Christmas, arguably the most indulgent and luxurious of all holidays, offers the opportunity to get outright creative with our tables. We all have full permission to experiment with abundant foliage, ornate tablecloths, glasses, and china – including Joanna Gaines, no less.
To curate her 2023 tablescape, Joanna looked back to the past, specifically the last two decades, to create a setting that celebrates the things that are the most personal to her.
'[It's] the very best time of year to set the table with some of my favorite things I've collected over the last 20 years. And playing with pretty flowers. And staying in my sweats,' Joanna says.
Joanna adorned her dining table with a collection of tinted glassware, vintage plates, brass candlesticks, and vases filled with tulips, roses, and winter berries. The arrangement is eclectic but nonetheless curated – and it serves as a reminder to us all that the most beautiful tablescapes are those that celebrate individuality.
Since Joanna's table is so personal (and includes antiques that are unique to her), it's impossible to replicate her look exactly. However, her arrangement still reminds us of some dining table decor lessons that translate beyond the holidays.
First, Emma Lewis-Jones, the product director of CookServeEnjoy, encourages us to dress our table around a centerpiece – starting with fresh flowers like Joanna.
'Use fresh foliage like eucalyptus and ferns and lay an arrangement along the center of the table. Candles also work well at setting the mood- use a selection of heights to create dimension. Just ensure they're not so tall that your guests can't see each other,' she says.
Helen Joseph, Interior Designer at Redrow adds that hand-crafted decorations, like pinecones or natural wood coasters, are another natural way to bring distinctiveness to our tablescape.
'Alternatively, you can create the same effect through hand-woven textiles and mix them with natural elements to deliver a slightly softer feeling. Hand-woven table runners or placemats create a sense of warmth, softness, and comfort that embodies that cozy Christmas feel,' she says.
'Their hand-crafted nature will sprinkle a sense of your personality on your table and incorporate that feeling of fulfillment once you finish scaping your Christmas table.'
Flowers and vintage goods aside, we can create a Joanna-approved tablescape with these picks from her brand Magnolia (available below).
Tapered candles are this year’s biggest candle trend, and they lend themselves beautifully to classic Christmas decor. To keep your favorite holiday candles upright, consider this metal candelabra in antique brass.
Add a touch of sparkle to your tablescape centerpiece with this antique brass staple. This gorgeous garland is versatile enough to trail along the center of the table or wrap in a circular shape around a centerpiece for shimmering holiday cheer.
Albeit a small detail, napkin rings have the power to completely elevate your tablescape look. We particularly love the Faux Cedar Sprig Christmas Napkin Ring Set because they add color and texture to a tablescape while also serving as a nice nod to the winter season.
