Just in time for the hosting season, Kalco Lighting, a Las Vegas-based manufacturer of handcrafted luxury lighting and furniture designs, joined interior designer and long-time partner Vanessa DeLeon to present a virtual event, Tablescapes: Inspirations for the Holidays, on November 20th. As dining rooms are special spaces for celebration, connection and memories, here are the top tips and trends from DeLeon and Kalco to create a seasonal, yet timeless table setting:
Formal Dining Rooms That Wow: Layers and textures are key to creating a moody, memorable ambiance. One of DeLeon’s dining room design secrets is balancing a long, expansive table with bold lighting. Then, she incorporates unexpected elements, such as ceilings with a unique wallpaper design, decor with hand-painted details and one-of-a-kind accent chairs.
Balance Festive with Function: A thoughtfully designed tablescape transitions seamlessly between holidays, from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Pick a theme or color palette and start with simple touches, like linens, candles and tableware, that tie the vision together, DeLeon says. As the holidays progress, gradually layer in festive accents, such as greenery and ornaments, to allow for effortless transitions between celebrations without requiring a complete redesign.
Artful Table Arrangements: Mix functional lighting for meals with a festive atmosphere for special events. One of DeLeon’s favorite styles is a monochromatic dining room, with ceilings and walls in a dark paint color, such as a deep blue, with natural accents, like greenery and wreaths. For a minimalist style, DeLeon recommends neutral, earthy tones and a simple candlelit table.
Add the ‘Accessories’: DeLeon thinks of lighting as the accessory to her outfit. In this case, the dining room is the ‘outfit’ and the chandeliers, pendants and wall sconces are the layers that will elevate the entire look, she says. If you have an extended table, consider two matching chandeliers to ensure a balanced feel.
