Few things spark the holiday spirit like decorations going up around the home. And at the heart of it all is the tablescape: a thoughtfully styled dining table complete with elegant place settings, an artsy centerpiece and plenty of festive touches.
This month, three Northern Colorado women known for their eye for design share how they elevate the holiday season with tablescapes that don’t just look beautiful but set the stage for unforgettable gatherings.
Rustic Thanksgiving table
For Chandi Weber, the owner of Mod Picnic Co., the table becomes especially important during the holidays.
“A well-designed tablescape sets the tone for intimacy and festivity, creating an atmosphere that encourages connection and celebration,” she says.
Weber’s Thanksgiving design leans on natural materials such as wood, wicker and linen to reflect the rustic beauty of fall. She softens the look with greenery and florals, then layers in metallic accents and glassware for elegance. She fills pumpkin vases with flowers, adds fall-scented candles and chooses seasonal place settings in warm, coordinating colors.
“The goal is to create a warm and stylish holiday vibe, which encourages guests to linger,” she says.
Her business provides luxury picnics for events, from weddings to corporate gatherings, and she often incorporates tablescapes in the setup. She believes the details are what make each design feel personal and photo-worthy. Handwritten place cards, ambient lighting and carefully layered textures ensure the tablescape stands out.
“Creating the perfect tablescape involves balancing aesthetics, functionality and personalization,” Weber says. “We consider the event’s theme, the comfort of guests, the type of food served and the environment.”
Her favorite part is seeing the transformation.
“Watching guests’ reactions when the vision comes to life is the best reward,” she says. “A thoughtfully curated tablescape brings joy and turns a space into a memorable experience.”
A Christmas tablescape by Bella Vie Event Company. Florist: Liv Gracefully Blooms. Venue: Strauss Cabin Farmhouse.
Linen and place setting rentals: Flexx Productions. Photo by E.T.C. Photography.
Farmhouse glam Christmas table
Since founding Bella Vie Event Company in 2018, Abigail Dixon has used her artistic eye to curate weddings, corporate events and private celebrations across Northern Colorado. Holidays are her favorite time to push boundaries and try new ideas, especially when it comes to the table.
“I have styled more holiday tables than I could ever count, but never the same way twice,” she says. “There are endless details to play with and new concepts to explore.”
For a cozy Christmas dinner, Dixon blends rustic farmhouse charm with a sparkle of luxury. Burlap runners, log slices and twine paired with mason jars set a casual tone, while brushed gold flatware and lush floral arrangements elevate the look. To break away from traditional red and green, she chooses bold black heirloom china.
She often designs menus or small favors for each place setting. Place cards, folded napkins and greenery tucked into lanterns and chair backs add even more character.
“Those little touches elevate the look of a table and make the entire experience more personal for your guests,” she says.
The type of meal also guides Dixon’s choices. A plated dinner calls for more formal place settings, with each piece set in a particular order according to how the courses are intended to be enjoyed. A buffet involves a simpler setup, and an appetizer-style gathering or cocktail hour, often enjoyed while standing, might only call for small plates and cocktail napkins. Beyond the look of the table, Dixon emphasizes the overall atmosphere.
“All the senses matter,” she says. “The scent of evergreens or cinnamon, the glow of candlelight, old-fashioned Christmas music in the background, the warmth of hot chocolate and the taste of fresh-baked gingerbread all come together to create a yuletide ambiance that enchants guests the moment they walk through the door.”
For Dixon, the joy is in collaboration. She often works with other vendors who help bring her vision to life, including florists and photographers.
“When true artists are given the freedom to create from the heart, beautiful things happen,” she says.
A New Year’s tablescape by Jennifer Peters.
Elegant New Year’s table
Jennifer Peters of Loveland has loved decorating since childhood, when she spent hours repainting furniture and flipping through design magazines. That early passion grew into creating welcoming spaces for her own family and friends.
“I’ve always enjoyed hosting,” she says. “For me, it’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable, celebrated and inspired.”
For her New Year’s tablescape, Peters draws inspiration from winter itself. She envisions a look of elegance and sparkle that feels celebratory but still cozy. Golds, silvers and soft neutrals make up the palette, which is accented by shimmering textures.
A fluffy runner anchors the table, while reflective votives, silver-rimmed glasses and lighted trees catch the glow of candlelight. Majestic reindeer figurines bring in a playful touch.
“Lighting is always important,” Peters says. “I layer votive candles and string lights to create warmth and highlight the mix of soft and shiny elements.”
The effect is both glamorous and inviting, creating an aesthetic that captures the essence of the new year.
“When guests walk in, I want them to step into a festive haven,” she says. “The cozy chill of winter blends with the sparkle of anticipation for a fresh new year. It’s about creating a space where people can relax, celebrate and look forward to what’s ahead.”
