CHOOSING your COLORS You have a lot of freedom with colors, too. “You can’t go wrong with rich hues like forest green, deep wine red, charcoal black, and dark gold for a cozy yet elevated vibe,” Beitzel says. But pink is also having a moment, adding a softer, more feminine touch. And never underestimate how a rug can tie your palette together, says Sarkis Tatosian of Oscar Isberian Rugs. “A rug can beautify a holiday table by visually anchoring the space, adding warmth and enhancing the overall aesthetic with color, texture, and pattern.”
PERFECTING the LIGHTING
Every great tablescape deserves its spotlight, and that’s where the lighting comes in. “Candlelight offers ambiance and inviting warmth that LED lights simply can’t,” says designer Leah Bolger. “Layering multiple candlesticks or hurricane styles creates different sources of candlelight and a lovely highlight and shadow.”
STRATEGIC SEATING Now that your table is set, you just need to seat your guests. Both Fitzgerald and Beitzel like assigned seating. Fitzgerald recommends the middler strategy: placing your most social, engaging guest in the middle of the table to naturally keep conversation flowing. “You don’t even have to tell them,” she adds. “They’ll do their job without knowing it!”
ASPIRE ON THE SHORE // 23
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