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Zara Home consistently nails it with its editorials. Everything is beautifully shot, aspirationally dreamy, and—best of all—100 percent shoppable, so you can easily re-create it at home. The retailer’s latest shoot is titled Gathering Stories One, and it’s all about crafting a festive tablescape this holiday season. If you have a last-minute soiree to host and are fresh out of cool styling ideas, you’ll want to pay attention.
The theme of the shoot seems to be rustic elegance. It’s basics like everyday, affordable dinnerware and farmhouse tables dressed up by mostly natural accents, which is great news for anyone decorating for the holidays on a budget because you can generally get these aforementioned natural accents for a grand price of $0 from your garden or even a nearby park, if you’re sneaky enough. The result is a setting that’s simple yet sophisticated enough to mark a special occasion.
In dire need of inspo for your upcoming holiday fete? Here are three easy styling tips to commandeer ASAP from Zara’s latest editorial.
Fruit makes an excellent finishing touch
You might not typically be in the habit of strewing about orange slices or the odd sprig of grapes, but you might want to change that. Last summer, we asserted that fruit is the new floral, and we see no reason that centerpiece idea has to remain in the warmer months.
For something more casual (and therefore, more inviting) than a grand heap of seasonal produce, try incorporating fruit in smaller ways. Oven-dried orange slices are a great way to incorporate both in-season fruit and one of the trendiest colors du jour. Pomegranates cut in half to reveal the jewel-like seeds feel instantly elegant. And scattering around smaller berries or, yes, sprigs of grapes is an easy way to fill in the gaps of your table while incorporating a festive color.
Rethink festive greenery
Go beyond wreaths for your walls—the massive plums of greenery suspended from the ceiling in Zara’s editorial might not be practical for everyday dinner party hosts, but the idea is a good one. Instead of spreading garlands on the table, artfully arrange festive greens and branches on the walls for a more deconstructed take on traditional wreaths.
Looking to break from tradition altogether? Pampas grass is trending, and it’ll look great as an alternative to greens and berries in any capacity. Hang reeds of it on the wall, spread on the table as a garland, or keep a sprig or two in a vase.
Add a touch of the unexpected
’Tis the season for poinsettias and holly—but it’s fun to think outside the floral box. Try incorporating some less expected accents for a table that’s a refreshing break from the norm. Unseasonal flowers, like these vibrant pink tiger lilies, recall warmer temps and bring a burst of sunny energy to the scene.
Alternatively, switch out the red, green, and gold for a more unexpected color palette, like the burnt orange and coral seen here. Set against a more neutral backdrop, the tropical hues really pop.
See more holiday decorating ideas: 5 Unreal Wreath Transformations That’ll Make You Rethink Your Holiday Decor Hear Me Out: This Plant Is the Best Hostess Gift You Can Buy The Best Holiday Decor Inspo We Found on Instagram