Table To Room To Outfit: Holiday Edition
Elizabeth: I wish I had the gift to make a table beautiful. The one thing I do know how to do, is call Helen Olivia and get a beautiful arrangement to kick start my process. My next stop is Red Barn to get all the bells and whistles. My mantle has never looked as good as when I tricked them into doing a joint post about my mantle!
Well, this year, we are turning a table into an outfit. When it comes to dressing, having different textures is always key. If everything's the same, then it ends up flat. I paired a sequined top with silk balloon pants and patent leather heels. You can’t do too much with accessories when you have on a green sequined top, so I did two earring options, either a small stud or a simple teardrop from Alexis Bitter that changes color with what you have on. I picked a suede clutch to tone down the look. Something with shine would have competed with the top, which no clothing item should try to do! This top will always win.
Amy: I always say to find one thing that inspires you, and use that to build your room. When Elizabeth suggested an “outfit-to-table” post, I immediately thought of flowers as our inspiration. A beautiful centerpiece on a festive table is incredible inspiration, and who does a better centerpiece than Helen Olivia? No one, that’s who! So, we all teamed up to give you a “table-to-room-to-outfit” post.
Now, you would think I’d give you a dining room, but I didn’t want to do that. Instead, I wanted to pull together a pretty living room where you can retire after a delicious meal. Also, I wanted to share that the sofa (upholstered not slipcovered) and the bench (but in this fabric) are in stock at our warehouse and can be delivered to you by the time your guests get here. Obviously, I started with a brilliant floral pattern. The two John Derian chairs upholstered in a rich floral linen from Luru Home would do the trick. It’s less crimson than the flowers, but I think it fits the bill nicely. Just as the flowers are the centerpiece and the rest of the table is neutral, I wanted to keep the other pieces simple. The neutral palette grounds the space and allows the floral to take center stage. In any room with neutral shades, you want to incorporate different textures. The sofa is in a chenille-esque gray Crypton fabric, and the bench is in a warm, gray-green linen. Both pull out the thread of green in the chair fabric. When I’m creating a room, I like to pull the minor colors from a fabric for accompanying pieces to support the major color. The lamps continue the green thread and the ceramic is a nice soothing texture. I decided to go with black side tables and the iron coffee table because I wanted something bolder than brown or light-toned woods to match the boldness of the chairs. And, the iron table is a nice juxtaposition against the classic, almost antique, feel of the chairs and bench. Finally, the jute rug is simple but textural, as to not compete with the star of the room but to still add interest.
As I write this, I’m looking at the most beautiful Thanksgiving arrangement from Helen Olivia flowers. My daughter and I did their Cornucopia Centerpiece workshop, which is the third year in a row that we’ve done it. I love their virtual workshops. Not only do I get an amazing centerpiece (if I do say so myself), but I also get time with my 17-year-old, which, with the clock ticking down to college, is precious right now. If you’re thinking about centerpieces for your dining table this Christmas, grab a virtual slot in one of their amazing workshops! Or, just have flowers delivered. Both are great options!
