It’s officially gathering season and I am so here for it!
Polka Dots & Picnics is in the business of curating memories. It feels as if the world is turning faster every day – each hour filled with endless demands on our time. It is our intent to slow that spin, even if just for a few hours, allowing our clients to savor personal connection, surround themselves in beauty, and enjoy the exhale.
Thanksgiving embodies this vision better than any other holiday - purely centered on surrounding ourselves with those we adore and, hopefully for you, delicious dishes made with time, love, and laughter making it my favorite holiday. This year will be extra special as my kids and I tighten our little circle to celebrate meaningfully, just immersed in each other (followed by a weekend of tree hunting and decorating!)
Menu planning starts about September 1st for me and if you’re anything like me, of equal importance is setting a beautiful table, which can be said to be one of the things we ‘do’ and this table is very much the one I look forward to most. Through just a few simple steps, you can style a table to welcome your guests with the warmth and gratitude of the season.
SET THE TONE with your foundational elements. Most people skip table linens, chalking them up to being outdated. I vehemently disagree. They establish an anchor to the occasion - much like an area rug in your living room. The types range from table runner to floor length tablecloth, a rustic burlap covering to a rich embroidered linen … and everything in between!
Often when clients and guests awe over the “luxury” we bring to an occasion, its the layers they are subconsciously drawn to. Whether rattan chargers, or glass with a dressy gold rim the layers express abundance and are the foundation you’ll build your tablescape on.
Your selection of dish and glassware can instantly communicate the formality of your table. As in the tables we set for client gatherings, I tend to blend! Typically white dishes show off food best, but when else is better to toss the rules and do something fun than holidays?! Show your personality mix and matching, bringing in antique salad plates, and vintage crystal stemware for a curated look.
FEAST FOR THE EYES keeping in mind that you approach a table while standing, so bring in the height. I love to do this via delicate branches of seasonal trees and nothing says autumn better than fall leaves. You can also achieve this through candles - tapers specifically can easily give you 18” - while also cascading a luscious ambient lighting unduplicated by any device.
When selecting your centerpiece and other decorative elements including candles and branches, consider the sitting height of your guests. Tables of both young children and adults, I recommend items with visually light. You don’t want your eight-year old nephew sitting behind a heavy low arrangement unable to engage in conversation with friends and family he can’t see. If it’s a table of adults, by all means fill the center of your table with lush decor.
BRING NATURE IN through beautiful segue of topics from height to decor! Nature can join the party through candlelight, sheaves of wheat tied in a silk ribbon, or pinecones and berries gathered from your yard. How excited will the eyes of your guests dance as they step to their seats and find they chair has been assigned with a beautiful maple leaf with their name handwritten? Set it upright in a pinecone on it’s side or simply placed on their plate. Beyond assigning seats, (especially in obvious situations where my kids and I have sat in the same positions for the last 20 years no matter the table!) place cards are a thoughtful way to invite your guests to sit - stay awhile
If you follow us on social media you may have noticed a predilection for real florals. Nothing says luxury better than fresh flowers! Rarely will I look for something out of season. We live in a breathtaking landscape for growing and I happily lean into it. Trader Joe’s is my favorite spot for fresh flowers. If you have in mind what you want, you can call more than four days ahead and they’ll check what’s coming in then set what you need aside. Very helpful!
Follow us on Instagram for more details to make your holiday table distinctly yours, including:
Setting your flatware … the table’s jewelry!
My simple hints to beautiful flowers
Elevating your libations
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