Setting the holiday table with Laura Park
Laura has an affection for color and design. A self- taught artist, her signature patterns are all created from Laura’s original colorful artwork. Laura has exquisite talent in layering her paintings with bold
colors and brushstrokes to create unique whimsical abstract designs. The original piece is photographed then created into digital patterns which can then transfer onto textiles. Her array of products includes pillows, wallpaper, lifestyle and home ac- cessories, tabletop decor and more!
With her flagship store in Charlotte, N.C. Laura shares how to create the perfect festive dining table.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION.
With so many pops of color how do you like to begin the pro- cess of designing the holiday table? Is there a go to foundation you like to use to start the process?
Laura: I always begin with one of our lively tablecloths. Palm Green is one of my favorites because it is so versatile and easy to combine with the rest of our signature patterns. The greens are super flexible with Christmas and Thanksgiving. Dogwood is also a great foundation for layering colors.
TRADITION
A festive table can set the ambiance for the evening. Not only can it set the mood for the evening and be a conversation start- er, it can also be a representation of your holiday traditions. What are your holiday table staples?
Laura: When I think holiday meals I immediately think of family gathered around to celebrate and enjoy each other’s com- pany. I try to make sure and have seasonal décor to set the tone of whatever we are celebrating. Depending on the holiday, I like to incorporate small decorations like pumpkins for Thanksgiv- ing, holly branches for Christmas, confetti for birthdays or other fun trinkets to fill in any gaps in the table setting. No table is complete without a theme!
INCORPORATE FUNCTIONAL AND BEAUTIFUL.
There is never a better time than a holiday dinner to bring out the ex- travagant dinnerware and glassware, polished silver pieces, and a beau- tiful collection of heirloom crystal or china. How do you incorporate old school glamour with updated unique design pieces?
Laura: I love the idea of blending elegant heirlooms with the colorful, carefree feel of our designs. I really enjoy the dynamic look and feel you get from mixing colors and patterns as well as layering the old with the new. Of course, I have my old school collection of tabletop décor that I love, but I always try to find that healthy balance so I don’t make the table feel too stiff. For instance, if I’m using my classic crystal glasses, I’ll pair them with our bright melamine plates for an unexpected twist.
BRIGHT SPARKLES
Nows is the time to layer in the big sparkles. Is there a piece de resis- tance you like to include on your holiday table?
Laura: Flowers are always at the center of every table I design! I love using a vibrant flower arrangement to pull out the color palettes of ourpatterns. They can set the tone for the whole event. I really think any ta- ble is incomplete without an oversized display of flowers that get peopleoohing and ahhing. I try to make all my tables so picture-perfect that people can’t help but take out their phones and snap a photo. I think flowers are a big part of making that happen.
FINISHING TOUCHES
What are the little must-haves for the finishing touches on any holiday table?
Laura: I love a good napkin ring for a holiday table. We have great acrylic napkin rings that are perfect for year-round use, but for the hol- idays I like to find napkin rings that tastefully reflect the occasion. I like to look at it as the ribbon on a pretty present that ties the whole look together. Little details like that can really elevate your tablescape espe- cially when it comes to the holidays.
