds, and browns. “It’s the one time of year we truly embrace this seasonal palette,” she said.

Get a more traditional look with classic colors. (Pottery Barn)

Still, it’s fun to shake things up. Event planner Bronson van Wyck, for instance, thrives on the unexpected, embracing shades like indigo, aubergine, emerald, and bordeaux. “Rich jewel tones capture the essence of the holiday without falling into clichés.”

For more inspiration, look to Mrs. Alice, a tablescape brand founded by Brit designer and entrepreneur Alice Naylor-Leyland. Celebrating timeless elegance, the joy of color, and a little of the unexpected, her inspiration stems from a love of fashion, family, and the magic of English country-house life.

Mrs. Alice came to Dallas to launch her very fashionable collaboration with Carolina Herrera. (Mrs. Alice)

Currently, the lifestyle brand is partnering with iconic fashion house Carolina Herrera on a supremely chic collection of table linens, glassware, decorative items, and more. Available online, it’s on display through the end of the year at the designer’s eponymous Highland Park boutique.

In the words of Mrs. Alice: “A great dress deserves an incredible table.”

We couldn’t agree more — exactly why you should call Herrera top sales associate Stephanie Cockrell to help you find the perfect frock for all your holiday soirées.

Bring the rich earthiness of the forest floor to your table with Mrs. Alice’s Enchanted Woodland Decoration Set. (Mrs. Alice)

In addition to her fashion collab, Mrs. Alice offers seasonal tabletop collections that include all the essentials. “I want to make it easy to host wonderful parties without the hassle of sourcing every object,” she explains.

The takeaway: Let your Thanksgiving table highlight your personal style.

Mix modern with traditional, old with new. And channel your inner Martha Stewart by pairing store-bought with handmade.

Pittman also offered the following tips to make your celebration memorable:

Holiday-ready platters, dishes, pitchers, and more are available online and in Pittman’s Lovers Lane shop.
  • Welcome guests with a beverage. A specialty cocktail sets the tone for a festive atmosphere.
  • Ensure your powder bath is well-stocked with attractive hand towels.
  • Mix and match colors and patterns. “Serving platters and bowls don’t have to match dishes.”
  • Make sure florals and centerpieces are under 12 inches tall. “You never want to inhibit conversation. Guests should be able to easily see one another.”
  • Keep a pitcher of water on the table so people can help themselves. “You can’t go wrong with pewter.”
Find cheap and chic glassware and more at Zara Home. (Zara Home)

Finally, the Dallas designer offers advice on when to save and when to splurge.

  • Save on glassware. “You can find really beautiful options at every price point.” Zara Home is a favorite budget-friendly resource.
  • Splurge on silverware — and champagne. A really good bubbly is always worth it.

Leave a Comment