A Gilded Leaf Inspired Table Setting

We're hosting Thanksgiving this year and I couldn't be more excited.  Firstly, because it happens to be my favorite holiday and, secondly, because of my love for a well dressed table.  This year, gold tipped leaves inspired a table setting that turned out both earthy and sophisticated.  Vintage Russel Wright dishes, a colorful runner, berry filled twigs, wood and brass create a look and a feel that complement our home's mid-century design well.  Take a look and find out below how to quickly gild leaves for the upcoming holidays.

Himalayan pink rock salt decorates each setting and is also a take home gift for our guests.

Clusters of berries tied to the gilded leaves serve as mini botanical arrangements that can become hanging ornaments for our guests.

Gold Tipped Leaves

Supplies:

Magnolia leaves (they're thick and won't crack as the paint dries), gold paint and twine.

Instructions:

Tie twine to the leaf stem. Dip the tip directly into the paint. Hang and let dry for 1 to 2 days.

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.                                                                                                                                 

Holiday Table Setting: Tapestries, Sugar Sticks and 3 Tips

We're hosting our West Coast family the day after Christmas and for the table setting, my mother-in-law gave me a beautiful Indian tapestry to use as a table cloth.  Its colors and designs fit right in with our greenish concrete floors and redwood walls.   Evergreen sprigs and sugar sticks will decorate each setting.  The sticks will sweeten our after dinner teas and coffees.  Take a close-up look:

3 Holiday Table Setting Tips***Keep the setting simple, but interesting.  By adding texture, color and natural elements you can transform your everyday dining experience into a holiday event. 

1.  Layer:  Bring texture to your table setting by using different size dishes, adding a tablecloth, napkins and/or placemats.

2. Garnish:  Place an evergreen sprig at each setting.  This eliminates the need for a centerpiece, which in turn, will provide you with more table space.

3.  Celebrate:  Make lots of toasts to family, good friends and all the things in life you're grateful for!

A Seasonal Table Setting: A Collaboration With Didriks

Cocoon Home recently had the opportunity to collaborate on a seasonal table setting at Didriks in Cambridge, Ma.  Together we chose from an amazing selection of dishes, glassware  and linens to create a beautiful autumnal setting accented with botanicals.  To see how the concept and design came together click here.   Many thanks to everyone at Didriks it was a pleasure working with you.