Looking for a simple and stylish way to add some sparkle to your holiday gatherings this season?

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PHOTOS BY TIM WEBB

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To get our readers into the holiday spirit, Drury, owner of Deborah DruryInterior Design, created three seasonal tables, perfect for dinner parties orfamily get-togethers. Drury’s favorite festive look for a tabletop is a dramat-

ic centerpiece that’s unexpected and these tablescapes all feature creative twistscertain to impress. For a Thanksgiving table sure to turn heads, Drury began

with a traditional fall color scheme, but shookthings up with her centerpiece by replacing classicorange pumpkins with their white counterparts toadd a modern flair. Lenox “Cipresso” china paint-ed with autumnal browns and greens is comple-mented by faux ostrich placemats by Sybaritic andlinen napkins trimmed with wooden beads, cour-tesy of Nuko Creations. This gorgeous table set-ting bursts with fall flavor while still remainingelegant. As a final accent, Drury ornamented thetable skirt with floral clusters identical to thoseused in the centerpiece, placing the decorationsbetween each place setting to add that specialtouch without interfering with the comfort of theguests.

What to do when you fear that your littlePilgrims might not be comfortable handling theLenox china or Wedgewood crystal that covers theadult table? This children’s table replicates theadults’ color scheme, but features touches moresuitable for small hands. A fun scarecrow center-

piece mounted atop a clear cake stand and creatively garnished with candy cornis perfect for snacking before the turkey arrives. Chairs covered with a piece offabric and topped with a turkey “place card” embellishment add a whimsicaltouch, while each place setting features a special Thanksgiving book and pencilsto keep the children occupied during dinner. Worried that the children will be

Get creative inspiration from these

stunningtablescapes,

created by Lexington’s

American Societyof Interior

Desiners award-winning interior

designer Deborah Drury.

Deborah Drury

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unable to stay in their seats for the duration of the meal? A“craft nook” nearby encourages the little ones to socializeand have fun together while the grown-ups enjoy a leisurelydinner.

For a December holiday celebration, Drury eschews thetraditional red and green of the Christmas season, optinginstead to feature an elegant silver and gold “winter won-derland” theme. This classic Kate Spade china trimmedwith a thin black band makes black the optimal choice forthe tablescape’s accent color, but if you would prefer to adda splash of color to your gathering, it can easily be replacedwith the color of your choice for that personal touch. Themajestic reindeer astride the table creates a dramatic cen-terpiece and adds a unique twist to an otherwise classicsetting. The mantle is decorated to complement the tableperfectly, draped with black velvet and incorporating silverand gold ornaments and ribbons, while the crystal orna-ments secured by black satin ribbon to the backs of thechairs add shimmer to the seating. Perfect for a chic winterdinner party, this tablescape adds a sparkly twist to a tradi-tional Christmas feast.

Are you inspired by these beautiful settings and interest-ed in creating your own holiday tablescape? We askedDrury for her insight.

With a bachelor’s degree from the University ofKentucky in human environmental sciences and interiordesign, Drury knows what to ask a client who is interestedin setting a special table: “When a client contacts me toassist with tablescape décor, I ask six questions before Ibegin the design process.” First, decide if there is a particu-lar theme that you would like to center your dinner around.

A professional designer can help you come up with creativeideas if nothing immediately springs to mind. Consider youraudience: are you setting a table for adults or for children?Determining your audience will also help you decide if youwould like to create a formal or casual tablescape. Ask your-self if you would like to pull any of the already existing col-ors in your home into your event décor. For instance, thecolor of your walls, drapes, rugs, art, and other aspects ofthe environment in which your dinner will be taking placeare all important to consider if you are concerned that yourhome might clash with your tablescape. While you consideryour existing décor, also think about items or collectablesthat you already own that might look lovely if incorporatedinto your event. Often, people overlook beautiful items intheir own homes that would make fabulous centerpiecessimply because they are so familiar. Finally, determine yourbudget. Money is not essential to setting a stunning table,but it is important to consider how much you are willing toinvest in your dinner before you begin making plans.Knowing the answers to these essential questions will assistyou immeasurably in setting the table that is perfect foryour event.

Drury asserts that there are four elements of design thatare vital to setting a stylish table: First, establish your themeand color scheme; then, ensure that your color scheme has agood balance of pattern, solids and color for visual interest.When setting the table, be sure that you vary heights andfinally, place a unique centerpiece on your table. If theseelements are present, your table will be certain to visuallyappeal to even the pickiest guest.

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If you’re interested in hosting a formal affair, an elegant centerpiecewill automatically increase the table’s formality quotient. Drury alsosuggests that dressier dinners incorporate elegant napkins or a table-cloth with a pattern, such as pearlescent or metallic designs stamped orwoven into the fabric. She says a silver candelabra, pair of candlesticks,or decorative cut glass can also quickly jazz up a table. If you prefer tohost dinners with a decidedly casual vibe, napkins, tablecloths, andplacemats can also set an informal tone if they are constructed from aneveryday, textured fabric. Baskets draped in casual fabric and filled withflowers, fruits, or vegetables make quick centerpieces, as do glass pitch-ers filled with fresh-cut flowers, perfect for gardeners or warm-weathergatherings.

Finally, Drury suggests several ways for enterprising readers to deco-rate their own tabletops on a dime. Changing or adding centerpieces ortablecloths is a quick way to set the tone of a dinner, while adding acolorful or patterned table runner down the center of the table can bean inexpensive way to dress up your dinnertime, particularly if youmake your own after a visit to your local fabric store. For a creative wayto incorporate a runner, add multiples: two to four table runners run-ning the table’s width rather than down the center. You can also alter-nate these, using different colors and patterns to create visual interest.Napkins can also be modified to make a quick, but noticeable change toyour table by using multicolored napkins, folding your napkins in dis-tinctive designs, or adding unique napkin rings to your place settings.Chargers underneath your dinner plates are a quick way to dress up din-ner, while candles make a lovely and romantic addition to any tabletop.

— Alexandria Smiley

Decorations provided by Bryants, The CormanMarketplace, Donna Spaulding, E. Stephen Hein Florist,Linen’s Limited, Macy’s and Parent Teacher Store

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