Tabletop is the centerpiece of the holidays, literally and figuratively. It introduces a theme, sets the tone for a special meal, and brings out the host/hostess’ personality. With Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah right around the corner, both falling on November 28 this year, Rye’s florists and home furnishing experts share some creative ideas.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
Tabletop is the centerpiece of the holidays, literally and figuratively. It introduces a theme, sets the tone for a special meal, and brings out the host/hostess’ personality. With Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah right around the corner, both falling on November 28 this year, Rye’s florists and home furnishing experts share some creative ideas.
One can never go wrong with fresh flowers on a holiday table. After all, what else adds nature, color, and fragrance all in one beautiful package? Rockridge Deli and Florist’s Lagana family create turkey-shaped floral arrangements and pumpkin centerpieces filled with fall flowers for the Thanksgiving table, or customers may bring in their own containers. Their vibrant mums in yellow, orange, and gold, as well as their orchids, fit every occasion. And, as Gemma Lagana noted, “Our apple, blueberry, pumpkin, and pecan pies look and smell pretty good on a tabletop as well.” 967-2419
At Greene Willow, owner Michael Falkowski suggests “flowers with fall tones for Thanksgiving and combinations of white and green for Hanukkah.” Indeed, the florist creates magnificent centerpieces with a wide selection of brilliant shades, including mango-colored mini calla lilies; burgundy hydrangeas; orange tulips; salmon amaryllis; purple kale; and terracotta roses called “coffee break” for their cappuccino hue. All these flowers look elegant in white as well.
Falkowski likes to insert some silk berries in his arrangements, too. “They last forever and don’t fall all over your house,” he said. Also on hand are Greene Willow’s orchids, votives, and ceramic and copper containers. 921-4431
There are plenty of alternatives of the non-floral variety that brighten a dining room, too. Michele Green, who co-owns The Open House on Purdy Avenue with Barbara Sperling, believes “the holidays call for a significant centerpiece, something that is special and festive.” Their shop carries unique pieces that include a platter from France made with the wood from the top of a wine barrel and hand-forged iron handles. An oversized gold leaf metal bowl can be filled with preserved boxwood balls or gourds for Thanksgiving. For Hanukkah, mercury glass votives are available in all shapes and sizes. Gleaming leaf platters and horn salad servers will add elegance to any table. 481-8470
Wish, also on Purdy Avenue, carries a wide range of tabletop accents. Owner Denise MacDonald suggested a “sparkly and festive” table for Hanukkah, complete with cloth white napkins tied with oversized blue ribbons. She prefers keeping it natural and rustic for Thanksgiving and recommends “a centerpiece with fruits, berries, and pineapples to welcome family and friends to your table.” MacDonald likes to bring in the outdoors and carries a decorative squirrel for a buffet to prove it. Spode dinnerware with a pheasant pattern, traditional cornucopia, feathered napkin rings, and bobeche adorned with French silk ribbon also top Wish’s list. 967-2910
Twig Antiques on Smith Street carries vintage and mid-century furnishings. A fine collection of hand painted trays and platters, as well as decorative silver-plated chafing dishes, add character to any dining room. Twig volunteers have also assembled glass apothecary jars that may be filled with shells, marbles, and one’s favorite ornaments.
Their dramatic English Copeland Spode turkey platter and turkey salt-and-pepper shakers belong on a Thanksgiving table. The shop’s striking hand-blown blue glass dishes and dessert glasses are just right for Hanukkah. 967-4518
Nest Inspired Home co-owners Bets Miller, Aly Drew, and Stephanie Cascione McNally have an affinity for mixing patterns and metals. Manager Lotte Meister suggests, “gold and silver, candles, flowers, and even things one may collect.” For Hanukkah, she loves their mercury glass votives with white ginger jars on a silver tray.
Among Nest’s spectacular accents for any occasion is a party bucket with rings to hold champagne and wine bottles; white resin candlesticks with birds on branches; and feathery pheasant placemats. The Purchase Street shop will introduce Michael Wainwright dishes, Dransfield Ross linens, and Harvey and Strait cloth napkins in time for the holidays. 921-6378
