Dressing up the table this Holiday season

Linda Davis, Petal Florist

Creating tablescapes with memories

Linda Fern Davis is a resident expert in dressing up the table. As the owner of Petals Florist in Melbourne, she knows that a pretty table setting is where new memories are made. She also enjoys sharing how tablescapes can be created by incorporating your fondest memories.

“Growing up in New England, the holidays were very special,” Davis said. “We always wore pretty dresses for dinner and all our finest tableware was used.

“I always wanted to be decorating things ever since I was very young. I can remember picking up acorn caps, sanding off the points and making bowls for my dollhouse.”

Davis has collected many complete sets of dishes to set the tone for any occasion. Here, she shares five different looks to inspire your next special occasion at the table.

Shimmer Gold and Silver

• The mixture of gold and silver provides a glamorous display that serves well as an elegant table setting.
• The silverware is two-tone gold and silver and was the inspiration for the setting.
• The acorns are mercury glass and the unusual candle holders are used as floral lifters.
• Gold napkin rings accent silver metallic napkins.
• White roses and silver dollar greenery florals add soft and romantic elements.

Eclectic Royal

• This dramatic table decor evokes an eclectic and rich feeling.
• Dramatic orange roses against a purple backdrop create strong contrast.
• This is my personal favorite table setting: My mother loved anything leopard and orange has been my favorite color since I announced that at the age of 4. The unusual color combination with leopard and the rich purple tablecloth sends this table over the top.

Plaid Traditional

• This setting is the most charming. It’s traditional, warm and inviting.
• It incorporates collections from my life: Blanket from Scotland, silver collected from my grandmother and mother.
• Tuscan metal charges, red dishes and menu cards add to the overall look.
• This makes you want to light a fire and drink hot chocolate!

Autumn Glow

• These dishes imported from France are the most unusual in my collection.  
• The repetitive use of yellow and mustard has a charming autumn feeling.
• The arrangement in the pumpkin is made with artificial flowers and can be used throughout the season through Thanksgiving.
• I pulled the color red for the napkins out of the tablecloth and it provides a nice contrast.
• I use this color combination in my personal residence most often. I am drawn to fall, It has always been my favorite season.

Zen

• Square woven chargers and plates give an Asian feel, coupled with forged metal contemporary style silverware.
• The succulents arranged in a mercury glass container provide an organic and metallic combination.
• The plate of turbo semantics seashells is another simple idea for an interesting table centerpiece..
• Our little world...nature is wonderful!

Petals Florist

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