Our dining table has always been one of the most seasonally decorated spots in our home. I love to decorate for the holidays, but I prefer a subtle nod to each season rather than an all-or-nothing switch. I’m not the type to put away Halloween on November 1 and immediately bring out all the Christmas decorations; I like to savor the in-between days too.
I enjoy gradually updating the table—adding a few seasonal pieces and removing others as the weeks go by. That way I can keep nesting and puttering around the house and enjoy the changing seasons a little longer.
Recently Wayfair invited me to take on a challenge: decorate a holiday table using five items from a provided list. It sounded like a fun prompt to stretch my creativity, and it gave me the push I needed to finally set the table. Sometimes a little nudge is the best motivator.
The items I selected were the following:
I like to start with a theme that isn’t tied to a specific season—metallics like silver and gold work especially well—and then weave in seasonal accents. For this table I combined the challenge items with a few of my own pieces to create a look that feels both classic and fresh. Investing in neutral, timeless pieces helps keep costs down because they can be used year after year; metallics are especially versatile for fall and winter occasions.
The finished table is an informal, pretty mix that reflects where we are in the season. Eclectic chairs and relaxed styling fit my casual approach—nothing too formal, just inviting.
I included a hint of the sea because I love coastal touches year-round, some fall and Thanksgiving elements, and a bit of holiday sparkle. The metallic silver bowl I ordered turned out to be even more beautiful in person than I expected. It’s food-safe, which I appreciated, but for the challenge I filled it with mercury glass ornaments to serve as a festive centerpiece.
To add a playful overhead element, I tied gold ornaments to fishing line and attached them to the lantern above the table. The mirrored ornaments catch the light and create a cheerful holiday moment floating above the setting.
I also used a tall vase to display dried corn husks—an unexpected twist on a traditional bouquet that feels seasonal and textural. Those elements are easy to swap out after Thanksgiving for more winter-specific decor, like whimsical snowmen or small evergreen accents.
Have you thought about how you could decorate your table for the season?
Consider starting with versatile staples—metallics, neutral linens, and a few unique pieces—and then layer in seasonal touches that you can easily change as the holidays approach. Small swaps keep the table feeling fresh without a full overhaul.
Sources:
Gold ornaments
Gold chargers
Square plates
Amber goblet vase
Silver deconstructed bowl
Table linens purchased in store.