How to Make Your Holiday Gathering Shine

A Beachside Thanksgiving

We live surrounded by water and we should be thankful for that. So what better way to celebrate the first holiday of the season than with a beachside feast? “This table display was created as a luxurious casual setting for a group of young jet-setters coming home to celebrate together,” says Benny Ofer, owner of Daniel Events. “It’s all about bright and vivid fall colors.” An elevated boho-chic look was achieved with a low chabudai-style table, artisan Isfahan rugs and woven poufs for seating. On the table, Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis, Vanda and Oncidium orchids, as well as Bells of Ireland, Craspedia and steel grass arranged within a desiccated branch provide the wow factor, while hammered copper chargers, vintage glassware and napkins that echo the ocean await the epicurean delights to come. The backdrop of the Atlantic completes the effect.

A Tropical Christmas

We like the colors of Christmas just fine, but in Miami, those go beyond gold, silver, red and green. “I adore Florida and I’m always attracted to anything that embodies bright florals, fun prints and spaces that allow inside-out living, no matter what time of year,” says Anna Noriega, creative director for Aloré. “The inspiration for this landscape came from the space itself.” Sheltered by a translucent canopy and under a Swarovski crystal chandelier is a “live” table with a floral display that defies description thanks to its profusion of blooms (hydrangeas, tulips, elephant ears and poppies among them). The dining accouterments are simple enough: clear plates, green linen napkins, minimalist silverware and Monstera palm leaves in lieu of traditional chargers. And who needs a partridge in a pear tree, when two exotic macaws atop a moss-covered perch are so much more visually striking? A little much, we know, but hey, ’tis the season.

A Lush New Year’s Day Brunch

2020 marks the start of a new decade, and as such, the first day of the year demands a proper celebration with all the trimmings. “I love any excuse to play with glitz,” says Nathalie Cadet-James, owner of Luxe Fête. “Winter entertaining in Miami allows you to create warm and soft tablescapes set against the backdrop of palm-shaded courtyards.” Color is key on this table, with shades of peach, cream, light amethyst, goldenrod and olive green delighting the eyes by way of both large and small floral arrangements heavy on roses. A black sequin table linen adds edge and curiosity to the classic design, while more traditional stemware, china and silverware tone the drama down just enough. Contrasting seating via both settees at the head and lace-covered chairs on the sides further ups the ante on the visual experience. And it’s the little details that bring it all together. “One of the most important aspects of table design is the art of personalization,” adds Cadet-James. “The handcalligraphed place cards and menu add a meaningful touch that immediately says ‘Welcome.’” Happy New Year, indeed.