By Sherry Moeller
While there are tried-and-true ways for making a dining room feel cozy, such as mixing warm lighting, soft chairs and inviting walls, according to Tracy Morris of Tracy Morris Design, there are also quick tips for creating a festive dining atmosphere when gathering with family and friends during the holidays.
Tracy, along with Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Proxmire, Inc. and Michael Winn of Winn Design + Build, offer some easy ways, and share a few favorite photos, to make the holiday meal extra special.
Kelley Proxmire holiday dining room, photo by Geoffrey Hodgdon
Kelley Proxmire monogrammed napkins, decorative napkin rings, candles, and greenery, photo by Bob Narod
Tracy Morris dining room sideboard with greenery and china, photo by Anice Hoachlander
TRACY MORRIS
Tracy Morris Design www.tracymorrisdesign.com
- Here is any easy trick to make your room “aglow” for a festive table. If you have extra champagne flutes, wine glasses or coupe glasses (you know, the ones at the back of the cabinet), add a bit of water, a spring of pine, and a tea light. Place these additional “glow lights” on your table and watch your guests ooh and aah over this simple trick.
- When you are making a centerpiece for a dining table, nine times out of 10 it is better to have a lower arrangement. Reason being, you can easily talk to your guests without having to look through the centerpiece. To create a “wow” centerpiece, go to your local hardware store and purchase a loop of Frasier fur garland. Cut it open, weave it through your dishes on the table and add votives. It’s such a simple way to add a bit of sparkle to your table.
- Another simple way to spruce up your holiday table is to place pine sprigs in a bucket – a champagne bucket that is. During the holidays, if my table, bar or countertop is looking blah, I take a champagne bucket and fill it with sprigs of pine and holly. Not only does it look great, but it smells even better!
KELLEY PROXMIRE
Kelley Proxmire, Inc. www.kelleyproxmire.com
- For a decorative touch at each place setting, add fun napkin rings, such as ones with red sleds or a shiny gold finish, around monogrammed or even seasonal cocktail napkins.
- Place white vases with greenery and berries at each guest’s place setting.
- Keep the centerpiece lower on the table and include beeswax candles.
- Add festive pillows along the back of each chair.
MICHAEL WINN
Winn Design + Build www.winndesign.com
- To create a festive dining room, hang fresh, unadorned wreaths on the windows.
- Place seasonal fruit in the center in a decorative bowl.
- Display vintage candlesticks with coordinating candles, along with heirloom silverware.
- Consider adding a special gift for guests at place settings.
