Glitter is still in the air but Christmas has come and gone. Now what? How do you transition your dining room just as quickly for a dinner party after the Holidays? Here are a few quick and easy ways to take your entertaining style into the beginning of the new year while still keeping it simple and fresh. Recycle (sort of)
For an effortless transitional tablescape, keep your Christmas greenery garland and turn it into a centerpiece that can be used for a few more winter months!
Start by cutting a section of garland to your desired length. Add a smaller piece to the center of your garland and fluff together. This will give your centerpiece more volume in the middle while the ends will be sparser and thinner with a natural taper. Add in a few magnolia leaves and a variety of succulents in different sizes to soften the “holiday” look of the garland it once was.
It’s Still Winter… Layer it Up!
Don’t be afraid to use plenty of layers! The tabletop should be about discovery for your guests, so using multiple design elements in your setting is unexpected and adventurous. Contrast your formal table setting with a soft linen to keep things relaxed. Using a neutral, “romantically rumpled” runner will give your wooden table room to shine while still dressing it up. Pairing tall candlesticks with low florals adds depth while mixing textures like glass and metal adds complexity and warmth to the table.
Sparkle is Still Acceptable After December!
A matching dinner set adds elegance to a table setting but for a touch of post-holiday interest, add mismatched pieces to the table to enchant guests and inspire a conversation. Mix up your colors and patterns but stick to a theme to keep it cohesive. The right glasses, flatware and plates will provide an extra special touch to your place setting while showcasing modern style with a classic flair.
Add Some Holiday Spark
It can be as dramatic as adding pops of color like on-trend midnight blue or a tropical bright orange as an accent. Toss away traditional holiday colors in place settings, napkins and centerpieces in favor of unexpected hues like deep teal mixed with gold flatware with a pale yellow accent. Going for that bold pop? Why not explore another popular entertaining trend and make that midnight blue napkin a VELVET midnight blue napkin? Tie that lush velvet napkin into a modern knot, tuck in a beautiful gold keepsake for your guests and watch your dinner party get off to a very stylish start.
Cranberry-Elderflower Champagne Sparkler
Cranberry-Elderflower Champagne SparklerCranberry syrup, St. Germain, and champagne come together to give you an indulgent cocktail with a holiday aftertaste.
A bit sweet, a bit tart, and totally bubbly!
Ingredients:
Cranberry syrup:
- 1/2 cup 100 percent cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Per cocktail:
- 1 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 1 ounce cranberry syrup
- 4 ounces dry champagne, prosecco, or sparkling wine
- Sparkling cranberry skewers:
- 5 fresh cranberries per glass
- Toothpick
- White granulated sugar
Directions:
Cranberry Syrup:
In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together cranberry juice and sugar until dissolved. Raise heat and bring to a boil, then remove from heat, pour into a glass jar or bowl and let cool completely.
Cocktail:
To make each cocktail, pour St. Germain and cranberry syrup into a stemmed champagne glass, then top off with about 4 ounces champagne. Serve immediately with sparkling cranberry skewers.
Sparkling cranberry skewers:
Skewer about 5 cranberries onto a standard toothpick, then spritz very lightly with water – too much and your sugar will get clumpy!
Place about 1/2 cup white granulated sugar in a shallow dish – an individual tart dish is awesome then add cranberry skewers, tossing with a fork until completely coated in sugar. Remove with a fork and use as garnish.