Our At Home for the Holidays Guest Blogger Series is coming to an end. It is almost Christmas, after all! As a final farewell, we thought tips on Christmas dinner tabletop arranging were in order. And to do the honors, we bring you none other than our friend, acclaimed author, blogger and lifestyle personality, Tracy Porter.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guest series. Don’t forget to leave a comment on your favorite guest posts (browse here) for a chance to win a year-long subscription to At Home in Arkansas magazine. And from all of us at At Home in Arkansas… Happy Holidays!
For many of us, a love affair with the holidays goes back to childhood. Nostalgia has her warm embrace on our heartstrings and is forever pulling them about.
I will always hold fond memories of the all the merriment associated with the weeks and days leading up to our celebrations, especially when it comes to the details! I grew up in a family who loves entertaining, and while leg of lamb and escargot will always stir my culinary senses, I find pure poetry this time of year in other elements of entertaining as well. Colors,  textures and magical trimmings combined with nature’s gifts tucked about the table and bar make me giddy. Indeed, it’s the little details and thoughts that make entertaining enchanting and ever intriguing!
One can get utterly overwhelmed by some of the larger tasks that come along with the holidays, so my remedy is to sneak away and flirt with the elegant embellishments that make festive times and memories so very unique! If you are willing to indulge in my theory of merriment making, soon you’ll find yourself craving moments to layer in the little sumptuous touches that will make your holidays the most delicious and spirited yet!
If you set a table this time of year, there are many small touches that can add holiday magic. Consider a placecard an alluring element! If putting guests names on the table feels too formal try this idea with poetic words instead, such as conversation starters or small toasts. I love a placecard that is handmade, or attatched to an ornament or tiny sparkling mirror…something charming that you are able make ahead of time and set aside. I don’t have loads of time to get too fancy or over the top but I love the idea of making a few goodies for the table like this!
Napkins are another detail that I adore. I have no problem zipping off to the fabric store and buying some gorgeous yardage, cutting it into large oversized napkins, and simply adding an elegant luscious ribbon. (Indeed you read that right: I don’t fuss with the edges…more artful in my book…do what you will.) I think a fearless pattern, texture and mix of colors on a holiday table is jovial and exuberant! If there is ever a time to make your table setting irresistible the holidays are it!!
A bar is essential at the holidays! Find a spot to set one up that is accessible to your guests and stocked! Don’t forget a few bits of holiday added here and there. I always adorn the top of our ice bucket with ribbon and berries. I may not get to polishing her, but I always give her a party dress! I love a mix of glassware for serving drinks and I always keep my eyes peeled for small vintage glasses to add to my bar repertoire.
Nature is always my “go-to girl†for entertaining. I find that mixing in greens and berries along with whatever else I dig up from my holiday boxes makes the most beautiful statement. You simply cannot go wrong when you combine a bit of nature and candle light. If you don’t keep a stash of holiday goods to dig through then a simple and elegant mix of branches and greenery down the center of your table will feel festive and effortlessly divine.
In case you missed them:
La Dolce Vita’s Last Minute Tabletop and Gift Ideas, and More
Happy (Retro) Holidays from Designlovefest
Art director Mandy Keener has curated another lovely tabletop for your holiday entertaining inspiration! We’re loving the unexpected color palette, art deco details and modern clean lines. How are you setting your Thanksgiving table?
1. Jonathan Adler plates |  2. Kelly Wearstler chair |  3. Kelly Wearstler table  |  4. Flatware |  5. Tumbler  |  6. Napkins  |  7. Candleabrum  |  8. Gold Corn salt & pepper shakers
From editor in chief Diane Carroll: “Two of our favorite guest bloggers together in one place! Lauren Liess of Pure Style Home guest blogs on La Dolce Vita, with her wish-list of visuals for her dream home. As the owner of a two-story Victorian home, I like her exterior inspiration!” (“Dream Home: Pure Style Home” from La Dolce Vita)
From senior account executive Jennifer Hay: “What a great story!! I would love to go see it.” (“French mansion opens after being closed for 100 years” from French Quarters)
From account executive Kathy Condrey: “By far the coolest bathtub I have ever seen!” (“Incredible wooden bathtub” from House of Turquoise)
From advertising coordinator Laura LaRue: “Love this table! I am definitely recreating this for my next dinner party. Such a fresh and colorful surprise instead of one bunch of flowers in the middle of a table.” (“A Closer Look: Skill Swap Jamboree in Rue” from The City Sage)
From marketing coordinator Lauren Strother: “Oh the digital age is so much fun. What a great way to get to send little Valentine’s as a grownup. FUN!” (“New: Cartolina Cartograms iPhone app” from Design*Sponge)
From art director Mandy Keener: “For Christmas, I got some cattle skulls and painted them metallic copper for my dad. He didn’t really “get it,” but they look great in my parents’ den. There’s a longhorn in the works, too.” (“Trendspotter: Decorating with Antlers” from Good Bones Great Pieces)
From associate editor Paulette Pearson: “Photographed here by one of my favorite bloggers, Garance Dore, Giovanna Battaglia is one of my style icons. The scalloped edge on her sweater, her scarf is impeccably tied, and notice the surprising detail on her bracelet.” (“Giovanna Battaglia” from Garance Dore)
In case you missed it:
At Home Hits the Runway: Where high fashion and Arkansas design meet
1) The dipped candles from Martha Stewart. OK, I haven’t tried this yet myself, but it looks easy enough and not that expensive. Customize the candles to your hostess’ color pallete and purchase some decorative match boxes and you have a ready made hostess gift that will work well no matter who your hostess is.
2) Custom Wine Stoppers from Chic to the Nines. You can make these from decorative drawer pulls and door knobs (easily found at stores like Hobby Lobby or Anthropologie) and pair them with a nice bottle of wine. The wine can be used at dinner but the corks will last for years.
3) Bread, Jam, Tea Towel. This is a classic gift, but one that can feel overwhelming if you think you have to make the bread and the jam yourself. Often you can find really yummy artisan breads and locally made jams at smaller grocery stores or neighborhood markets. Pair the store bought-but-handmade foods with a beautiful tea towel or two. Practical and yummy, everyone is sure to love this gift.
4) Herb infused oils and salts from Mountain Rose. These require a little forethought in that they take a week or so to “cure.” But they are easy to make in bulk. You can purchase the ingredients at Sams Club or Whole Foods and the bottles and jars are easily snagged at craft  or dollar stores. Make several of each  all at once and you will always have a yummy and unique ready to go at a moments notice.
5) A Jar Sewing Kit from BHG. Everyone needs a small mending kit – for their office, car, kitchen, etc. This is a small but thoughtful gift that you can customize with fabrics and colors that will suit your hostess. Make it as big or as small as you like – use vintage jars or new ones, and add buttons and  small bits of colorful bakers twine for those “you never know” moments.
I am sure there are many more clever hostess gifts out there, these are just a few of my current favorites. I would love to know – do you have a standard, no fail hostess gift?
From account executive Stevi Jackson: “Too Cute! What a great way to spruce up a traditional craft…and my 6-year old’s playroom.” (“Crafty Mumsy” from Sundry Mumsy)
From editor in chief Diane Carroll: “Love, love, love this pretty tabletop, with all the summery blue and crisp white. Great entertaining ideas!” (“Do You Rue? David Stark for West Elm” from The City Sage)
From associate editor Paulette Pearson: “There’s a wall in my office that’s just begging for something cute like this. Best part is, it’s DIY!” (“A Watercolor Garland is my Fave” from You Are My Fave)
From marketing/special projects coordinator Lauren Strother: “Love the imperial trellis wall paper!! For a less expensive route I recently purchased the stencil to add a little pizzazz to one of my rooms.” (“Wallpaper on One Wall” from View from my Heels)
From advertising coordinator Laura LaRue: “Love this photo. I have always wanted a lucite coffee table of my own!” (“Lucite Loon” from The Goods Design)
From editor Rosemary Hallmark: “Ok! I’m ready! Is it Christmas yet? The boyfriend and I host a Friendsgiving dinner every year, so I’ve managed to talk myself out of turning right around and throwing a Christmas party too, but posts like this make that very, very difficult!†{“ensemble…†from Lox Papers}
From managing editor Tiffany Burgess: “Being newly engaged I can’t seem to get enough color palette inspiration these days! I liked this scheme not just for a wedding, but for a memorable New Year’s Eve party. †{“Board#223 Black Tie & Sparkles″ from Magnolia Rouge}
(Looking for your own wedding color palette inspiration? Check out our Weddings in Arkansas blog.)
From assistant art director Laura LaRue: “I love how graphic these are and the gold edges add the perfect amount of glam. The black and white lamp is definitely on my wish list. I hope Santa’s elves are reading this!! :)†{“The Erin Gates for Jill Rosenwald Collection†from Elements of Style}
From art director Mandy Keener: “Celebrate Black Friday with this happy Blue Christmas from Sweet Paul. I’m totally inspired by this mix of antique gold, rust and winter teal. Cheers to fabulous Christmas color schemes!†{“Sweet Paul Blue Christmas” from Bright Bazaar}
From publisher Kelly Fraiser: “Love, love, love this breakfast nook!†{“Breakfast Nook Look: Built-In Banquette Seating†from COCOCOZY}
From senior account executive Jennifer Hay: “Love the burlap Christmas decor!” {“DIY Holiday Decor with Burlap” from Paul Michael Company}
From marketing coordinator Tara Johnson: “”You can never have enough coasters. These coasters are stylish and easy to DIY. I think they would make a great hostess gift.” {“Holi-DIY: Cork Coasters” from Coco+Kelley}
From account executive Emilie Head: “The Chrismas countdown has started! I love this spin on the traditional chocolate filled Advent calendar!” {“every morning…” from My Sweet Savannah}
We are thrilled to introduce Tracy Porter, an exciting addition to the At Home in Arkansas blog team! Tracy is a lifestyle, home and fashion designer, author and photographer. Her publication appearances include O, Better Homes & Gardens and InStyle, she’s appeared on Oprah, E! and HGTV, and her eclectic designs in home and fashion are sold in thousands of retail stores and boutiques around the world, including Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s.
We had the pleasure of meeting Tracy at the recent Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles, and she charmed us with her warmth and kindness. Her monthly column, about all things entertaining, will showcase her unique style, inspiring At Home’s readers to live life to the fullest.
Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for her $250 giveaway!
With summer nearly here, entertaining becomes more top of brain than ever! But…I get it entirely…having people over can overwhelm even the most seasoned entertainer! All of our days are terribly busy, we seem to easily fill them with activities, events and running about…throw in a wagon full of kids + pets and the idea of friends for dinner can seem utterly daunting!
However, it CAN be easy (sigh of relief). It takes a bit of planning, and some winging it…and in my book that’s how you get to easy. I have a handful of tips…that I hope inspire your next gathering to feel fabulous in mind and spirit
I keep a basket full of folded cloth napkins in a range of colors and prints… Ok, I keep several of them, truth be told! It is just so easy to have them handy, right in your kitchen or pantry all the time, and one less thing to be running around after when company comes!
Have a few “go-to†cocktails… and a range of pretty glassware sitting out. Everyone loves the idea of “being entertained†so when your company shows up…be ready! A choice or two is nice….we make a great Meyer lemon cosmo in our house (I’ll share that recipe down the road!) that’s always a crowd pleaser. Add to that a gorgeous martini glass…ahhhh, irresistible!
Always add flowers. It is one of my favorite things to do once most everything else is covered! (Sort of like playing!) It makes any eating and gathering experience just that much more enchanting. A little charm goes a long way. Don’t spend a fortune…if you must buy flowers, go simple…all one kind. Plunk them into little vessels or teacups…and scatter them about the table. No fuss…! If your yard is abundant, then get out your nippers and have at it! Clip bits of this and that and again plunk them into lower simple vessels that you gather from around your house. I often times will just set flowers on the table in my gathering basket…never mind that they slowly wilt a bit here and there…still so lovely…nature adds beautifully to any meal!
Dim the lights…ALWAYS! I have walked into more fully lit kitchens in the evening (wanting to put on my shades) than I care to admit to. No one wants to be blasted with light…low light is calming and sensual…and it hides everything! Next, keep a stash of “ready to go†candles. Mine change often (I cannot help myself) but I keep a basket in my pantry full of candles. Right now, I am onto jam jars (with 4 little boys, we go through lots of jam…too bad peanut butter jars are not cuter!). I keep a little votive in each. Sometimes I will spritz some rosemary with water and drop a small bit of it in the jar…you’ll catch an occasional whiff of goodness that is over the top…try it!
I adore large trays, and I truly use them! I have them out on my countertops ready for action! I cannot tell you how well this works! If you like your plates, then keep them out in a nice stack on a tray. Then dig up a great vessel, fill it with useful utensils and…viola! Sounds simple…but when you see it you use it!
Zero in on your “go-to recipes.” I love knowing that everything will (for the most part) work out when company comes. There are always surprises, but a good recipe is worth its weight in gold! My best example is chocolate sheet cake! No brainer…everyone loves it…no one ever tires of it…and you can make it in a snap! I even let my kids doll up the top with little cookies and candies. No matter the occasion, this sort of thing adds magic to any gathering! So, find a way to round up your top recipe picks and go to them for fearless entertaining. Even little sticky notes popping from the tops of your cookbooks (as I do) will do the trick. Just mark the ones you can count on anytime!
I keep the appetizers really simple. I just find this approach easier for all! Keep several cutting boards in various sizes on hand. Add to that a few odiferous cheeses, some pretty little knives, a mix of nosh-able crackers…almonds, salami, salt and vinegar chips…use small pretty bowls…and you’ll have something to set on your counter or nearby coffee table, or wherever you and your company are hanging out!
A few more thoughts…It’s sometimes the little things that throw us off last minute, so the “do ahead and plan list†can also include:
~ Finding a no commercials music station (try www.pandora.com) that sets the mood with one tap of your finger!
~ Decide if you will be setting the table or going more casual family style buffet (so easy and fun for all!)
~ Choose recipes that are make ahead if at all possible…even a few hours really can help!
Most importantly, I share these ideas with you to lessen the overwhelm. I have been there, running around swabbing my forehead, shoving toys into random drawers, scooping dog hair tumble weeds off the floor. I NOW choose the EASY route. I plan a bit more, dim the lights, have a sip of my drink beforehand…..and calmly, happily…await my friends and family to show up!
Cheers to you!
Tracy
I am so excited about my first of many columns with At Home in Arkansas that I want to celebrate it with a wonderful giveaway for a $250 gift certificate! Besides my love of writing, and sharing inspiration for all lovely things in life, I am also a designer of delicious home and fashion goods!
Surely you’d love a shopping spree?! Well alright then! In order to enter this gem of a giveaway, all you need to do is post a comment here (by clicking on responses at the top of the post next to the date, or scrolling down underneath the current responses below) about my first column…let us know what you think! How simple is that! The giveaway will run today through May 23. The winner will be picked randomly. Please check back on May 24th to see if it is you!!
P.S. You may want to pop over to www.tracyporter.com to check out the goods in case you are the lucky winner! Also please “Like” us on Facebook here.
I am there to chatter every day, would love to meet you! Â Good luck & happiness to you!
xoxo
The great Mariah Carey once said, “All I want for Christmas is you.” That was very noble of her, because we here at At Home in Arkansas want much more than that (though the company of loved ones is welcome while we open our gifts). Our editorial team has compiled their lists of favorite gifts to give and receive this Christmas, and we’re sharing them with you this week! To end the week, editor Rosemary Hallmark shares a few party-perfect items from her Christmas wishlist. 
Martha’s Entertaining and The Perfectly Imperfect Home | Terrain bocce ball set | Richard Ginori “Folkware” dinnerware | Mark & Graham monogrammed napkins | Diptyque Baies candle | MacKenzie Childs taper beeswax candles | BMW Isetta
From marketing coordinator Megan Lindsey: “This inspiration board just screams an All-American 4th of July celebration. I want to set up a table setting just like this for a summer lunch with my girlfriends! I love everything about it, from the yummy looking watermelon drinks, to the touch of pink added to the traditional red, white and blue theme. MerrimentStyle.com is a great blog! Happy 4th of July weekend, and happy Friday!”(“Inspiration Board: Red, White, Blue and Pink Party!” via Merriment)
From art director Mandy Keener: “I love this lighting!” (“Come on in!” via The Novogratz)
From publisher Kelly Fraiser: “Very charming. Love the open shelves and, of course, the cheerful blue and green color palette.” (“Cottage kitchen makeover” via House of Turquoise)
From account executive Stevi Jackson: “What a fun idea! Even for those of us who aren’t planning a wedding, these bouquets would be great on a vanity with a funky antique mirror. I think I see a visit to AR Peddlers Antique Mall in my future.” (“Brooch bouquet” via Mande & Mr. Wo)
From assistant art director Laura LaRue: “I’m loving chevron too! Those napkins…those plates…those cakes!! Love how it is so simple but can add so much to any setting. Happy Friday!” (“Mad About Chevron” via The Wedding Post of Arkansas)
From editor in chief Diane Carroll: “Love the pictures, love the recipes…puts me in the mood to pretty up the porch this weekend and invite a few friends over for sangria and snacks!” (“Stylish summer entertaining” via Providence Ltd. Interior Design)
From associate editor Paulette Pearson: “My oh my. Talk about combining form with function. What a pretty and functional space. The big table, the art, the well-stocked bookshelves…and that lighting! This is going in my inspiration files, for sure!” (“Mixing FRI pics” via emmas designblogg)
From senior account executive Jennifer Hay: “A lovely find this July 4th weekend! A beautifully bound biography of Christopher Columbus, who discovered the Americas. Find it, and much more, at French Metro in Fayetteville.” (“Back in France…and the shopping begins!” via French Metro)
At Home in Arkansas offers you a look inside the state's most inspiring homes. The magazine features monthly advice from the experts to help you plan your next remodel or redesign, entertain at home, or find Arkansas's best kept secrets. It is your definitive guide to the state's finest homes and gardens, design professionals, fashion and entertaining essentials, and premier shops and showrooms.