Winter Wonderland

Layered textiles, mixed China patterns, a floral centerpiece and soft candlelight come together in a winter tablescape that welcomes dinner guests to gather.

Written by Emily Welly | Styled by Dakin Reed | Photographed by joe worthem

Through her event planning business, Taylored Well Events, Dakin Reed has become an expert at setting tables.

In addition to offering event design for large gatherings like weddings, she also creates tablescapes for smaller, more intimate seated dinner parties, especially during the holiday season. It’s one of her favorite things to do.

“You can be so creative and so personal with it,” she said. “I grew up with an appreciation for it and watched the women in my family do it every year for the holidays.”

Here are the key elements Reed focused on for this winter-themed tablescape she created just for Invitation Magazines.

The Tablecloth

Colorful, patterned linens add whimsy and an artful flare to the table.

The Chargers

Use different chargers at each setting to add interest and a collected look to your table. Here, a variety of high-end Anna Weatherley chargers contrasts with the plates.

The Plates

These Juliska Berry & Thread North Pole patterned plates add to the winter theme. The fancier chargers underneath help elevate the otherwise everyday dinnerware.

The Napkins

Juliska Country Estate napkins in evergreen are pretty, seasonal and add a little hint of red to the place setting. Additionally, an eye-catching napkin ring stands out and draws the eye to the center of each place setting. “A little bit of sparkle on a table is nice,” Reed said.

The Placemats

Two different sized placemats are layered. The round, green placemat is made of a straw-like organic material that helps ground each place setting.

The Glassware

“Have at least two glasses at a setting, always,” Reed said. This is another example of layering and gives the table an elevated feel. Here, three different glasses add color, character and cohesiveness to the table.

The Centerpiece

This floral arrangement by Elizabeth Rose of Abloom in Tupelo is successful because it incorporates fresh evergreen clippings of magnolia and cedar. “I wanted it to feel like something you could go out to your yard and cut,” Reed said. White roses and sliced pomegranates are nestled into the greenery, adding color and texture. The entire arrangement is in a low, round bowl, and a tall modern tree with silver details is in the center to add height but it’s narrow enough to not block anyone’s view at a dinner party. Reed likes to use candelabras in a similar way in many of her tablescapes.

More Layers

Cute winter-themed figurines at each place setting add more personality. Small coffee mugs with hand-drawn Christmas motifs on them also offer playfulness to the table. A small green tree-shaped platter could be used as a butter plate or to serve cookies. Simon Pierce handmade glass Christmas trees of different sizes and styles, surround the center piece for more elegance and sparkle.

Thank you to Reed’s Gift Shop for providing the location and several elements used in this tablescape; and to aBloom Artistry and Design for providing the floral centerpiece.

Table Talk

Dakin Reed shares strategies for creating a tablescape fit for any special occasion:

• Layer as much as possible, adding in as many different things as you can while still looking cohesive: That’s the goal. Just try to make sure each thing on the table can tie into one other thing. For example, although this tablescape primarily uses silver, the gold on the candlesticks works in part because of the gold on the Spode water glasses and the chargers.

• Candlelight is critically important to any event and especially on a tablescape. Tall candles can be mixed with centerpieces, but Reed also suggests purchasing inexpensive packages of plain white nonscented tealights and using them everywhere. Candlelight enhances the mood and creates a cozy vibe. “Plus, your guests will always look better in candlelight,” Reed said.

• Focus on odd numbers. For example, this table has three tall candles, all different heights. Holders and candles are all different heights.

• Begin setting your table a few days before you host a dinner. Continue to play with your arrangements and layer in new elements. Be patient as the elements come together. “That’s what inspires you to keep going,” Reed said.