’Tis the season for dining in style.
Yuletide festivities (and feasts) provide the perfect canvas to debut an inspired holiday table design. Whether your hosting style veers toward the traditional or the contemporary, you’ll be sure to find inspiration in the tables set by three of our favourite local designers.
DAVID BURMAN
David Burman is the founder, owner, and operator of Mister Style—the answer to a well-furnished, creatively curated home, whether you’re staging to sell or styling to stay. For those uncertain as to how to attract a home’s best possible buyers, Mister Style offers partial or full home stages designed to highlight the true potential of a space.
David Burman’s holiday design is anything but ordinary.
“We wanted to create a whimsical, modern table setting. My style is eclectic and modern, and instead of traditional Christmas colours, we chose black, pink, white, and gold,” says Burman.
“It’s been an unexpected year, why shouldn’t this year’s table setting include a couple of bold design choices?
Among his favourite items are the feather tree, which he and his team created specifically for this design. Burman knew from the outset he wanted to incorporate his grandparents’ lucite and brass candlesticks—opting to switch things up by placing ornaments on them instead of candles.
Keeping with Burman’s non-traditional approach to design, he feels as though there are no real musts when it comes to a great holiday table setting, citing instead that creating an environment that invites conversation is more important.
“We didn’t use wine glasses in our design because our parties naturally flow from a cocktail hour to the table. We also didn’t use place cards because I find parties that are not as structured tend to be more fun.”
Burman shares that his holiday traditions are usually all about family and friends.
“The holiday season for me usually kicks off with our annual coat drive for the Children’s Aid Society—it’s such an important cause. For years, my friends have all done a Christmas Eve sleepover, then Christmas Day is all about family. We celebrate at my parents’ house—I love watching my niece and nephews open their presents!”
JODI MASON
Mason is the owner and operator of Urbanhome—a destination for inspired, luxury design services and uniquely chic décor pieces within her shoppable showroom. With a focus on creating fashionable, functional designs, Mason’s leading inspiration for each space is the combination of personalities of the people who will occupy it.
Jodi Mason’s seasonal table setting is a celebration of the great outdoors.
Mason aimed to set a mood that was authentic and naturally influenced, one that intended to bring the outside indoors—she says she always recommends the use of real greenery for holiday décor.
“My co-designer, Philip Couinard, was a major source of inspiration for this design—the table was set using all-natural greens and elements from his yard! It includes a collection of pine branches, evergreen swags, holly, and dogwood branches… all cradling a set of deer antlers.”
Mason sought to create a space that was both warm and serene.
“One of my favourite elements here are the staggered candles suspended in water-filled glass cylinders. This, along with the twinkle lights, gives it great ambiance and a festive, celebratory feel.”
For Mason, a table setting is an excellent canvas to create impactful atmosphere within a space.
“An elaborate tablescape is an incredible way to showcase holiday designs and act as a focal point of a space to enjoy ahead of a meal. This can always be scaled down through removing select elements before dinner to create a more functional space at the table.”
For Mason, the holidays mean family and friends and the opportunity to give and to celebrate her faith.
“We have a Christmas Eve open house every year—my friends and family flock over for traditional Lebanese food that I make using recipes passed down from my grandmother. It’s the only time of year I do it.”
For more inspired designs be sure to follow Jodi and David on Instagram at @urbanhomewsr and @misterstyleinc.
