Tradition matters— especially during the holidays when family and friends gather. “It gives us a sense of belonging and reminds us of where we come from,” says designer Sandra Lynn of Lynn Allen Design. “Compassion and being grateful is what the holidays are all about.”
To that end, Sandra says there’s no better time than the holidays to pull out all the finery: the wedding silver, the crystal and china, heirlooms passed down, and the pressed linens that have been patiently waiting on the sideboard. For Sandra and her Mountain Brook client, the dining room was the perfect venue. With holiday celebrations and family occasions in mind, the designer worked with the homeowner to create a dining space that would welcome all these events yet remain fresh and relevant for generations to come.
Cocooned in dark colors with a slate floor, mirrored accent wall, crystal chandelier, and silver-leafed ceiling— elements from the previous owners that Sandra and her client embraced—the space feels intimate yet grand thanks to a mix of wood and painted finishes and antique and modern appointments. “The mahogany table belonged to the homeowner’s parents,” says Sandra. “We gave it a fresh look by adding the painted cane-back, antique French chairs.
We then repeated their lighter tone with a modern X-base server and an antique painted and gilded French mirror.” A French buffet from Henhouse Antiques fits perfectly between wood columns on the mirrored wall. A family portrait is a reminder of one of the client’s three, now-grown children in the younger years.
Creating a Playful Yet Elegant Holiday Tablescape for Gatherings
To welcome the family home, Sandra created a traditional holiday tablescape yet a little bit playful. Starting with the homeowner’s Royal Crown Derby China, she mixed the pattern with the Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf gold chargers and soft blue, round, woven placemats.
Tapping into the colorful place settings, the designer leaned into earth tones and fall notions for the centerpiece and accouterments. Pinecones and feathered birds nestle into a long, low arrangement of dried blue hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, creamy white and rust-colored roses, and sprigs of dried white snowberry and eucalyptus, along with a variety of greenery cut from the homeowner’s garden.
White pumpkins scattered at the base further nod to the season, and twig candles in a collection of silver holders repeat the earthy feel. All prepared in anticipation of another cherished year, there’s nothing more for this family to do except enjoy being together.
Sandra’s 4 Holiday Tablescape Tips
Sandra Lynn shares her style tips for creating an elegant holiday tablescape that nods to formality with minimal fuss.
Don’t cover a beautiful table with a white tablecloth.
“So many of us grew up with our moms using tablecloths,” Sandra says. “I believe you should be proud of your wood table and enhance it with the right colors and tablescape.”
Always use cloth napkins.
“If you don’t own them, invest in them,” advises the designer. “You can’t go wrong with monogrammed, traditional white or cream dinner napkins, but don’t be afraid of color or patterned linens.”
Polish the silver.
An heirloom tea set on the sideboard and silver water goblets gleam against a warm wood table. “If you don’t have a complete collection or full silver service, use what you have and add to it over time,” Sandra says.
Layer in the texture.
Monogrammed linens tied with ribbon, silver pieces, decorative glass, and candles can fill in the spaces between a centerpiece and place settings.
Lynn Allen Design | lynnallendesign.com
