A proper holiday dinner isn’t complete without a tastefully decorated table setting. So with the holidays rapidly approaching, we’ve asked one of our favorite designers to share some of his expert insights for a dining experience as beautiful as it is delicious.
Besides being the co-founder of distinguished design firm Rooms & Gardens, Eric Voulgaris is also the mastermind behind the recent redesign of Hotel Casa del Mar’s penthouses and suites.
We asked him for some tips just for you.
First off, tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been a designer? How did you get involved with this career?
My wife and I started Rooms & Gardens in 1993 in Santa Barbara, and then opened our Santa Monica location in 2006 with actress Mary Steenburgen. We have created beautiful spaces for clients in homes around the country. We are especially proud of our recent work renovating the penthouses and suites at Hotel Casa Del Mar.
What is your process for designing a themed table?
Depending on the holiday, we recommend being creative and using what you already have. This year for example, we incorporated a vintage French champagne bowl and champagne-themed ice buckets and gave them a Christmas feel with pomegranates and small trees. We picked up those pieces in France many years ago and they’re very special to us, so it’s great to be able to use them.
Which step in the process is the most important?
To us, the important steps are layering, layering, and more layering. We like creating a bountiful table where guests can continue to enjoy discovering new embellishments throughout the dinner.
What are the items you are featuring on this table?
We are using antique hotel silver utensils we collected from England, the French champagne buckets mentioned earlier, and vintage holiday skater and caroler figurines from the 1940’s. The dishes are an eclectic mix of Spode, classic tartan plaid, and majolica. We completed the table and buffet with preserved boxwood wreaths, basket tray, mercury glass votive holders, and hurricanes from Rooms & Gardens.
We only get to enjoy most of these items for a brief period each year, so it’s important to use them as often as possible!
Which design elements are most important for the holidays?
The most important element is to create a table that will give your guests wondrous smiles as they enter the room. It shouldn’t be overdone, but it should be beautiful and bountiful.
Where do you recommend finding decorative items?
It’s important to get some key vintage pieces that will give your table a strong foundation. Make it look “collected” rather than a collection. Many items are available online or in antique stores this time of year. Then you can pick up the finishing touches such as votives, candles, and wreaths at home stores like Rooms & Gardens.
Finally, what is your #1 tip for readers who want to design a table like this at home?
Layer, layer, and layer again!
