As We Gather

No matter how simple or elegant the occasion, every host or hostess wants the setting to be one to remember.

With that in mind, we challenged three of Jacksonville’s top designers to decorate memorable tabletops in three beautiful model homes. The results, as you might expect, were exquisitely innovative.

When creating your own holiday tabletop, our designers recommend you choose a style and color scheme that suits your home, use as many natural materials as possible and keep it simple.

Throw in heavy doses of love and cheer and you’ll have a holiday dining room sure to impress even the most finicky of guests.

For this traditional dining room in Arthur Rutenberg Homes/Marcus Allen Homes’ Montura model, designer/owner Laura West Howson of Mineral City kept a traditional holiday color palette—but jazzed it up with vibrant shades of lime and orange-red. Layered placemats and lacy napkin overlays add warmth and texture to the simple yet stunning design palette while lime green stemware and flatware unify the overall look. The spectacular winter-themed centerpiece—really five smaller arrangements side-by-side—was the inspiration behind Howson’s design. The same red and white florals were used for accent wreaths and a coordinating bouquet on the buffet table. “You want your guests to be comfortable,” says Howson. “I created a safe and secure room with a comfy, nesting feel to it.”

Mineral City,
240 Highway AIA,
North Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
(904) 285-4784

Jennifer Bean of Sisler Johnston Interior Design created this soothing coastal vision for a CornerStone Homes model in St. Joe’s RiverTown community. In keeping with the sea-glass blue, chocolate brown and cream color palette found throughout the home, Bean combined a seashell theme with traditional place settings of gold and silver Lenox and Gorham china and flatware. Turquoise blue and brown crackle glass ornaments add sparkle while handpainted seahorse and starfish ornaments continue the whimsical theme. The elegant, natural centerpiece was crafted from a mix of evergreens, horsetail garlands, gold-tipped leaves and stems of coral with birch wood sticks adding height. “Our setting combines modern themes with a traditional setting, throwing in fun elements like treasure-themed gift boxes and glass bottle place cards,” says Bean. “The holidays are not just red and green anymore.”

Sisler Johnston Interior Design,
9454 Philips Highway Suite 8,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 288-0908.
Greenery and ornaments provided by Design Elements of North Florida,
(904) 292-0661

For the Sophia model in Pulte Homes’ Vizcaya community, Barbara Ondo Morrison of Barbara Ondo Designs served up a fun seasonal party theme that was literally good enough to eat. Brightly colored gift boxes serve as a backdrop for divine desserts while the crisp colors of emerald green, poinsettia red and snowflake white whet guests’ appetites for the holidays. A variety of greenery, jewel-tone glasses and the sparkle of gold ribbon complete the festive look while a sprinkling of tiny red and green balls add whimsy. “The tantalizing dessert offerings are the true centerpieces of our table,” says Ondo Morrison. “The bright and joyous setting mirrors the festive spirit of the holidays.”

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Barbara Ondo Designs,
5415 San Jose Blvd., Suite A,
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 737-6500
Accessories provided by Bad Alice’s Briar Patch,
(904) 733-8955

In the Durbin Crossing community, the Rita Williams Merchandising Plus team turned the earth-toned dining room of a Ryland Homes’ Keystone model into an elegant Christmas wonderland using sparkling gold, silver and red hues. A low, elongated centerpiece made from Christmas tree branches intertwined with gold leaves, red frosted fruit and gold crystal candles facilitates across-the-table conversations. White dinner plates adorned with gold and silver poinsettias and white salad plates accented with gold Christmas trees were layered on gold chargers, which completed each place setting. Circles of gold decorated the wine and brandy glasses while shimmering red-and-gold-decorated gift boxes held red printed place cards. Continuing the red-and-gold theme, red organza sashes were tied around each dining chair and secured with sprigs of golden pomegranate and leaves. To top it off, glittering red-beaded ornaments and garlands accented with red and silver ribbons were suspended from the chandelier, creating a dazzling focal point. On the sideboard was placed a pair of grapevine reindeer festively decorated with greenery, ribbons and gold-speckled red poinsettias. “That arrangement playfully invites guests to get into the holiday spirit,” says Williams.

Rita Williams Merchandising Plus,
3508 Cardinal Point Drive,
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 731-8096