Dissecting the Details: Holiday Entertaining with Caroline Gidiere

It’s officially the holiday season! Nancy here from Marcus Design blog, and I’m grateful to be back with a new installment of Dissecting the Details just in time for holiday entertaining. It’s a very different year for us all, but now more than ever I think we’ve had a chance to really reflect on what is most important in our lives. Today I am sharing a few entertaining ideas with you, using the gorgeous work of Birmingham-based interior designer Caroline Gidiere. To date, I think she’s been my favorite guest on the Style Files podcast, and she has an incredible personal story of switching over from a high-profile position as a lawyer to a full-time interior designer. Caroline’s work showcases her refined and classic style, and whether you are hosting your immediate family or a few close relatives or friends, I think we have so much to garner from Caroline’s stunning spaces and tablescapes.

USE INVITING PATTERNS & COLOR

I adore Caroline’s use of pattern through wallpaper, textiles, and rugs. Every detail is thought out, and the mix of colors makes these spaces so happy and inviting. Even if your walls are not enveloped in gorgeous chinoiserie paper like the stunning examples above, think of other ways to bring color to your dinning space, such as tableclothes, flowers, vases, and dishware. I’ll always have a soft spot for cabbageware and it’s perfect in green for the holidays!

DISPLAY BEVERAGES AND APPETIZERS

Having drinks and appies displayed in a way that is not only pretty but practical for dinner guest to grab makes it easier on your guests but also on you as the host. When others feel comfortable that they know where & how to help themselves, it’s one less thing for you to tend to. Caroline’s gorgeous bar is fully-stocked, and I love the display of ready-poured drinks on a silver platter against the backdrop of her beautiful wallpaper and bouillotte lamp. Similarly a station of drinks & appies like the one directly above helps to set a attractive but relaxed vibe.

KEEP LOVED ONES SAFE

Above all else, let’s not forget health is life’s greatest gift. We don’t have to completely compromise style for safety this season, and in fact you can take simple steps to ensure your loved ones stay well. Whether that’s sticking to only your household for dinner, or seating six feet apart, or if you are lucky enough to be in a part of the world where the weather permits it, go with spaced outdoor dining! These beautiful outdoor settings above serve as wonderful inspiration. I love that in these examples Caroline brings in fantastic colors through flowers and that she keeps her arrangements low to the table, so as not to obstruct the view of guests.

To see more from Caroline, visit her stunning portfolio here, and her instagram here. And whatever your holiday ahead looks like this year, I wish you all health and happiness!