As promised, today is the BIG reveal of four very different table settings. All were created with items that I already had around the house and are “wintery” in design.
One of my favorite tips for designing table settings is to use elements that may be included in the meal or a common item to tie things together. Using natural elements, botanicals, a variety of dishes and linens can transform any table into a work of art.
Here Are A Few Items To Enhance Your Table Setting
Plants and flowers
A mix and match selection of dishware and glassware
Linen tablecloths, runners and linen napkins
Napkin rings
Sprigs of florals, greens or herbs placed on the napkins
A bowl of fresh lemons, limes, apples or oranges (of course to coordinate with your theme)
Elements that will be included in your meal (pasta, tomatoes, olive oil can or vessel, artichokes, etc.)
Fun salt and pepper shakers
Stacked books
Candles, candles, and more candles
Use different vessels for your florals such as a large pitcher, bowl, urn or candle holder
Anything related to the garden (watering can, bird figurines, cloches, small terracotta pots, planters, or a sun hat)
A collection of cutting boards
Include a chalkboard that provides a message or theme
Printed menus or menu written on a chalkboard
Placecards for specific seating arrangements
Luxe du Jour Winterscapes
“Naturally Ivy” set on our patio includes fresh ivy, topiaries, books, and woven natural elements. The neutral jacquard linen napkins feature a wicker ring with some greenery tucked inside. The green salad plates are from Arhaus, which has some very unique accent pieces and furnishings. Both the wicker chargers and napkin rings are from Williams-Sonoma. Even the wine glasses have a wicker stem to carry through with the theme. Notice that we added some ivy and wrapped it around the candle in the hurricane. Then, add some pine cones so that your tablescape “says” winter.

Our “Frenchie Botanicals” setting in our formal dining room is simple, yet elegant featuring fruit botanicals on the accent plates. I found these at my favorite resale shop and just could not resist. They are French porcelain by Philippe Deshoulieres and they are perfect for serving appetizers or like you see in the pictures as an accent plate. We paired these with a beautiful floral arrangement, crystal candlesticks, more topiaries and a small floral sprig on top of the napkin. Next time I will add a bowl of fresh lemons or grapes to provide additional interest to this theme.


“Pasta On The Patio” features a wire basket of fresh tomatoes, dried pasta in the hurricane candle and a colorful package of pasta. These items not only add to the theme but include some of the ingredients of the meal. The handsome rooster and sunflowers definitely make a strong and vibrant statement. The rooster pasta bowls are from Williams – Sonoma from a few years ago and we still LOVE to use them when we serve a pasta dinner.


“A Touch Of Tuscany” was inspired by our many trips to Italy and being surrounded by olive trees. This “winterscape” features a small and a large olive tree and green, yellow and white color scheme. The green goblets are perfect with this and the Villeroy & Boch Parkland Green dishes. The lighting on our patio was just perfect for the photoshoot this week and really highlights the yellow and green elements.


So, there you have it! Four distinctively different “looks” that you can create yourself.