Decorating for the Holidays

Many magazines will show you ways to decorate, but when they do the before and after, the photograph is never taken from the same angle. As an artist and a photographer that bothers me. The perception of some people is to recreate what they see and that perspective is important.

Here is a step by step to creating a dining table for the holidays.

 The inspiration is from Classic Hollywood. I've been watching a lot of old black and white films thanks to MoviestvNetwork. The color scheme is black and silver. A table cloth is used to match the chairs.

 A mirror is placed in the center of the table for illumination, reflection and ambience in the room.

The table runner was one I had picked up at IKEA, but since I could never find what I was looking for I decided to embellish it with mirrors.

 Then the other items for display are added. A sculpture candle libra and two candle holders. Clear and crackled glass adds to the classic look.

You can add placements before or wait until your guests arrive and are ready to eat. Adding the placements doesn't allow the mirror to show through. Then add the plates I used black and white with alternating napkins and silver napkin rings. Salt and pepper shakers are clear plastic, but you can use glass as well.

 This is a different variation of the finished table without the placemats. I also did a variation without the table runner since I wanted the mirror to act as the focal point. It only takes about an hour to pull this look together and you can use what you have on hand instead of going out and spending money.