The holidays are right around the corner, and while it’s technically considered ‘the most wonderful time of the year,’ November-December can also bring unwanted stress along with the cherished traditions, heartwarming gatherings, and glasses of spiked eggnog.
At Asha Maía Design, we believe that your home should be a haven of comfort and elegance, a place where loved ones can gather in style and celebrate the spirit of the season. From the ambiance of your entryway to the design of your tablescape, every detail—including ensuring your guest rooms are havens of relaxation—contributes to a memorable holiday experience for both you and your visitors.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a festive cocktail party, or simply enjoying quiet evenings by the fire, we've compiled our top tips to help you curate a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
Creating a Welcoming Flow Throughout Your Home
Think of your home as a stage for the holidays, where each room plays a part in creating a memorable experience. Begin by considering the flow of your space. How will guests move from room to room? Where will they naturally congregate? Ensure there's ample seating in key areas, and create nooks for intimate conversations. A well-placed side table with a stack of books or a basket of throws encourages guests to relax and settle in.
While you should always strive for a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s important to avoid excessive clutter. No one wants to feel cramped or overwhelmed, especially when the heater is running and overdue “hellos” are in order! A designated drop zone near the entryway for coats, snow boots, and keys will help keep things organized and prevent clutter from accumulating.
That being said, your entryway serves as the first impression guests will have of your home, so make it count by setting the tone for your holiday gathering right from the start. A festive wreath on the door, a console table adorned with spiced candles and seasonal greenery, and a warm, inviting mantle display all contribute to creating a welcoming atmosphere that says ‘we're so glad you're here!’
Living Room Festivities:
The living room is often the heart of holiday gatherings, where guests gather to chat, relax, and enjoy each other's company. Enhance the cozy factor with plush blankets, decorative pillows in rich textures like velvet, and the warm glow of a crackling fire (or the ambiance of one of our favorite festive candles). Incorporate festive touches in warm autumnal hues – think deep reds, golden yellows, and rich browns – to evoke a sense of harvest abundance. Drape garlands adorned with shimmering ribbons over mirrors or artwork, and place bowls filled with seasonal greenery, gourds, or pinecones on coffee tables and sideboards.
Oh, and don't forget the finishing touches: a cashmere throw blanket draped over the arm of the sofa adds personality and warmth, and saves your chillier guests from having to go out of their way to ask.
The Art of the Tablescape:
Now, for the pièce de résistance… your dining table is the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations. A thoughtfully curated tablescape sets the tone for the entire meal and creates a visual feast for your guests. But tablescapes can be so much more than just "festive". Strive for elegance and timelessness, incorporating classic elements like crisp white linens, sparkling crystal cocktail glasses, and the soft glow of taper candles. Remember, a beautiful tablescape should also be functional. Avoid overcrowding the table so that plates can fit comfortably and guests can converse without bumping elbows (or candles!).
Here are three timeless looks to inspire your holiday gatherings, with a touch of luxury that Asha Maía Design is known for in Northern Virginia:
1. Refined Classic with a Modern Twist
Table Setting: Start with a vintage velvet table runner in a deep, rich hue (e.g., charcoal or forest green). Use classic china with a modern, minimalistic rim, paired with matte black flatware.
Glassware: Opt for timeless crystal goblets and modern glass tumblers for a contrast of old and new.
Centerpiece: A low, wide centerpiece featuring a mix of seasonal florals and textured greenery with brass candlesticks holding beeswax tapers. Scatter a few vintage-inspired glass ornaments or brass accents.
Final Touches: Place an elegant linen napkin on each plate, tied with thin leather or velvet ribbon, paired with a small personalized name card.
2. Warm, Moody Vintage Elegance
Table Setting: Use layered table linens – a deep green or plum tablecloth topped with a lace or embroidered runner for texture. Mix vintage china with intricate detailing and mismatched floral patterns in a moody color palette.
Glassware: Choose vintage-inspired colored glassware, like amber or smoky grey goblets, to evoke warmth.
Centerpiece: Create a lush tablescape with vintage brass candelabras and shorter votives interspersed with fresh herbs, eucalyptus, and cascading grapes for an old-world vibe.
Final Touches: Lay flat woven linen napkins in a complementary color and tuck a sprig of rosemary or sage into each napkin ring for a fragrant, seasonal touch.
3. Curated Contemporary Classic
Table Setting: A raw linen table runner drapes down the center, with large porcelain plates in a minimalist matte finish. Use flatware in a muted gold finish, and add teal linen napkins for a soft, understated pop of color.
Glassware: Sleek, modern stemless wine glasses paired with taller water glasses for a contemporary feel.
Centerpiece: A series of staggered candle pillars in muted gold, ivory, and natural stone. A few single-stem bud vases with soft blooms in blush or white.
Final Touches: Add personalized mini-menu cards on each setting with the evening’s courses and consider adding a small, unique item like a single mini herb pot per guest for a meaningful take-home piece.
No matter your style, don't forget the finishing touches. Personalized place cards, festive napkins, and sprigs of greenery at each setting add a touch of elegance and demonstrate your attention to detail.
For even more inspiration, take a look at our curated Pinterest board dedicated to tablescape ideas, where we've gathered a collection of stunning settings to spark your creativity. Need ideas for holiday decor? Our LTK page is full of inspiring finds to help you create a festive ambiance throughout your home.
The Guest Room Sanctuary:
If you're fortunate enough to have guests staying overnight, prepare your guest room to be a true sanctuary. Start with fresh, high-quality linens in a soothing color palette, perhaps in calming neutrals or rich jewel tones that complement your overall holiday décor. Provide plush towels pre-folded on the bed, a flannel robe draped over a chair, and a selection of luxurious bath products artfully arranged in the guest bathroom. A small vase of fresh flowers on the nightstand, a carafe of water with a glass, and a bedside lamp with a warm light bulb are thoughtful touches that will make your guests feel cared for.
Consider adding a curated selection of books and magazines for their enjoyment, and ensure there's a comfortable armchair for reading or relaxing. (Did I mention there’s still a bit of time to book a Design Consultation with the Asha Maía Design team before your guests arrive?)
The Essence of Timeless Design:
At Asha Maía Design, we believe in creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. A classically elegant aesthetic transcends trends and creates a sense of timelessness. Invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time, and don't be afraid to incorporate family heirlooms and vintage finds to add character and personality to your home.
Ultimately, the most important ingredient for a successful holiday gathering is the company of loved ones in an environment that you feel excited to share. By creating a warm and inviting space, you set the stage for cherished memories that will last a lifetime. From our team at Asha Maía Design, we wish you a joyous and stylish holiday season.
P.S…. To help you set the mood, we've curated a list of festive cocktails perfect for holiday entertaining. From classic eggnog to sparkling cranberry spritzes, these cocktails will add a touch of merriment to your gathering. (The Asha Maía way!) Sign up to receive access to them here!
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