Another holiday season is upon us, and while some traditions remain fresh year after year, others can start to feel stale faster than you can break open that box of red and green ornaments. Even the classic schemes – icy blues, glitzy golds, snowy whites – can feel tired after a few years. If you’re the type who eschews the familiar, try infusing a new festive spirit into your holiday celebrations this year with a fabulous glamour-inspired tabletop of pinks, purples and dazzling metallics for a sensational spin on traditional cheer, joy and good tidings.


A glamorous table
“Use a beautiful patterned paper or interesting fabric as your inspiration,” says stylist Lara McGraw, who created the sparkling look of this dressed-up dining room. “It’s an instant mood board.” Lara’s jumping-off point was a sari fabric, and she made the leap from there to Bollywood, an aesthetic that’s all about saturated colours, rich textiles and glittering jewels. “Keep it modern and sophisticated by choosing a colour palette and staying within it,” Lara adds.
Glitzy pillows
This look may be all about luxury, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to create – you might just be surprised by how much glitz and glam you can buy on a budget. Inexpensive shiny ornaments, luxe cushions made from sequins and velvets, beaded garlands and some old costume jewellery,
for example, will go a long way here.
A floating centrepiece
An easy way to set the stage and add a bit of drama to the room is to create a floating centrepiece by hanging a few shimmery ornaments from your chandelier. “It’s a great way to decorate your room without doing much, and it looks good from all angles,” says Lara. “Be sure to vary the heights of the ornaments and use different textures of ribbon and fabric, such as decorative string and organza, for a light, airy feel.”
Bling accessories
Playful opulence is a key element here, so don’t be afraid to bring it with bling. “Look for votive holders, candles, napkin rings, dishes and glassware with a bit of sparkle, but don’t let twinkly become tacky,” says Lara. “Layer lots of different textures into the scheme with glittery ornaments, baubles, coloured beads and sequins to lend interest, not intimidation.”
Unexpected blooms
Instead of setting out the usual poinsettias, holly and mistletoe, complement your glamorous theme with unexpected blooms in shades of pink and purple. “Mix and match inexpensive carnations with exotic orchids,” says Lara. “Let everything be very casual and informal and try to pick flowers with just a subtle hint of fragrance – you don’t want too much scent on your holiday table.”
Soft hues
Silver, blue and purple are lovely foils for the delicate pinks Lara worked with in this dining room, but what pulls the whole scheme together is the ingenious use of fabrics on the table. “Find a few different runners (even a couple of lengths of inexpensive sequined fabric will do) and layer them to create a multi-dimensional look,” says Lara. “Use your imagination, but try to stick to a neutral palette of soft hues to keep it fresh and to let the other elements on the table shine.”