SET A FESTIVE TABLE

We asked interior stylist and DIY expert SARAH GUNN for a simple, fresh tablescape to celebrate the season.

Here’s how to get the look.

GO GREEN

The centre of Gunn’s farmhouse table is lined with a French-style striped runner and white candles, plus she’s added layers of faux greenery garlands and berries, giving it a lush look. “Opting to use faux rather than real means you can keep greens on display all season,” she says. “When the party wraps up, the garland can stay displayed on the table or it can be moved to a mantle or console table.” Tip: Carry the theme through the room by hanging green wreathes in unexpected places—Gunn placed one on an oversized mirror near the table.

MIX DINNERWARE

Matchy-matchy isn’t a must. Gunn opted to pair floral plates with a striped runner and napkins. She also pulled out gold flatware and decorative glassware to add some sparkle.

Sarah Gunn styling our festive photo shoot.

Faux garland swags the seats to create a festive seating arrangement. — Faux garland is used down the centre piece with simple elegant white candles as well as swaging the guests seats.

UP YOUR PLACE-CARD GAME

Since traditional paper cards can be humdrum, Gunn decided to go for something fun (and consequently, delicious) instead. She adorned each place setting with beautifully decorated gingerbread houses. And no, this look isn’t reserved exclusively for master bakers—Gunn did a quick sketch of what she had in mind and ordered the wee monogrammed houses at a local bakery. “The best part? Friends and family can take them home as gifts.”

Beautiful and unique monogrammed ginger homes are used a place cards and Christmas take away items for guests.

Antique gold, styled bar cart with pretty stemware, fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh baked macaron cookies

Painted cabinet, oversized mirror, adorned with hanging wreaths, white milk jugs and a real mini Christmas tree.

Linen studded bench, navy and white toss pillows and a pretty collection of white milk jugs and urns create a beautiful decorated room.

Sources:

Napkins, Wayfair, wayfair.ca. Table, Structube, structube.com. Greenery, Michaels, michaels.com. Bar cart and flatware, Target, target.com. Dinner plates and wine glasses, HomeSense, homesense.ca. Gingerbread houses and macarons, MollyCake, mollycake.ca. Mirror, salad plates and water glasses, Anthropologie, anthroplogie.com.

PICTURES TARA WEST

WORDS LISA VAN DE GEYN