Haul Out the Holly…
… and the cedar, pine, and fir to deck the halls. A pinecone-adorned garland and wreath set a jolly mood on a mantel topped with woven decorative trees and ornaments. A table runner of cedar branches creates a lush base for a trio of arrangements and a scattering of votives resembling Christmas baubles.
![Photo of a dining room furnished with long wooden dining table, a pair of long wood benches on either side, and rattan-backed chairs at either end. A wreath, a long green garland, and small Christmas tree-shaped decorations decorate a white plaster mantel with an arabesque opening for the fire. The table is decorated with garlands, mercury glass votives, and vases of white flowers. The furniture and holiday decor is sold at Summer Classics Home stores.](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Flower_AdamsDining_WatsonChair_-1_CS_New.jpg)
We love the attitude and flexibility mixed seating brings to a dining table. Holiday decor, Sophia Bench, Watson Chair with Wendy Jane Performance Pillow in Mallard Lux, Verona Chairs, Adams Dining Table, and Damon Mirror from Summer Classics Home
Choose a Theme
A theme makes it merry and can shape the menu, too. It can be simple and easy, such as the Fireside Hot Cocoa theme shown here. A casual china pattern with an evergreen tree motif echoes the cedar table runner and brings a “cabin in the woods” feel, while votives, lanterns, and a hearth filled with pillar candles provide the “fire.” Warm up a pot of cocoa on the stovetop using your traditional recipe or a favorite gourmet mix, and fill trays with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and your favorite holiday sweets.
Find recipe ideas at the end of this post.
![A pattern bearing an illustration of a simple, singular evergreen tree decorates white ceramic pitchers, mug, plate and tray from Summer Classics home stores. The pitcher and mug are filled with hot chocolate, and the tray and play hold cookies, soft peppermint sticks, and marshmallows on a table set for a holiday hot cocoa party.](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Flower_AdamsDining_CocoParty_-2_5x4-1000x840.jpg)
Your local Summer Classics Home store is your one-stop shop for holiday tabletop accessories, garlands, votives, and more. Find a store.
Consider a Neutral Scheme
Traditional red and green is always a favorite. And, as our recent Nov/Dec cover story proved, a vibrant pink, orange, blue, and lime green palette can lift your Christmas spirits. So choose a color scheme that inspires you, but don’t discount neutral tones—warm winter white, gold, and silver mixed with natural greenery. These hues go with everything, and allow you to explore your creativity in other ways, which leads us to our next tablescape and topic.
![dining room holiday decor from Summer Classics Home](https://flowermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/HolidayTable_Flower-Magazine_No_Chandelier_cropped-1000x771.jpg)
A golden holiday table setting with a seeded eucalyptus garland and fern fronds complements the dining room’s contemporary Art Deco vibe. Beckett Dining Table with cerused finish, Tyson Dining Chairs with nailhead trim, Fiona Console, Wade Table Lamps, and Lovell Mirror from Summer Classics Home
Layer Shape, Pattern, Height & Texture
The tablescape above plays with these elements to evoke a sylvan scene. Petite white Christmas tree figurines nestle under golden long-necked bottles bearing “branches” of fern fronds. At the center, a vase shimmers with a textured covering of thin metallic glass beads. Amber-tinted water glasses and fun stemware continue the opulent scheme. For the place settings, gold-toned flatware, gilt chargers layered with gold-rimmed dinnerware, and simple ball ornaments attached to the napkin rings complete the look.
Add Ambiance with Votives
Flickering votives not only bring a warm glow to the table, they provide another opportunity to add interest with different heights and to reinforce your overall scheme.
This article is sponsored by Summer Classics Home. Shop from the comfort of your own home at summerclassicshome.com or shop holiday decor at a store near you.
Favorite Holiday Recipes
Click the arrows on photos (or swipe if on a mobile device) to see more recipe ideas