Jolly Holiday
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“The Vibe”
Atomic Ranch - Winter 2021
The holiday countdown is on, and for many of us, dinners and gatherings are on our minds. When preparing for guests, I find that a beautifully set table holds the same level of importance as the meal itself. A thoughtful, stylized presentation makes all the difference, and guests are quick to appreciate those details, too. Try incorporating these design and styling tips into your setting for vintage-modern holiday style that’s sure to impress.
Layered Love
Most of the year, my dining table is left uncovered to expose the beautiful finished wood grain, but the holidays call for a little extra caution. Whether your dining table is vintage or new, protecting your surface from spills, water rings, and heat marks is an important step in building your holiday tablescape. I suggest investing in a set of quality table pads for the best results. There are a variety of manufacturers online who can fabricate custom shaped pads based on measurements you provide. However, if table pads are out of budget, try using a flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth as your base layer instead. Whichever you choose, layering your table is a wise step in protecting your cherished furniture.
As you decide which tablecloth to use, also think about what dinnerware pattern you will be using. If your dinnerware is vibrantly patterned or graphic, a solid coordinated color cloth works best. Alternatively, solid color dinnerware gives you the flexibility to go a little more mod with a vibrant pattern textile. For the holidays, I like to keep the table feeling warm and inviting, never stuffy or overworked. I’ve opted for solid gray linen for an elegant, timeless feel that allows the centerpiece to shine.
Setting the Scene
Collecting dinnerware is most certainly an obsession of mine. I love to have the perfect plate for every occasion, and holiday time is arguably the most important of all. This year, I’m putting my collection of vintage Denby Camelot pieces to work. Denby Pottery was founded in 1809, and is still in existence today, making beautiful dinnerware patterns, often inspired by their iconic vintage designs.
This service for 8 was made in England, and designed by Gill Pemberton in the early 1960s. Gloss white and matte olive earth tones contrast for a hand-crafted, elegant look that’s versatile enough for everyday or special occasions. I especially love how the warm, rich colors pair with vintage Libbey tawny glassware, too.
Little by little, I’ve acquired many pieces of Denby Camelot from online auctions, and travels to vintage shops across the country. Some of the more rare pieces like the lidded soup bowls came directly from England. One of my favorite items in this collection is the comically tall coffee pot, which holds an abundance of coffee. It showcases the beautiful matte glaze and intricate chevron pattern, commanding attention as it towers over all the other pieces.
Whether your table is formal or casual is up to you. For instance, if you plan to have a coffee and dessert buffet, you can omit the cup, saucer, coffee spoon and dessert fork from your setting. If you’re not serving a salad, there’s no need for a salad plate and salad fork. No soup? No need for a bowl! A hybrid setting of formal-casual is perfectly acceptable, so feel free to add or subtract pieces, using these guides as a starting point. Setting your table according to your meal plan is the best approach.
Pocket Perfection
A crisp linen napkin adds a touch of elegance to any table setting. There are many ways to fold a napkin, and I enjoy trying different folds that will enhance the look of the table. This year, I’m using a triple pocket fold, which creates a tailored compartment for each utensil. Here’s a look at the folding steps if you’d like to try this one for your own setting.
Go the extra mile to make your guests feel special by including a handwritten gift tag tied with satin ribbon. Inserting a small sprig of fresh pine into a pocket adds softness and a hint of holiday color, too!
Center Celebration
Crafting a centerpiece is a wonderful way to enhance your holiday table with a unique, personalized touch. When creating an MCM-inspired arrangement, I like to keep four criteria in mind: Vintage, mod, living, and odd.
Vintage touches: I’ve chosen this shallow, vintage brass vessel as the container for the arrangement. Its low profile, tapered legs, and oblong shape mimic the architecture of the dining table.
Mod style: Red seed pods that resemble Space Age ball chairs add a punch of bold, mod color and interest.
Living elements: Live greenery is a holiday centerpiece essential. I’ve used a few mugo pine clippings, which are repeated in the napkin presentation. Don’t be afraid to use a mix of living and artificial elements together!
Odd numbers: Working in odd numbers creates visual interest, shown here with the incorporation of three Danish taper candles.
Here are a few steps if you’d like to build a similar arrangement.
Choose your vessel
Insert candle(s) into floral foam or secure with museum putty
Fill vessel with fine gravel, crushed shells, or sand
Insert live greenery
Insert artificial berries, seed pods, or fresh cranberries on toothpicks
Light candles upon serving dinner
Merry Melodies
Last but not least, keep the festive mood flowing with sophisticated seasonal tunes. This curated playlist features over 4 hours of instrumentals and not-so-typical holiday favorites. Search “midcenturymaurer” on Spotify for access to all playlists, or simply click the album to get your holiday party started.
Apart from a menu, a skilled cook, and a bottle of wine, you should be all set for the season! I wish you good health and the happiest of holidays as you plan your holiday décor and gatherings!
