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Stringing up lights, decorating a tree, breaking out your favorite holiday recipes – we all have our preferred ways of getting into the festive spirit and making our homes bright for the holidays. But have you also considered creating tablescapes to add an extra layer of cheer to your space?
Defined as an artistic arrangement of items placed on a table, tablescapes are “an easy way to create an impactful and exciting holiday display,” says John Milk, Copenhagen’s Texas Regional Manager and Merchandising Director. “You can use any dining or occasional table as your canvas, as well as buffets, sideboards, or console tables.”
As a buyer for Copenhagen, Milk has used his discerning eye to curate a captivating new assortment of holiday accessories for Copenhagen this season – perfect for tablescaping, gifting, and other decor needs. “I searched for fresh new items to add to our collection that would complement our furniture, with an added focus on European vendors,” Milk explains. “These items will help create cohesive vignettes that bring color and texture to inspire our clients.”
Below, we’ve compiled a guide to designing tablescapes that will wow your guests this holiday season, featuring tips from Milk and new pieces from Copenhagen’s holiday collection.
Milk recommends picking a theme for your tablescape to keep it cohesive and aesthetically pleasing, and to coordinate your tablescape with other elements in the space, such as dishware, napkins, placemats, and general furnishings.
Think of what color palette you’d like to have, whether it’s a brighter one with ruby reds and pine greens, an understated one featuring whites, creams, and browns, or a nontraditional color scheme of your own choosing. Consider different aesthetics like rustic, modern, traditional, or eclectic to determine which one speaks best to your taste and existing home design.
For example, the Twinkle Troop figurines are a great centerpiece for a more traditional tablescape. “This set of three nutcrackers in shiny red brings in an updated bit of old-world elegance,” says Milk. They pair well with the Pearl White Deer, whose lustrous finish adds a touch of sophistication. If a minimalist tablescape is more your style, consider a couple of Snowman Figurines paired with the simplified silhouettes of the White Christmas Tree and Narrow White Tree for a look that is low-key yet artful.
Contrast is as important as cohesion to keep tablescapes varied and visually engaging. Milk recommends “playing with different sizes, heights, and textures” in your tablescape to find a balance that pleases your eye.
“Personally, I am very fond of our accordion paper trees,” he continues. “These timeless trees come in a range of shapes, heights, and colors that are easy to mix and match with one another or with other items. What’s more, they have magnetic closures and are individually boxed for safe storage.” Try placing the 14” Fraser Fir in sage next to the 18” Balsam Fir in white and the 28” Siberian Fir in blue for a multifaceted yet cohesive display that draws in the eye.
Skillfully blending materials and design aesthetics is another way to create a winning tablescape. For instance, you could pair the paper trees with the Nutcracker Figures in a wood-look finish for a touch of nature-inspired charm. Or, switch out the nutcrackers for the Recycled Metal Deer for a vibe that is equal parts rustic and whimsical.
Though appealing in theory, a very large or elaborate tablescape may not be your best bet for every situation. If decorating a dining table, leave ample space for various dishes and place settings, and make sure decor is not blocking guests’ view of each other.
“Keep it a simple and tight display – you can have more than one tablescape in various parts of the house,” Milk advises. For instance, if you have a smaller dining table where space will be at a premium, you can set up a more compact, toned-down tablescape, and assemble a complementary one on your sideboard or entryway console to continue the theme.
For Milk, sources of illumination go a long way in elevating a tablescape from good to great. “A little bit of light will add that special sparkle, be it candles or accessories that have a bulb. Light sources create extra interest and are great for setting a cozy ambiance.”
His personal favorite light-up items are the battery-powered LED Ceramic Houses, as they “create a little world to escape into.” He also recommends LED candles by Uyuni Lighting – their wax finish and flickering effect make them a realistic, flame-free alternative to traditional candles. Arrange a group of pillar candles to brighten your tablescape, or choose taper candles for a clean, crisp look.
If you love holiday fragrances, try our new soy-based scented candles for a touch of multisensory joy. Just keep in mind that it’s generally not recommended to use scented candles or other items with strong scents on a dining table, because you don’t want the fragrance to compete with the smell and taste of the food. An occasional table in a living room or entryway is a more suitable placement for these items.
One of the best ways to capture the spirit of the season is by incorporating nature (whether real or faux) into your decor. Make a bold, rustic statement with a pine garland draped over the center of your table or go for a Southwestern twist on holiday greenery with small succulents in festive colored pots.
Other popular winter plants for tablescapes include poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and white roses. You can also go the edible route with a centerpiece bowl filled with seasonal fruits like citrus, pomegranates, or pears. As an extra tip, combining greenery with candlelight, such as placing candles among the branches of a table-length garland, is a simple yet beautiful pairing that makes a powerful impact.
Consider spotlighting vintage pieces or well-loved family heirlooms in your tablescapes. Whether it’s antique figurines, ornaments, or candleholders, adding these pieces combines tradition with modernity to result in a display that’s uniquely your own. “I hope clients can incorporate items from Copenhagen’s collection to complement their existing collections – or even start a new one they can build a tradition around,” states Milk.
From bright colors to twinkling lights, tablescapes offer a world of possibilities when it comes to jazzing up your home for the holidays. Whether it’s a grand display for your dining table, or an understated setup for a side table, Copenhagen is here to help you realize your holiday decor dreams. Browse our holiday collection or visit us in-store to see more.