Holiday Tabletop Tips from a Pro Prop Stylist!

As you scurry to hang last minute decorations and buy final hour gifts, don't forget about setting the table for special holiday meals! I'm very excited to bring you table setting tips from L.A.-based prop stylist Michelle Long. Michelle's home and work recently appeared in the book 'The Well Dressed Home', so she's an expert on styling a chic yet affordable holiday table. Take it away, Michelle!

"The food is always the centerpiece, but the table sets the tone. So I start by thinking of how I want my guests to feel. During the holidays, my goal is to create feelings of warmth, comfort, and whimsy with a dash of excitement for the coming new year."

"From there, I choose my color palette. I usually go with neutral tones and add pops of color. I especially like touches of metallic gold or silver for warmth and drama."

"Save your budget for the food. Repurpose what you already have or get crafty. Make napkin rings by stringing thick velvet ribbon through vintage shoe clips, belt buckles or bracelets. Vintage lace-trimmed linen napkins add traditional elegance. If you find beautiful napkins that are stained or mismatched that can be hand dyed."

"Groupings of candles make dramatic centerpieces. Vary the heights with whatever you have, silver plate compotes, glass cake stands or small chunks of wood. For extra sparkle, cover candles with spray glue and roll in glitter."

"Flower arrangements never have to be expensive or time consuming. Tuck sprigs of holly, rosemary or pepper berries into pretty glassware or vintage Christmas tins and place them down the center of the table."

"A more modern, eco-friendly alternative to the traditional floral centerpiece is paper flowers that can be used again and again. Make them from recycled holiday cards. Or if you don’t have time to make your own, try Kate Burger or Emersonmade."

"Most importantly, remember: no one cares if your place settings don’t match or there isn’t a gravy boat. What elevates a table from ordinary to extraordinary are the personal touches. Strive for elements that create a feeling of escapism or frivolity but aren’t too precious or contrived."

Thanks to Michelle for these savvy tips! Learn more about her amazing talent at her website bohemiennes and be sure to check out her Etsy shop for tons of terrific vintage finds!

Comments

[Emily]

What beautiful settings! I love some of these centerpieces!

[chelsea]

Beautiful! Michelle is awesome! Are these all photos from her portfolio?

[Susan]

amazingly beautiful!
happy Holidays to you, darling.
xoxo

[Kristy]

Thanks for sharing the photos! Happy Holidays!

[laura trevey]

gorgeous inspiration...

I can never have enough candles... they set a calming mood ~~

Merry merry...

[Melibu]

oh, I really enjoyed this article. The last photo makes me euphoric ! And the blue plate makes me dreamy... Thank you for sharing this, I always like to read you blog to be inspired.
Happy holidays to you !

[caroline - patagonia gifts]

I enjoy so much setting a lovely table! and these images are full of pretty ideas! thanks! xo

[A Life More Fabulous]

Pretty, pretty - now I want to be one of those fancy people who has their table set at all times... maybe just for the holidays...

Happy, happy holidays to you!
xo

[jodi of the creative JAR]

i love the plates with the #

[Erin @ SYL: Slipcover Your Life]

Really loved the number themed place setting (with the little 2 tied around the napkin!)

[Ta]

What lovely place settings !

[theaxx]

GORGEOUS selectionS! TRULY Lovely!

thea.
xx

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