5 Holiday Hosting Tips from Lory Bernstein

With Christmas just days away, it is time to celebrate simple pleasures that can only be found during the holidays with your loved ones gathered around the table. 

For inspiration on how to make this holiday the most memorable yet, we turned to Lory Berstein, the creative and talented force behind DesignThusiasm, to get a sneak peek at her holiday tablescape ideas.

With beautiful design at the center of everything she touches, Lory says that Christmas morning brunch is the perfect opportunity to create a unique holiday table that is unexpected, elegant, and lets you express your individuality. She adds,”Why not leave the red and green aside for a moment? Skip the usual tartans and poinsettias. Have a little fun!”

Using her design talents and incorporationg our new upcoming Heritage Dinnerware collection, Lory created the ultimate holiday table with simple and easy ideas to make this a cherished holiday season. 

1 – Let dinnerware steal the spotlight: Choose dinnerware that sets the tone and the colour scheme for the table. Lory tapped our new Heritage Dinnerware to be the center of attention for her holiday table. The mix and match plates, bowls, mugs and more in charming and romantic florals are a pretty addition that can be used all year long. She adds, “The fine bone china takes advantage of a soft and graceful palette of blues, mint and stone… and you can feel confident that any combination will work together well.”

2 – Ornaments aren’t just for the tree: Turn the table on traditional and use ornaments at each place setting for a festive touch as guests gather. Lory chose to use a glass ornament in a complementary shade of green and placed it in a bowl at each guest’s place setting. She says, “I love to add height to my place settings and for breakfast a deep bowl is a great option. The substantial green ornaments sit nicely in the bowls, just peeking over the tops.”

3 – Transform the table with holiday greenery: To layer in festive cheer, use seasonal paper whites and greenery such as a runner made from pine or a sprig tied to the backs of each seat to heighten the senses for a special holiday meal. If you want to try adding non-traditional colours to your holiday table, Lory says holiday greens can pair with any colour and are “a wonderful way to make your favourite colour palette a bit more Christmas-friendly.”

4 – Mix something old with something new: A collected table feels even more special when it is used at a holiday dinner and Lory believes that notes of vintage tableware mixed in add an air of authenticity. Honour family near and far by layering in treasured pieces that you inherited from your grandmother or even a gift that you got for your wedding.

5 – Create a holiday entertaining checklist: To create a stress-free experience for you and your guests, make a checklist and accomplish as much as you can ahead of time.

• Dress up the table with a table cloth. Don’t you love Lory’s with the ruffle? In the days ahead of Christmas, iron the table cloth so it is ready to set the scene for your holiday dinner. 
• If you want to tuck a rose into the napkin ring, be sure to get fresh roses a couple of days in advance so that they will be blooming perfectly on Christmas morning.
• Make sure you have enough clean flatware and plates for the different courses you plan to serve. Holiday dinners often require more than a dinner plate. You might want to plan to include a salad plate and a bowl for soup or even dessert afterward. For maximum effect when the guests arrive, set each place setting with the plates and bowls layered like Lory.
• Set the table a day or two in advance so you can concentrate on cooking and enjoying family once they arrive.
• If you plan on serving a post-dinner coffee, set up a coffee station and have pretty mugs handy. 

The new Laura Ashley dinnerware collection includes the Heritage collection and Blueprint collection. Designed to mix or match, the dinnerware brings loads of English country charm while making every occasion feel special.

Tell us more about your favourite holiday tablescape traditions. Comment below or tag us at @lauraashleyusa or use the hashtag #laurashleyusa.