Holiday Table Inspiration from Some Favorite Designers and Tastemakers
Throughout this season I hope to bring you ideas and inspiration through gorgeous images of table settings and holiday decor from designers and tastemakers that I admire.
Christian Ladd and Serena Fresson know a thing or two about creating a beautiful tablescape. Whether a formal holiday gathering or an intimate family dinner, a lovely table can make family and friends feel special, welcome, and set the stage for life long memories. I think you will find that there are some amazing ideas and take aways from these gorgeous images. Both talented women have decorated tables with a sense of family and tradition. Each include personal details that for me, take take their scapes to the next level. Please join me for this special glimpse into how these ladies celebrate the season.
Christian Ladd
“I love to hang tie a satin ribbon on silver ornaments, along with my children’s sterling silver heirloom baby rattles and dangle them from the chandelier above the table. It adds a unique, personal touch with some additional sparkle to the dining room setting.”
I love to keep the table simple and elegant. Heirloom silver and china, holiday greenery, and candlelight are a few of my favorite elements to use on my holiday table to create an intimate setting.
Grenadiers by Bernardaud is a personal favorite. It happens to be my Christmas china too!
For more about Christian and to see her portfolio go to Christian Ladd Interiors and follow her on Instagram @christianladdinteriors.
Serena Fresson
“Living at Appleshaw Manor, I am always searching for a way to include apples in my table decorations. Over the last few years I have learned that a successful table is all about layering. Tablecloth (I often find remnants on eBay and have them made into cloths) followed by placemat, followed by dinner plate and a napkin folded on top. I try to avoid using masses of cut flowers (unless from my garden) and instead use planted bulbs or ferns. As my dining room is blue and green I tend to stick to that colour palette and love a touch of gold for Christmas.”
I love Serena’s personal take on place cards.
…and her gorgeous personalized gift tags.
“I have always veered away from red at Christmas but when I found these little red vans with trees on their roofs I thought I should give it a go! Wrapping the plates with tinsel (something else I have avoided of years) and adding a little sparkle to my rather staid and plain navy and white table linen made for a cheery but stylish table - I think!!!”
image via The Glam Pad
As stated in The Glam Pad’s post (pictured above with her daughter Alice Naylor-Leyland)
“Serena is an Australian born mother of four… five including her beloved Puggle, Daphne, and she is a new grandmother of two adorable grandchildren. A true Virgo, Serena creates beauty within everything she does. She is a table setting enthusiast, fabulous chef, and needlepoint fanatic. But her true passion lies in decorating. Serena’s projects have included a hotel in London’s Sloane Square, houses in the English Countryside, and St. Tropez villas. She is an incredibly talented lady!” Here is a link to the full post.
If you don’t already follow Serena’s Instagram @serena_freeson, be sure and check it out. She is a self described “Table Laying Enthusiast”. This, as well as her love of family, tradition and style is apparent in her IG feed.
It’s probably obvious that I am a pro “formal dining room” kind of person. It is sad that they are being used less and less and that many homes are being built without them all together. In addition, many brides aren’t registering for fine china, crystal and silver anymore. I am definitely an advocate for saving this soon to be extinct species.
Today, time together around the dinner table can be precious and hard to come by, so why not take advantage of the magic of the holidays and go all out. Setting a lovely table is about marking special occasions, milestones, creating traditions and making the people you love feel special.
I want to close with a heartfelt thank you to each of these amazing women who took time out of their hectic schedules to send me some images and inspiration! It is such a privilege to see what these ladies that I admire find inspiring for their holiday tables and family gatherings. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season making memories gathered around your own table!
XO,
Anne