How to style your holiday table with Bea + Co Style

Last week we were lucky enough to have Bea and Grace Lambos from Bea + Co Style visit our Melbourne showroom with helpful tips and tricks on how to style your holiday table. Bea is an interior decorator and stylist known for her unique style and experienced eye. Here are her top eight styling suggestions to create an inspired summer entertaining space. 

1. Think outside the box when it comes to using items around the house.

Try to incorporate the things you have at home to put on to your table. Opt for versatile pieces that don't just gather dust in a cupboard, waiting for a special occasion. Consider for instance, that the tray near your printer could double as a serving dish or a stylish holder for your business cards can be utilised for nuts or olives.

2. A cute party favour is a great (and sustainable) replacement for a Bon Bons

Bon Bons can often be an unnecessary expense and contribute to paper waste during the holiday season. Admit it—the hats inside usually end up breaking! Instead, consider giving your guests something practical, like a small bag of salt or another little item as a party favor. This way, when they use it, it serves as a reminder of the enjoyable gathering, making the gesture more meaningful and less wasteful.

3. Velvet Ribbon as a festive finish

If anyone has been to the races or been scrolling through social media in Melbourne in the last few weeks, velvet ribbon has been a bit of a hit. Adding velvet ribbon to tie around your napkins or around your glass stems is a simple but fun way to jazz up plain items.

4. Items can have multiple purposes

Items like the Simone Karras crates can be used for multiple purposes. You might put paper in it, small books on your desk, materials samples and for your summer holiday table these would be great as lettuce carriers.  Additionally, you can use them for a floral display by turning them upside down and inserting flower stems through the gaps. Consider using anthuriums for this purpose, as they have a lasting quality. This way, if you're hosting friends for dinner, you can set up the floral arrangement in the morning, and it will stay fresh throughout the entire day.

5. Fortune Cookies

Fortune cookies serve as an excellent conversation starter at the table, making them a perfect addition to year-end gatherings. They instil a sense of anticipation about the future, surpassing the traditional bon-bon experience. Consider incorporating enjoyable and light-hearted activities to enhance the overall atmosphere.

6. Use a platter or bowl for drinks.

Elevate the aesthetic with an ice filled bowl as it is visually more appealing than using an esky, and there's no need for frequent trips to the fridge. This optimises the use of platters and eliminates the need for someone to tend to the bar. Everything remains conveniently within arm's reach around the table.

7. Mix and Match

Achieving a set of identical serving platters can be challenging, making it a fantastic idea to mix and match. For a cohesive look, consider using a set of plain base ceramics.

8. Lighting

Placing a table lamp on the holiday table creates a more intimate atmosphere and enhances everyone’s appearance and is less harsh than overhead lights. This the Lumio Lito Classic Book Light from Jardan is perfect to soften and warm the space.