I’m in the midst of planning a gorgeous tablescape for Dining by Design, a great event hosted by Replacements that will be held at the upcoming High Point Market. I’m sifting through thousands of inspiration photos and ideas, but I know that there are 5 things my table setting will definitely have! Let’s take a look!!

Modern Geometrics

Jill Rosenwald

Bright, colourful patterns that combine fluid and geometric designs are fashion-forward in tabletop right now! I am SO inspired by designer and potter Jill Rosenwald from Boston - her pattern play is like no other!! And look at those colours! She definitely speaks my language.

Layering Old and New

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

It’s all in the mix when it comes to table settings today. Replacements is the perfect partner for this trend-forward look because they offer an incredible selection of new and vintage pieces - 11 million to be precise!!

Textural Designs

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

Texture is nothing new on a table, but usually it’s found in the linens and flatware. Textural plates are a fresh look for tables today, adding a lot of interest and dimension.

Dressed-Up Casual

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

Overly formal looks are a thing of the past - today it’s all about a relaxed look that’s still a bit dressy! I love a mix-and-match approach that gives you that laid-back look, while still setting a proper place at the table!

Fresh Flowers

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

I cannot even imagine a table without fresh flowers and greenery!! It can be a central bouquet, a collection of tiny vases that each hold one bud, or a centerpiece of vines and branches - but definitely be sure to set your table with blooms and stems!

I can’t wait to show you more of my inspiration for the table I’m designing at High Point Market - stay tuned!!

Until next time,

-Cynthia

I absolutely love having family and friends visit during the holidays! Planning those dinner parties and get-togethers are half the fun for me, but I know some people find it to be stressful. The key is to not try to make everything perfect, but to enjoy every moment! So I’ve put together 4 of my best tips to set a stress-free - and gorgeous! - holiday table:

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

Mix high and low

I like to use three categories of items on my tables: current, vintage, and precious. Current could be something you picked up at a store that isn’t necessarily expensive, but you love it! Vintage could be china you inherited from your grandmother, or a great piece of silver you found at an antique store. And precious - well that’s something that holds more sentimental value than monetary value. Then it’s all layered on the table; it makes the look approachable, but still special!!

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

Fresh flowers

Always have fresh flowers or greenery on the table. It could be a bouquet professionally done, or a bunch of seasonal flowers from your local market, or even fresh-cut greenery. If budget is tight, spread the bunch of flowers out by using single bud vases lined down the middle of the table for greater visual impact!

Cynthia Ferguson Designs

Make it personal

If it’s a family gathering, use some vintage pieces passed down to you. If it’s a bunch of friends gathering, make simple place cards, tie ribbon to the back of each chair, and thread the place card through the ribbon

One of my own collections!

Use your collections

There is nothing better than a collection. Maybe it’s a collection of salt and pepper shakers. Maybe a collection of monogrammed napkin. Perhaps a collection of mini nutcrackers. Use your collections to make your table about you and your personality. People are gathering around your table because they want to spend time with you. Show them a little about you through your collections. Don’t have a collection? Start on by searching on Etsy or going to your local thrift store. Start with what speaks to you and go from there!

Use these tips to create new memories this holiday season - and remember to have FUN!!

Until next time,

-Cynthia