prepping for the holidays
Reader: I am trying to put together my holiday dining table centerpiece and was wondering if you have any tips or suggestions.
Gayla: Coco Blanca is partial to a monochromatic look for the centerpiece. And her favorite color of course is white. The most beautiful and elegant tables always seem to be the simplest. A beautiful centerpiece for the holidays can easily be achieved by buying a profusion of your favorite flowers and arranged in a mercury glass vase or vases along the length of the table. Coco offers a variety of vases including mercury glass which adds just enough glitz for the holidays. Coco especially insists on having lots of candles (Root Candles in particular also offered at Coco Blanca are dripless long lasting and elegant looking) on the table for the perfect ambiance and lighting for her guests.
The general rule for centerpiece height is that it should never be so tall that your guests cannot see each other across the table and carry on a conversation. The highest point of the centerpiece should be well below eye level; the maximum height should be 12 inches. The only exception is for extremely high centerpieces. In that case, the base of the centerpiece should be at eye level, placed on a sturdy pedestal.To avoid the centerpieces blocking the view across the table, use several low profile arrangements together. Line the table with arrangements, or use one long, narrow container to display flowers, candles or both. The dramatic arrangements draw attention to the place settings without taking up too much space or preventing your guests from interacting with each other.
Here’s an example of a holiday table setting at the Neithamers’ for inspiration:
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
