Setting the Table with Caroline Diani

‘Tis the season for gathering around the table, enjoying a delicious and nourishing meal and spending time with family and friends. If you’re playing host this year, we know how much goes into coordinating a dinner party, from menu planning to festive decorations and table setting details. As I prepare my home for the holidays, I like to create a table setting that’s festive, yet understated by adding elegant and living accents mixed with rustic soul.

Before I start decorating the table, I like to create a focal point with one of our new DIANI Living table runners. The handwoven Stripes and Blocks Runner has a great neutral color palate and is 100% cotton so you can easily toss it in the washing machine post-dinner party.

For the table’s centerpiece, I added one of our beautiful Custom Succulent Arrangements created in a vintage wooden brick mold. The rustic exterior adds a nice contrast against the ceramic dishes and elegant glassware and the horizontal low-lying shape allows for easy cross-table conversation. Living green elements are a great reminder that everything starts with the earth and that nature nourishes our body and mind.

After creating the centerpiece, I begin layering in the dinnerware. To compliment the dark grey stripes in the table runner, I use our Chamberlin Platter in gunmetal as a charger. Layered on top is our bamboo Flat Plate and Lace Salad Plate. The contrast between the textured ceramic and smooth bamboo adds interest to each table setting.

To keep with the festive color story, I used our Amwell Red Wine Glass and Champagne Flute. This elegant stemware is simple, but the moody smoked color makes a statement. It also pairs perfectly with the ceramic chargers and Bon Napkins in Anthracite. Our handmade Succulent Napkin Rings are the perfect topper for each place setting. The hint of green is a great way to lighten up your festive decor and adds a special touch without making it too formal.

It’s not a dinner gathering without a few candles, especially during the holidays. I topped the table runner with a sprinkling of my favorite Vintage Brass Candlesticks and pure unscented beeswax Rope Candles in natural, black and cream. These candlesticks can easily be mixed in with your own candle assortment and festive decor for a touch of elegance.

You don’t need elaborate appetizers for a holiday dinner party. I put together a simple bread board with a variety of snacks to nibble on. A Vintage Bread Board makes it easy to throw together something last minute. It also adds a rustic element to the table and keeps the vibe casual, yet put together.

To complete my holiday table setting and create a warm, inviting space, I added the Dakhla Throw and a few African Batik Grey Pillows on top of my wooden benches.

For holiday recipe inspiration, I turn to some of my favorite DIANI Living cookbooks. Since I’m mostly vegan, Deliciously Ella is my go-to for delicious, nourishing dishes and Sunday Suppers is a must for festive recipes.

Shop for all of your holiday hosting essentials and tableware pieces online at dianiliving.com or in our store. Our customer care team is happy to help you find what you need to make each and every holiday gathering a special one.

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Custom Succulent Arrangements, starting at $35

Stripes & Blocks Runner, $80

Petersyn Basil Pant, $210

Raquel Allegra Victorian Blouse, $470

Chamberlin Platter, Gunmetal, $125

Flat Plate, $45

Lace Salad Plate, $55

Amwell Red Wine Glass, Smoked, $18

Succulent Napkin Ring, $10

Amwell Champagne Flute, Smoked, $18

Bon Napkin, Anthracite, $30

Deliciously Ella, $25

Vintage Brass Candlestick, Single, 8.5″, $40

Vintage German Bread Board, $175

Sunday Suppers, $35

African Batik Grey Pillow, $160

Rope Candles, Pair, $30.00

Dakhla Throw Blanket, $375