How you decorate a tabletop is a reflection of your entertaining mojo. Whatever your style, Molly Wood, owner of Molly Wood Garden Design in Costa Mesa and a new holiday pop-up in Laguna Beach, recommends using decorative elements that can, with a few changes, last from Thanksgiving to Christmas. “I recommend keeping the bones simple so you can just switch out a few key, small elements that help identify the holiday,” she says.
A classic look
Opulent Egyptian cotton jacquards are trending at Bloomingdale’s Home Store in Fashion Island, particularly Frette, Yves Dolorme and the Acanthus Collection by Sferra. A fine ivory tablecloth with coordinating napkins and black or gold accents adds richness and is striking for the holidays. Don’t be afraid to use black as a basic for a sophisticated and dramatic effect. Deep red linens are always a classic, as are pressed monogrammed napkins. Wood likes to use a pinecone garland down the center of the table. To prevent this look from being too dim, she suggests adding mercury glass globes for their reflective quality as well as tall candlesticks with tapers to add varying height. As Christmas draws near, top off this look with a few Moravian stars, preserved boxwood globes and some
fresh garland.
An organic style
Organic chic works in a contemporary setting as well as a more relaxed coastal one. For this look, use a lot of contrast – star pods, smooth, small bottle gourds in different shapes, and little cocoa pods full of bright green moss. Imagine driftwood, eucalyptus pods, air plants and tall taper candles in a rust throne or aluminum base to add texture to the table. Table linens are best in an open natural weave. 503found in Newport Beach carries its own brand of fine antique vintage table linens from Paris, ideal in soft grays, sages and wood tones that can be mixed and matched for a relaxed understated elegance. Or consider the blush pink linen napkins with a natural burlap tablecloth to add a festive Parisian flare.
A fresh approach
Best with a contemporary or a midcentury modern home, the fresh look is youthful and modern. The color trends for the season are yellows, oranges and reds. Bright African mud cloth with deep yellow zigzags or orange tie-die napkins found at Molly Wood’s can introduce color to the table. The 503found Parisian antique linen napkins also come in vibrant hues. Try using a contrasting color for the napkin ring for fun. Electric blue ribbon is a lovely nod to Hanukkah. Bloomingdale’s Home Store features Simon Pearce’s collection of hurricane candleholders in varying heights to either cluster on a round dining table or run down the center of a rectangular table to add magical ambiance.
Molly Wood Garden Design pop-up shop, 1290 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach 949.715.8143 :: mollywoodgardendesign.com
503found, 503 31st St., Newport Beach, 949.877.0147 :: 503found.com
Bloomingdale’s Home Store at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, 949.729.6835 :: bloomingdales.com
