Decorating & Design
December 4, 2023
These Dining Rooms Are Fit For A Holiday Feast
Set the scene for a magical holiday meal with inspiration from these dining rooms, straight from the pages of H&H. These lush and layered tables offer festive ideas for place settings, centrepieces and rustic holiday decorating. Scroll down!
Matthew and Rick Bettencourt keep their holiday decorating natural, favoring neutral earth tones over greenery.
Dried florals foraged from their country property are set in oversized vintage vessels, and each dinner guest gets a wrapped gift instead of Christmas crackers.
The homeowner of this Vancouver townhouse wanted a dining table that could double as a workspace, so designer Negar Reihani designed a custom golden table that creates a magical display during the holidays. An ornate gold-framed mirror adorned with a lush garland adds festive flair.
Designer Kelly Deck sets the table in this light-filled dining room. “We chose to use rich, muted tones throughout,” she says. In keeping with the nostalgic vibe, Kimberly sourced antique velvet ribbon and accents on Etsy in the U.K.
Holiday Style Steal: Set a mini gingerbread house at each place setting for a charming surprise as guests sit down to dinner.
“For me, the holidays are about clementines, natural boughs and greenery that make the house smell wonderful,” says homeowner and designer Cynthia Zamaria. In her magical dining room, she topped the table with fresh pomegranates, dried orange slices and an eclectic mix of candles.
A painterly linen runner sets the tone for this look, then it’s all about the mix: silver flatware with gold-toned chopsticks, light plates with dark ones, and a muted linen napkin placed beneath a striking cobalt bowl.
This historic cottage in Chester, Nova Scotia, is a storybook setting for Christmas dinner with mix-and-match china, vintage cranberry glassware and simple roses in bud vases.
If you want to give your tabletop an edge, try decorating with dark green candles (instead of black) to pay homage to the season. Pine boughs, pomegranates and wooden beads make a gorgeous organic centerpiece.
Designer Alison Milne layered her dining room table with a delectable charcuterie board which pops against the mulberry-colored runner. This casual style of grazing is perfect for an intimate family gathering.
In this enchanting farmhouse, a spacious harvest table with mismatched chairs suits the charm of the old stone walls and exposed beams on the ceiling. An antique baker’s rack displays the homeowner’s collection of Wedgwood and ironstone dishes.
“With this table, it’s all about mixing and matching,” says designer Aly Velji of his holiday home. “We layered a simple white linen table cloth with hand-painted, geometric-patterned placements, rectangular plates, vintage floral-inspired accent plates and brass cutlery for some bling. I also used vintage glassware that I have been collecting for years. Plus, fresh florals are a must for any table. Evergreens and eucalyptus are my favorite.”
This maximalist dining room in a Georgian holiday home shines with a tablecloth made from Moroccan wedding blankets. A floating floral arrangement is an unexpected alternative to fresh greenery.
Rich browns and golds are balanced by a graphic mudcloth runner and a classic cream plate for a look that feels fresh and modern. A pinecone is an unexpected, rustic touch.
Creative director Tara Hurst proves that sometimes, less is more in her farmhouse-style dining room. White serveware, casual linens and plenty of fresh greenery is the secret recipe for highlighting the antique French bistro chairs and built-in hutch.
“While we have to sacrifice not having all of our loved ones around our table, there’s no need to compromise high style,” says event planner Lisa Marie Godinho. “Mixing various textures adds dimension to this tablescape — from luxurious velvets to lush greens and richly-colored florals.”
Emerald green and soft gold is the perfect color combination for a special occasion; add a rustic burlap napkin, and this look has instant depth and dimension.
Christmas in the English countryside is even more magical than you would expect! Designer Emma Sims-Hilditch arranged a simple holiday table with elegant candles and fresh holly. The exposed brick and handsome hutch only add to the authentic charm and character.
How sweet are these miniature burlap-wrapped pine trees? They’re a fresh alternative to a floral arrangement. Simple linens and plates stamped with a snowflake motif keep the tablescape feeling unfussy yet festive.
Clear glassware and silver pieces are punctuated by copper flatware and spice-hued accessories for a look that’s wintry yet warm.
Simple gold-trimmed plates would suit formal occasions all year round, but when paired with mercury glass votives and aged golden flatware the setting is extra special.
Nature-loving decorators will appreciate the rustic simplicity of a pine cone and evergreen clipping atop their place setting. This look works especially well for daytime hosting, like breakfast on Christmas morning or a holiday brunch.
The perfect balance of rustic and regal is achieved by pairing real pinecones with luxe gold flatware and a glittery golden charger.