HOLIDAY DECOR
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Island Living Room | Raynald "Cristobal" coral setting ($43 to $95) has a touch of gold for holiday glam yet works year round. A single Kim Seybert hand-beaded starfish placemat ($125) will hold its own as a centerpiece. Finishing touch: Turnwald shell napkin rings ($95 set of four).
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Who cares what's being served when the tables look this good? How's that as a strategy for the novice at entertaining: Dazzle 'em with dinnerware, table linens and accessories.
The visual design team at Neiman Marcus shows how it's done at the C.S. Wo Gallery, where 10 tables are dressed to the nines for the holidays through Sunday.
Each table plays off a theme in its surrounding showroom. The Ralph Lauren section table is East Coast nautical, while the Island Living presentation uses a coral motif for casual elegance. They're all set to inspire one to either drop by Neiman's Home Decor department for a sparkly beaded placemat or two, or massage a concept into your own. For instance, mimic a dramatic long centerpiece of cranberries and candles, using a serving tray filled with berries and tea lights.
After seeing these, you'll want to challenge your inner Martha and invite all your friends over for a festive dinner. Beginners: Tell them it's potluck.
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Children's Table | Handwoven table cloth by the Neiman Marcus design team is a fitting backdrop for Mackenzie Childs "Courtly Check" pattern ($28 to $135). Neiman Marcus debuts its Chocolate Chip cookie mix this season ($16): Just add the wet ingredients (eggs, etc.) for a yummy Christmas treat.
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Contemporary | JL Coquet "Toundra Automne" with retro starburst motif ($80 to $130), paired with St. Louis "Grand Lieu" glassware ($90 to $150) and Salviati tall cocktails ($180 for set of four). Pears serve as place card holders.
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Main Table | Miniature picture frames by Jay Strongwater take the place of name cards. Glass holly and ivy napkin rings and napkins by Kim Seybert ($34 each) break up the formality. "Old Imari Holiday" china pattern by Royal Crown Derby range from $80 to $195.
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Contemporary | A boxed and wrapped ornament with the guest's name on a gift tag is a gracious momento of a lovely evening, set on the dinner chair as a place card.
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Ralph Lauren Room | Mottahedeh "Imperial Blue" traditional blue and white china gets dresssed for the occasion with accessories by Kim Seybert: Glittery beaded placemat ($65), capiz shell charger ($55) and napkins edged with silver embroidery. Turnwald shell napkin rings ($95 for a set of four) and Ruzzetti & Gow sterling silver starfish ($250) complete the look.
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Rosalina's Table By Doug Jago | Persimmons strategically placed make fitting accents for a table set with Versace by Rosenthal "Arabesque Gold" (salad plate, $95; dinner, $120; service, $275).
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Contemporary | Red beaded placemats by Kim Seybert ($65) contrast with hip-to-be-square Bernardaud "Fusion White" china. Waterford Evolution
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Contemporary | Bowls ($80), right, can be filled with tiny red glass ornaments or beaded garlands. Here, red corded spheres are used to disguise the vase holding white tulips within the bowl.
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