8 Fabulously Festive Table Settings

Expecting many dinner guests throughout December? Whether you’re putting on a casual meal to celebrate the season with friends and family or hosting the main event, the right table setting can make all the difference at a dinner party. Read on for some fun and fabulous tablescape inspiration to help get you through the holidays in style.

Cranberries & Candles – We love this simple, elegant centerpiece. A few handfuls of cranberries, some votives, and a serving dish are all you need to recreate this stunning look.

Image via Midwest Living

Perfect in Plaid – This rustic table is fabulously festive. Cozy knit napkins, evergreen branches, candles, and cranberries make a table fit for any fan of the outdoors.

Image via Poppy Talk

Joyful Jars – This mason jar centerpiece is lovely. It’s beautiful without being overpowering – plus you can fill as many jars as you need for the length of your table. You’ll need several mason jars, some sea salt, a few candles, some cranberries, and some evergreen branches.

Image via Country Living

O Christmas Tree Napkin – How cute is this napkin? Getting creative with your place settings doesn’t have to be complicated. A square green napkin and some simple folding will festive up your places in no time!

Image via Instructables

Wonderful Wood – Wood, pine cones, and deer: oh my! Here’s another rustic table to inspire you. We’re big fans of the table runner they’ve chosen, as well the wood they’ve placed under their plates. 

Image via The White Buffalo Styling Co.

Pink & White Wonderland – Your table isn’t limited to a red and green color scheme this holiday season. Want to break out of the box? Try a white, pink, and gold table! With the right accents (like ornaments and reindeer) you can keep your festive motif while using these fun, fresh colors.

Image via Celebrations At Home

Cute Cranberry Wreath – We’re still fawning over these mini cranberry wreath place settings. They’re a snap to make and add some fabulous, custom charm to any holiday table.

Image via Say Yes

We hope these ideas help you set a beautiful table this holiday season. Make sure to share shots of your seasonal tablescapes with us on Twitter and Instagram – we love seeing what you create!

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Table, Set, Go! 6 Inspiring Thanksgiving Tablescapes

There’s less than two weeks until Thanksgiving – are you ready? You may have your menu planned, but that’s not the only important thing that goes on your table. This year set your tables to stun with some simple ideas that are sure to compliment every feast. Check out some of our favorite tablescapes below and get ready to wow friends and family on the 26th. 

All That Glitters is Gold – Traditional pumpkins and pine cones with a fabulous touch of luxury. We love the effortlessness of this look. It’s easy to recreate and will have a big impact on your table.

Image via A Pumpkin And A Princess

Bring the Outdoors In – Bright greens, fragile florals, and a hint of copper make for an excellent combination. Though there are some bold pinks and reds, this mix is fairly subtle and a lovely one to try this Thanksgiving.

Image via Homey Oh My!

Keep it Subtle - If you think gold is more gaudy than gorgeous, this centerpiece will be right up your alley. We’re fans of the burlap table runner and simple mix of earthy colors. This is the perfect setting for a rustic Thanksgiving.

Image via Sand & Sisal

Gourd-geous Vases – Simply put, we are in love with these vases! They’d make a fabulous addition to any table (Thanksgiving or not). The rich oranges, greens, and purples play off each other so nicely, and using a gourd as a vase is such a fantastically creative DIY – we can’t get over it. 

Image via The Merry Thought

Food for Thought – Why not incorporate some of your Thanksgiving dinner ingredients into your centerpiece? As you can see, artichokes, beans, and asparagus make lovely candle holders!

Image via Better Homes And Gardens

Rich & Rustic – We’ve got a penchant for plaid, and we’re not afraid to show it! The eucalyptus, walnuts and pine corn create a fantastic rustic scene. All it needs is some turkey!

Image via House And Home

We hope these ideas help inspire you to create a beautiful table this year. We’d love to see your Thanksgiving tablescapes. Share your best shots with @HomeShows on Instagram and Twitter – we love to see how you celebrate!

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Set Your Tables To Stun: Cute Ideas For Easter & Spring

After a long, harsh winter, it's safe to say that most of us are ready for warmer temperatures, sunnier days, and the lush greenery and beautiful blooming flowers that come with spring. Whether you're celebrating Easter or simply welcoming guests round your table to mark the start of a new season, we've got some fun ideas to help transform your dinner party and dining atmosphere. Try using some of these sweet settings and we're sure you'll wow your company.

Say Yes To Doilies - Freshening up your table doesn't have to be a complex or extensive project. A simple doily and string help to give this basic but beautiful floral arrangement a hint of rustic elegance.

Image via Brit + Co

Lapin Napkin - Get playful with your napkin arrangements. This charming bunny shape is easy to replicate and is a great way to bring the Easter spirit to the table without going overboard.

Image via Martha Stewart

These little guys are a must-have if there are children joining you; they'll love them!

Don't Pass On The Pastels - These gorgeous blush-hued roses and sweet pastel eggs combine to make a lovely centerpiece.

Image via Good Housekeeping

Tiers Of Endearment - Centerpieces can be created with items you already own! Try turning a cake stand into an ode to spring. We love the colorful eggs they've used here.

Image via Midwest Living

Remember Your Chairs - Dressing up your seats is a cute way to further showcase your theme. It doesn't have to be extremely over-the-top, but a minimal tail and sash highlight the Easter spirit.

Image via Purple Chocolat Home

This is an especially useful idea if you've had to bring in extra seating to accommodate your party and now your chairs don't all match.

Run Away With Burlap - We love this burlap table runner. It incorporates the rustic feel and wholesomeness associated with spring and it also ties the table together very nicely.

Image via Domestically Speaking

Eggcellent Arrangements - There's very little that's as sweet and simple as these eggshell flower arrangements. They're an eggceptional way to bring spring to your table.

Image via Martha Stewart

We hope these decor ideas help to add a little spring to your step and your table. For more sweet ideas, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram - we've always got tips to share.

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Serving Up Style At The Des Moines Home + Garden Show

What is a tablescape? A tablescape is a theme that is brought to your table top by using centerpieces, linens, decorations, and serving dishes or flatware that enhances your guests' experience at your event.

It's a fabulous way to spice up your party and can be as simple or over-the-top as you'd like. And we're bringing you several examples at the Des Moines Home + Garden Show!

The Iowa Home Staging Alliance is teaming up with local media personalities for the Serving Up Style competition. Each media celebrity will be paired with a designer to create his or her own unique outdoor tablescape. Look who's be participating in this feature:

• WHO Radio - Bonnie Lucas/Van Harden with Kathy Smith (Dream Schemes)
• KCCI-TV - Eric Hanson with Kendra Johansen (Set2Please)
• WOI-TV/ABC5 - Sabrina Ahmed with Teresa Holton (Teresa Holton Design)
• Star 102.5 - Karess Carter with Messina Wendy (Spaces to Love)
• KIOA - Maxwell and Pam with Sandy Mrachina (A Home Above)

A great way to get started on a theme for your tablescape is to think about your own style or interest, or the focus of your event! Whether you are setting up for a wedding, a Valentine's Day party, or just inviting some friends over for an outdoor BBQ, you can wow them with this little extra touch!

Want to learn more about your favorite media personalities' style or get some fresh ideas for your next tablescape? Stop by the Des Moines Home + Garden Show and see the tablescapes feature - and don't forget to vote for your favorite one! Don't have tickets yet? Buy them early to avoid box office lines and find the best deals - right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 12 - 15, 2015.
IOWA EVENTS CENTER 

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This or That: Thanksgiving Centerpieces

With November in full swing there’s one thing on the minds of Americans: turkey. There are just a few short weeks until Thanksgiving – are you ready? You might have your menu planned, your shopping list written, and your guests RSVP’d, but we doubt your table’s set. Finding the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner can be a tricky task. There are a lot of requirements to fill: size, style, and more.

Of the choices below, which would you seat friends and family around? Does one feel more festive than the other? Do you prefer Option A’s colorful theme? Or are you more partial to Option B’s simplicity? Which one makes you want to say all the things you’re thankful for?

Option A

Image via SAS Interiors

Option B

Image via Karin Lidbeck-Brent

Our Choice:

Although both centerpieces are beautiful, (you really can’t make a wrong choice in our opinion), we prefer Option A. One of the best things about fall is the colors. While there’s much to be said about subtlety, it’s hard to deny the rich reds, oranges, and greens featured in Option A.

Which would you rather have? What will your Thanksgiving table look like? Are you big on place settings or is the food really the main event? Let us know below!

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Serving Up Style: 5 Designers Create Stunning Tablescapes At The Capital Home Show

Sure to be the most talked-about feature at the Capital Home Show, local designers will be Serving Up Style by creating exquisite tabletop installations. Five members of the Interior Redesign & Staging Association are presenting six tablescapes which will be displayed in special room vignettes, located at the show's back wall. Get inspired by the stunning and inventive tabletop installations these experts create and vote for your favorite! But before you see these gorgeous settings, get to know the designers behind them and what they have planned for you at the show.

Designer: Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Interior Redesign, LLC

Room Theme: Autumn Glow and The Seafarer (Pam will be designing two tabletops)

Marketplace Events (MPE): How long have you been in business?
Pam Faulkner (Pam): "About 25 years. I opened Faulkner House Interior Redesign 12 years ago. Before that I worked for the Williams-Sonoma Corporation, helping open their Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Hold Everything stores, and then stayed on to do display changes in their Reston Town Center and Fair Oaks stores for a few years. Prior to moving to Virginia, I owned a holiday and special occasion company called Deck the Halls in Dallas, Texas.

MPE: Define your style in five words.
Pam: "Relaxed elegance, inventive, functional, eclectic. When designing, it is foremost based on clients' needs and tastes."

MPE: What was your inspiration for your tablescape?
Pam: "For Autumn Glow it was the way morning mist blankets the ground before the fall sunrise lights up the changing colors of leaves, making trees appear to glow. I wanted to do something a little romantic, whimsical and feminine. For The Seafarer it was my husband's love of the ocean and his interest in navigational instruments. I wanted it to be a little more masculine with a club type atmosphere, as a contrast to Autumn Glow."

MPE: Describe your favorite project.
Pam: "Difficult to choose, but one would have to be the remodeling of an oddly designed master bath addition from the 1980s that one of my clients had to deal with when they bought their home. I worked with the contractor to redesign the old floor plan, creating a more open and spacious feel with lots of functional storage in beautiful but practical cabinetry. An updated spa whirlpool, steam shower, lots of natural light from plantation shuttered windows and an existing skylight, with supplemental and accent lighting from stylish new fixtures completed the casually elegant look. It was an amazing transformation."

Designer: Michele Bobb, Room Therapy

Room Theme: California Chic

MPE: How long have you been in business?
Michele Bobb (Michele): "Business established in 2002."

MPE: Define your style in five words.
Michele: "Clean lines, eclectic, transitional, casual, and French."

MPE: What was your inspiration for your tablescape?
Michele: "Contemporary, casual, coastal vibe."

MPE: What is the best advice you give your clients?
Michele: "When making furniture purchases always buy the best quality you can afford. Better quality will usually last longer and in the long run give you the most value for your decorating dollars."

MPE: What design trend are you coveting these days?
Michele: "Loving all the navy blue I'm seeing in the market."

MPE: Describe your favorite project.
Michele: "Complete remodel of a 1950s house in Silver Spring, Maryland, to prepare it for sale. Reconfigured the floor plan to include the addition of a dining room and a powder room on the main level. Designed a new kitchen and two full baths, new interior and exterior doors, all new light fixtures, flooring and deck. It sold in one day at full price."

Designer: Pat Baldwin, Inspired Interiors

Room Theme: Low Country Coastal

MPE: How long have you been in business?
Pat Baldwin (Pat): "12 years."

MPE: Define your style in five words.
Pat: "Relaxed, classic, timeless, and balanced."

MPE: What is the best advice you give your clients?
Pat: "To be aware of balance and scale in each room and avoid 'centrifugal force" arrangements (all the furniture up against the walls).

MPE: What design trend are you coveting these days?
Pat: "I prefer timeless classic looks; however I do like a texture, mixed woods and metals which you see more and more in decor."

MPE: Describe your favorite project.
Pat: "I had two enjoyable projects for the home show. One was making the oyster shell lamp shade. The whole process was delightful - from collecting the shells, through selecting the best based on shape and translucency, and finally to arranging them on a shade. I'm totally thrilled with the result. The other was doing illustrations of hands making sweetgrass baskets. I wanted to portray the 400-year-old tradition of this art, which has been passed down from one generation to the next. I did this by using six sets of hands. They ranged from the rugged lined hands of an elder man, to the graceful long fingered hands of a young woman. It was an intimate time for me. I felt connected to the basket weavers as I used my hands through art to recreate their skillful hands in the process of constructing sweetgrass baskets."

Designer: Stephanie Kelley, Redefine LLC

Room Theme: Urban Cafe

MPE: How long have you been in business?
Stephanie Kelly (Stephanie): "Been in business since 2005."

MPE: Define your style in five words.
Stephanie: "Simple, pulled-together, thoughtful, serene, livable."

MPE: What was your inspiration for your tablescape?
Stephanie: "An industrial look which is currently everywhere. Includes iron, natural woods, machine or mechanical looking items. Purposeful and useful. Not too much color - pieces that have stood up to time since the Industrial Revolution."

MPE: What is the best advice you give your clients?Stephanie: "They don't need to display everything they own. Edits, edit, edit. If they don't love it, then don't use it. It is their house, nobody else's."

MPE: What design trend are you coveting these days?
Stephanie: "Definitely industrial with natural rough woods and iron used in interesting ways. The total opposite is also big - sleek, elegant, no frills or embellishments and very soft colors. Straight lines or gentle curves. Antique pieces are used but painted in beautiful colors."

MPE: Describe your favorite project.
Stephanie: "I got to do three beach houses last year from start to finish including dishes and towels. I got to coordinate everything in the whole house. The owner gave me carte blanche on the decor and a good budget to work with. There were some things in the houses I could use and refurbish and the rest was my "dream house". They were all put on the market to rent and the rental agent said they were their favorite houses."

Designer: Caroline Hart, Welcoming Redesign

Room Theme: Black Tie Affair

MPE: How long have you been in business?
Caroline Hart (Caroline): "30+ years."

MPE: Define your style in five words.
Caroline: "Transitional, clean lines, detailed, warm and welcoming."

MPE: What was your inspiration for your tablescape?
Caroline: "I have wanted to do a black and white room design and Serving Up Style provided the perfect inspiration for a formal dinner."

MPE: What is the best advice you give your clients?
Caroline: "Don't buy something just to have something. Wait until you find what you love. It's out there, you just haven't found it yet."

MPE: What design trend are you coveting these days?
Caroline: "Color and whimsy."

MPE: Describe your favorite project.
Caroline: "I had a client who was expecting her second child, a boy. She wanted to have a 'big girl' room for her daughter to help with the transition from the nursery to the new room. Her daughter didn't want to sleep in the new room and even quit taking naps. It was a special project as I had worked with the family for quite some time. I found the perfect fabric and made all the bedding and window treatments myself because it was such a special project. With bedding complete I made a bed skirt of soft pink tulle. When I came back for the final touches, my client told me that her daughter had curled up in the new bed and taken a nap. What could be better to hear?"

We can't wait to see what these design darlings serve up at the Capital Home Show, September 19-21, 2014! Grab your tickets to the show early to make sure you get the best deal. We can't wait to see you there! 

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