ééòHoliday entertaining can be quite daunting, even for some of us in the event industry! We wanted to show a few pretty details that can make even a casual get-together (our favorite kind!) feel like something special at this time of year! We wanted to combine a bit of holiday elegance with more earthy and rustic harvest textures, so we raided our cupboards for pretty pieces that fit the bill. We gathered our favorite fancy china (why do we save it ééòfor goodééò again? USE your pretty pieces!) and gold flatware, but kept things from feeling too formal by stacking the china buffet style and presenting the flatware in a simple linen-napkin roll-up, which we finished with a gorgeous fall leaf. We kept the spread simple -here we offered desserts and hot apple cider, but appetizers and cocktails would be fun too.
Nothing brings instant warmth and ambience to a table like candles, so we also grabbed a smattering of our favorite votives. We picked some warm and elegant mercury glass along with some twine-wrapped votives, which balanced out the more formal china and flatware with their earthy texture. Have a pretty candelabra tucked away? Pull it out for some height on the table.ééò
ééòAnd, of course, flowers. We couldn’t resist the stunning textures autumn has to offer, so we went all in on a lush fall centerpiece that featured antique hydrangea, Morisca roses, ranunculus, dahlias, carnations, pomegranates, bittersweet and fall leaves. We also threw in a few pheasant feathers for fun! The gold pedestal vase was our nod to the elegance of the season. We wanted a serious showstopper for this gathering but it would be just as lovely on a small scale.
To serve our array of fall desserts, we pulled out plates, platters and bowls in the earthier textures we used to balance out the fine china ééò mostly ceramics and simple wood platters and bowls. We let the beautiful amber color of the cider shine through by decanting it into a clear pitcher and mugs. A hint of star anise made for a pretty finish.
At its core, this season is about spending quality time with the people you love. Don’t let the pressure of throwing the perfect holiday party stop you from gathering your favorite people together. Focus on a few special elements and enjoy the fun.ééò
