Bundle Up Your Table

Does anyone else feel like September never happened?  It seems like I went to bed after a long summer day and woke up in chilly October.  I absolutely love the Fall but am overwhelmed by the busy....Work gets so crazy, kids are back in school, and the Holiday's are looming!  

Part of the stress & excitement of the Holiday's is the anticipation of entertaining family and friends, which for me is always centered around the Dining Room Table.   

I am a big proponent of keeping the dining table set year-round.  I really love using the dining room as a second family room - An inviting place that isn't reserved for Holiday's but supports everyday life.  Something I started doing to my table that my clients have commented on is placing actual table lamps and stacks of books on the dining room table.  This anchors the table giving it some additional mood and task lighting.  I love this look because it feels very library-esque. 

Seating is so important for those long family dinners.  The use of these Queen Anne Arm Chairs at the head of the table give the table a very cozy and comfortable feel.

I am crazy about Banquets!  I have one at my kitchen table and I'm always intrigued when I see them in dining room settings. 

Size doesn't matter!  I love these two intimate dining tables.  Kelly Wearstlers beautiful blue tablecloth dresses this tiny table up instantly & John Saladino's clean crisp tablescape paired with those lust-worthy lilac slipcovered chairs is so elegant & effortless.   

This table is my inspiration for this Holiday season.  I love using unpredictable color stories and making them feel just as Holiday-like as those traditional ones.  This gold, orange, and blue does just that!  Don't be afraid to experiment and play around with your favorite color combinations. 

Layering, Layering, Layering!  Layering is definitely the key to a cozy Fall Holiday table.  In addition to lamps on the table I started using scarves as table runners and thin throw blankets to add extra texture and interest.  Touches of Fall foliage and other outdoor elements give any table that bundled up feeling that the season just exudes.  My advice for this years Holiday Table is to experiment with items and fabrics you have at home that mean something to you.....I think you might surprise yourself at what actually ends up sticking!

"If you walk into a room and it does not move you, then the room is a failure." John Saladino