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video & photography by   TARA SGROI produced & styled by   KATE BERRY text by   ANNA KOCHARIAN

Setting the scene for a winter fete usually entails the inclusion of festive greens and lustrous dinnerware to match. But after the holidays, when such a scheme would render itself unfitting, a fresh direction is in need. We set out to create a tablescape that would emulate the distinct qualities of the season by using the decorative elements already in our arsenal.

With a beautifully understated aesthetic in mind, you can create an effortlessly stunning setup by incorporating your existing dinnerware with a handful of decorative accents. Ahead, the tried-and-true tricks you need to transform your basics into an elevated scene.

BLUE VELVET BRINGS A LUXE PUNCH OF COLOR.

Establish a color scheme that will complement your choice of florals and dinnerware at hand. One can never really go wrong with a saturated shade of blue—a versatile hue that can work year round. When it comes to tablescapes, consider it a neutral, a base that can easily lend itself to nearly any aesthetic.

USE YOUR REGULAR DINNERWARE AS A UNIVERSAL BASE. 

Let your typical dinner plates stand in as the starting point of the setup—regardless of how bare or ordinary they may be.

USE A CASUALLY ELEGANT PLATE FOR LAYERING.

Layered plates can instantly elevate even the more modest of table settings. Mix and match patterns at your disposal to create a dynamic finish that is just slightly different from the expected. Bonus points if the top plate boasts a hint of elegant flair.

GLASSWARE DOUBLES AS FLORAL VESSELS. 

No vases? No problem. Utilize existing glassware to house posies of colorful florals, arranging the glasses close to one another to create the illusion of an abundant display.

LOW ARRANGEMENTS KEEP CONVERSATION INTIMATE.

Peering over a towering centerpiece is no recipe for a successful dinner party. Establish smaller arrangements, beneath eye level, allowing the opportunity for fluid movement and conversational continuity.