A Tabletop Moment

Get inspiration from these elegant table settings curated by local designers

A well-set table can transform the entire holiday dining experience. Mixing elegant tableware with seasonal touches can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether hosting indoors or al fresco, choosing thoughtful touches, quality tableware and a showstopping centerpiece will have guests buzzing about the evening well after the post-dinner drinks are finished. We asked local designers to set the table to inspire your holiday season.

etúHOME

173 King St., Charleston

www.etuhome.com

Luxury doesn’t have to be fancy. Utilitarian can be beautiful. This European-inspired, thoughtfully-layered and casually elegant seasonal tablescape evokes the true message for which the etúHOME brand is famous: creating authentic, inspired spaces for both celebratory and daily moments that foster togetherness, spark conversations and imagine a table at which lunch magically turns to dinner.

“The products in our store are rooted in classic European designs updated for the modern home,” says Kate Lemmer, store manager at etúHOME. So, too, are their bespoke tablescapes. “We love to be festive, using candles and hand-blown glassware. You’ll see earthy elements like wood, glass or rattan and found, personal pieces as well. We love mixing old and new.”

These ideals and more are reflected in this etúHOME holiday table. The centerpiece highlights nature’s bounty: the fresh, bright greens of grapes and limes paired with the deeper emerald of seasonal, leafy branches. Hand-blown glass taper candlesticks with twisted taper candles add height and contrasting colors, the waxy whites and deep foamy greens evoking evergreens in the snow. The candles’ light can grace your holiday table for up to five full hours.

Explore the table’s sumptuous layers and browse through the mix of shapes, textures and textiles. Lemmer and her team paired glass with wood, rattan with linen. “A layered table invites you to relax,” adds Lemmer. “It inspires good conversation, ease and time spent enjoying one another.”

As etúHOME marketing manager Gabby Melfi advises, “Break free from tradition and get creative at the table. Rather than using conventional ceramic plates, delight your guests by serving on wood boards. The natural grain and texture of the wood harmonizes with the autumnal centerpiece.” Each setting at this holiday tablescape features a preserved boxwood wreath set against the sparkling shine of a glass demijohn cloche, all atop the soft, gentle surface of a gracefully scalloped cutting board.

With elegant Glass Goblets crafted in France by La Rochère, one of the oldest glassware companies in Europe, and bud vases holding simple, beautiful thistles and adorned with nametags as takeaway keepsakes, every space on the table reveals whimsical surprises. Embossed bees, grain sack runners and mix-and-match silverware can spark delight and inspire bright conversations with your friends and family at your own table this holiday season.

Elegance does not have to be overworked or overwrought. As etúHOME expertly demonstrates, simplicity and natural warmth can eclipse even the most glittery holiday table and bring joy to your guests this season. – Leah Rhyne

Pro Design Tips:

» Height and light create focal points and add depth to your table’s centerpiece.

» Use personal pieces invite conversation and inspire intrigue.

» Mix your materials to layer in colors and textures.

» Keep it clean, simple and elegant.

Modern Manor

2521 N Hwy 17, Mt. Pleasant

www.modern-manor.shop

The holidays are a time for gathering, and there’s nothing more special than setting a table that makes your guests feel cherished, welcomed and truly at home— whether inside or outside!

At Modern Manor, Mount Pleasant’s destination for unique upscale homeware and decor, 50 unique boutiques have everything you need to create a holiday table your guests will cherish.

The first step in creating a stunning holiday table is to decide on your color scheme. The traditional red and green is always a classic, but feel free to explore alternatives like deep blues paired with silver, or gold accents against soft neutrals. Modern Manor offers a wide range of table linens and decorative accents to help you get creative.

Adding natural elements is a beautiful way to enhance your table’s ambiance. Evergreen branches, pinecones and berries make for the perfect seasonal touch. If you decide to go with a big centerpiece, make sure to move it before mealtime, so it won’t interfere with conversations or sightlines across the table.

A warm, inviting atmosphere starts with the right lighting. Dimming your lights and incorporating a mix of candles in various heights can create a cozy, festive glow. Choose from taper candles, votives and elegant candle holders to add that magical touch to your table setting.

A quick and easy way to elevate your table is by styling your napkins. Tie them into a knot for a rustic feel or try velvet ribbons or festive napkin rings.

Take your holiday table to the next level by decorating above it. Hanging a pine wreath from your chandelier and adding gold and silver ornaments brings that extra sparkle and draws the eye upward. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your entire dining space feel festive.

Remember, set your table a day or two in advance to minimize stress on the day of your event. And most importantly, have fun—rules are meant to be broken when it comes to creating a holiday table your guests will remember. Discover everything you need at Modern Manor to create a holiday table that will make your gatherings feel as special as the moments you share. – Dawn Rieniets

Pro Design Tips:

» Fresh florals and fresh greenery stands out in gorgeous vases and centerpieces.

» Taper candles, votives and elegant candle holders add a magical touch and feel.

» Consider napkin accessories like rings or velvet ribbons to add a touch of elegance to the table

» Think about overhead décor, like a pine wreath or gold and silver ornaments hung from your chandelier.