Setting The Mood For The Holidays With Moody Colors
As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start thinking about how to decorate your home for the occasion. If you're looking for a way to create a dramatic and sophisticated tablescape, consider using moody colors.
Honestly, it took me a while to get into the darker colors for a tablescape. But, as I continued to create designs, I started to really appreciate the intimacy and calm that this type of style brings to my gatherings. Sitting down at a table that has warm jewel tones and rich lighting invites deep conversation where you want to just stay for a while. I love that.
Moody colors are deep, rich hues that evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. They are also very versatile and can be used to create various looks.
Here are a few specific trends that are going to be significant for the 2023 holidays:
Brass and Chrome Accents: Brass or chrome glams up a holiday design. Use it in pillar candles, vases, or other decorative objects.
Glass Decor: Glass contrasts with heavy-weighted objects and juxtaposes when looking at textures. The shine that glass brings to a table design is like no other. Use glass ornaments, candle sticks, and votives, to name a few.
Jewel tones glassware: Use drinking or wine glasses in jewel tones of emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, or amethyst purple. Pair it with metallic cutlery or brass decor.
Warm, moody tones: Use a terracotta or chocolate brown tablecloth, white ceramic dishes, and wooden chargers. Add a centerpiece of dried flowers and candles in natural wood holders. Moody design is a great way to create a stylish and sophisticated holiday tablescape. You can create an elegant and inviting table design using dark colors, rich textures, and dramatic lighting.
Before creating a beautiful moody tablescape, let’s first look at this design trend in interior design terms and break it down into simple steps.
Moody design is a popular interior design trend that creates a sense of mystery, romance, or introspection using dark colors, rich textures, and dramatic lighting.
Moody design is a type of interior design that is used to create a sense of depth, mystery, and intrigue. It is often characterized by dark blues, greens, purples, and blacks, as well as velvet, leather, and other luxurious materials. Moody interiors can be found in various spaces, from bedrooms and living rooms to restaurants and bars.
Here are some key elements of moody design:
Dark colors: Dark colors are essential for creating a moody atmosphere. They can make a space feel more intimate and inviting and help create a sense of drama and mystery. Some popular dark colors for moody design include navy blue, black, charcoal gray, and dark green.
Rich textures: Moody interiors often feature rich textures, such as velvet, leather, and suede. These textures can add depth and interest to a space and can also help create a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Dramatic lighting: Dramatic lighting is another key element of moody design. It can be used to highlight the dark colors and textures in space, and it can also help to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. Some popular types of lighting for moody design include table lamps, floor lamps, and chandeliers.
Statement pieces: Moody interiors often feature statement pieces, such as large paintings, sculptures, or chandeliers. These pieces can help to add personality and interest to a space, and they can also help to create a sense of drama and intrigue.
If you are interested in creating a moody interior in your home, there are a few things you can keep in mind:
Choose a room that needs drama. A small, dark room may feel too cramped and oppressive, so choosing a larger room with plenty of natural light is best.
Use dark colors on more than just the walls. Dark furniture, rugs, and accessories can also help to create a moody atmosphere.
Embrace bold upholstery. Velvet, leather, and suede are excellent choices for upholstery in a moody interior.
Add some light contrast. Light can help prevent a moody interior from feeling too dark and oppressive. Try using white or light gray accents to add some contrast.
Incorporate some shine. Mirrors and metallic accents can help to reflect light and brighten up a moody interior.
To learn more about what the 2024 color trends are for a moody design, click on the link to my blog:
How to Use the 2024 Colors of the Year to Create a More Serene and Inviting Space
Tartan tablecloth
Here are a few tips for incorporating moody design into your holiday table:
Start with a dark tablecloth. A dark, plain, or patterned tablecloth will create a sophisticated backdrop for your other decorations. A tartan tablecloth and deep, rich colors were used for some drama. These colors collectively set my foundational color palette for the entire table, and I started to set up my theme for a moody holiday tablescape.
Choose moody colors for your dishes and flatware. Dark green, navy, brown, and black are great colors for a moody holiday table. You could also use metallic accents, such as gold or silver.
The tortoise shell chargers add texture, mixed patterns, and moody colors. It picks up the colors from the brown and gold found in the tablecloth. The china has a beautiful rim of blue and red found in the tablecloth, and the gold found in the tablecloth is highlighted using the same color flatware, charger, and napkins.
These colors are trending from late 2023 through 2024.
Add greenery to your centerpiece. Evergreen branches, pinecones, and berries are all classic holiday decorations that add greenery to your table. You could also use a dark-colored floral arrangement, such as deep burgundy roses or purple orchids.
Different hues of colors from this tablecloth and an array of textures using berries, roses, and mums create a moody centerpiece.
Use candles for ambiance. Candles are a must-have for any moody holiday tablescape. They will add warmth and ambiance to your space. You could use pillar candles in dark colors or tealights in glass holders.
A combination of votives, taper candles, and dim lighting created this moody tablescape.
These beautiful tortoise shell votives are a lovely brown and gold, giving the table a shimmering golden glow. I also added two crystal candle holders, allowing for varying lighting degrees. See how the glow reflexes off of the deep red crystal glasses.
““One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
”
Incorporate some shine. Metallic accents and crystal elements on your table add shine and drama. It can help to reflect light and brighten up a moody tablescape.
The crystal glasses are such an excellent way to add shine. When cleaned and shined, the glasses sparkle, adding drama and ambiance. The little red glasses are also crystal, adding shine but in a different color. Crystal candlesticks are another way to add shine and drama to your table.
Adding a centerpiece vase using a brilliant gold texture brings up the elegance of this tablescape while adding just another layer of shimmer, allowing light to play off of the finish.
Depending on your style, you could add festive touches to your table, such as Christmas ornaments, napkins, or other holiday memorabilia. Just be sure to keep the overall look moody and sophisticated.
This napkin is folded into a Christmas tree, automatically creating a festive table. You can play with your design, as seen in a few photos. Do you like a folded napkin, draped, or holiday design? It is totally up to you. Get creative!
Other items added are three-dimensional crystal stars that are shiny and twinkle when the lighting bounces off of them.
I love velvet ribbon and use it often for the holidays. I placed a single piece of wide red ribbon across the tablescape to give it a festive flare.
““There is nothing that makes me happier than sitting around the dinner table and talking until the candles are burned down.”
”
Here are some additional tips for setting a moody holiday tablescape:
Use a variety of textures to add interest. For example, you could use velvet placemats, linen napkins, and wooden serving pieces.
Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns. A mix of stripes, plaids, and florals can create a visually interesting tablescape.
Keep the lighting low to create a cozy atmosphere. You could use candles, string lights, or a dimmer switch to control the light level.
Play some festive music in the background to set the mood.
A moody holiday tablescape is a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your holiday festivities. So don't be afraid to experiment and create a tablescape that is all your own. With these tips, you can easily set a holiday table to impress your guests and create a memorable holiday experience.
Here are some of the many moody colors that are trending for 2024. To learn more about what colors are trending and why it might matter to you and your family, click on the photo and it will bring you to my blog: Here are a few tips for incorporating moody design into your holiday table:
Another holiday Tablescape in Moody colors. All I did was switch out the plates, drink-ware and added a few things to the centerpiece. Same tablecloth and napkins but with just a few tweaks, it’s a totally different look. Enjoy!
“May your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows. ”
As with everything I post on my blogs, please feel free to comment, or if you have any questions, please email me through my contact page. I welcome it anytime!
Design with your heart™️
Happy entertaining, my friends!
Mary
