While I'll always admire the unfussy elegance of a minimalist tablescape, I'd be lying if I said it was my first choice during the holiday season – though recently, my mind has started to change. I wanted to invest in some neutral tableware that will last long after the festive hosting season has passed, but I didn't quite know where to start. The answer? The Astier de Villatte collection with John Derian at Net-a-Porter.
Since most of my Christmas decorating ideas hinge on kitsch and color, this collection feels like a curveball for me. (It's certainly a departure from John Derian's new Target tableware, which is as gloriously whimsical as it gets.) Yet I've found myself totally won over by the sleek, understated designs – and I know they'll be staples in my hosting closet during the holidays and long after.
Neutral festive tableware might sound like an oxymoron, but I've realized that it's the secret formula when it comes to building a timeless tablescape for the holiday season. Take the John Derian printed ceramic soup plate, for example, which I can already envision paired with red trim napkins and classic white dinner plates. And the John Derian ceramic vase would make a handsome centerpiece – I'd fill it with orange marigolds and autumn eucalyptus for the harvest season, before switching to poinsettias and faux berry stems come Christmas time.
'Astier de Villatte is one of those brands with a cult following of collectors, thanks in part to its wonderful history: the brand started in 1996 and is the only studio still making ceramics in the heart of Paris today,' explains Charlotte Olby, our Style and Trends Editor. 'I love the signature milky white glaze and surprisingly delicate quality to their pieces, and I'm excited to kickstart my collection this festive season.'
Although the Astier de Villatte X John Derian pieces offer a more subtle take on holiday decorating, they're not without visual intrigue. It wouldn't be a John Derian collection without stunning illustrations, after all, and this one contains everything form vintage-inspired rose and insect mugs to ceramic butterfly plates.
So, while my guests might have come to expect a riot of color and pattern from my holiday tablescapes, I know they'll be swooning over these sophisticated designer pieces. Plus, this collection is so versatile that I'll be showing it off long after winter ends – which is my idea of a brilliant investment.
Shop the Astier de Villatte X John Derian Tableware Collection at Net-a-Porter
I'm a firm believer that a pop of red will elevate any tablescape, but it's particularly perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This just might be my favorite piece in the Astier de Villatte collection with John Derian.
I just can't say no to a floral motif, and I can't wait to display this stunning mug in my kitchen. I'd pair it with a few treasured flea market finds (Nate Berkus' charming mustard pots spring to mind) for a vintage theme.
The scalloped decor trend might be having a moment, but I love beaded ceramics just as much – and this bowl has jumped right to the top of my wish list. The olive green hue offers an earthy take on a classic festive color palette.
Minimalist tablescapes can still incorporate a few bold elements, and these plates will certainly make a statement on a crisp white tablecloth. I'd style them with wooden napkin rings to create a rustic feel.
'This citron stamped vase feels like the perfect way to memorialize my trip to the Amalfi Coast this summer,' says Charlotte – and it's a brilliant way to bring the sunshine into your winter design schemes.
Four leaf clovers might conjure visions of St Patrick's Day rather than festive parties, but I'll be serving hot cocoa in these stylish mugs until further notice. Add a plaid tea towel and a candy cane and you'll be brimming with festive cheer.
Looking to add more vintage-inspired touches to your holiday schemes? Start with McGee and Co's holiday entertaining collection: it's subtly festive and wonderfully inviting, with more than a touch of rustic chic.
