By Lauren Matich
A tabletop dressed for the holidays plays with rich colors, shiny metallics, contrasting textures and echoes of nature.
Replace summery shells and coral accents with polished stone for winter. The emerald quartz KIVA SERVING PLATTER is perfect as a cheese board, tray or another layer of color underneath a centerpiece, $460, at Bliss Home & Design, Corona del Mar. (949-566-0380; blisshomeanddesign.com)
Handmade CERAMIC EARTHENWARE BY ALEX MARSHALL brings a touch of artistry to each setting. They’re also perfect for mixing and matching with fine china when hosting a group that outnumbers your settings, $35 for bowls and small plates, $85 for large plates, at 503found. (949-877-0147; 503found.com)
Waterford’s CHANDLER TABLECLOTH in black is the perfect foundation for the overall design. It hides spots, acts as an unexpected neutral and is more formal than white, from $100, at Bloomingdale’s, Fashion Island. (949-729-6600; bloomingdales.com)
A simple departure from classic silver flatware is an eye-catching way to introduce warm metallic colors that are currently on-trend. The 20-piece ALMOCO FLATWARE SET comes in gold, copper and black and is dishwasher-friendly, prices vary by finish, at Design Within Reach, South Coast Collection, Costa Mesa. (714-427-0628; dwr.com)
Turn to earthy accents for understated elegance in your centerpiece. Uni Home Store’s DRIFTWOOD CANDLEHOLDER is the perfect size to make a dramatic statement but also facilitates conversation across the table, $385, at Uni Home Store, South Coast Collection, Costa Mesa. (949-251-1771; unihomestore.com)
Let pretty pieces from all around the home do double-duty on the table. Down the middle of the table, run a natural WOOD GARLAND woven with festive sprigs of pine and spruce for a simple and chic centerpiece, $28, at Coastal Living. (949-631-3998)
Don’t underestimate the effect that shiny BRASS COASTERS can have in the dining room; small doses of metallic accents can be high-impact. Try stacking these for a minimalist substitute for candleholders or using them as an eye-catching base for place cards, $55, at Heirloom, Westcliff Plaza. (949-515-2500)
Just like jewelry on a holiday outfit, a little bit of sparkle is the finishing touch for dining room decor. A collection of AMETHYST TEA LIGHTS can be lined up in a group for a dramatic statement, or sprinkled around the table for extra mood lighting, $34.95, at Z Gallerie, South Coast Plaza. (714-850-1081; zgallerie.com)
The PAPER CHALKBOARD TABLE RUNNER from Kitchen Papers adds a little whimsy to the table. Write a custom message for guests, or cut sheets to act as interactive placemats under children’s settings at a family get-together, $34.95, at Sur La Table, Corona del Mar Plaza. (949-640-0200; surlatable.com)
