DIY Decor

Three local pros reveal fresh looks for holiday hot spots, and show you how to master them at home.

WRITTEN BY EMILY UHLAND
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Set Your Table: 

Get Inspired. Dunn repeated the signature element, clear acrylic and glass, in the chairs, chargers, place cards, menu card and centerpiece vases.

Don’t overlook the details. A silver tuxedo stripe on the table is echoed in the silver rimmed place setting. Dunn chose squared off glassware to continue the modern feel.

Layers create warmth. With a minimalist color palette, carefully layering each place setting makes the table feel full and welcoming. Here a beaded charger, rimmed dinner and salad plates, folded napkin and personalized place cards complete the look.

Rent rather than buy. Get the look you’re striving for without a permanent commitment. Dunn used local companies ThemeWorks and CE Rental to find the perfect pieces for her design.

Event planner Katie Dunn wants to lighten up her holiday parties this year. Tired of dark wood and traditional Christmas green and red, Dunn, owner of La Fête Event Planning, created an airy and dramatic tablescape fitting for a holiday dinner or a New Year’s Eve bash. Inspired by the acrylic ghost chairs, Dunn used elegant clear, white and silver materials accented with vibrant red pops for a table that feels celebratory but doesn’t look overly Christmassy. Clear ornament place cards become favors for guests to take home.

Special thanks to The Oaks at Salem, ThemeWorks, Fresh Affairs, Calligraphy by Carrie, CE Rentals and Donovan’s Dish. 

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DIY: CLEAR ORNAMENT PLACE CARDS


1. Start with clear, fillable ornaments.


2. Using a colorful paint pen, write each guest’s name on an ornament.


3. Fill ornament with Water Gems, clear beads used as vase filler and to water cut flowers, about three-quarters full.


4. Trim spray roses to about a 4-inch stem.


5. Insert stem into top of ornament. Display on a napkin to stabilize.