DRESSED FOR DINNER

Rise to the occasion with a table that sets the stage for celebration.

STYLING CAROLINA AUZ | PHOTOGRAPHY TANGO

Black and white VASE, $60, Crate and Barrel. Perforated ceramic TREE, $17, porcelain TREES on bases, $20, HomeSense.

BE BOLD

Black, white and a bit of shine set a sophisticated table that will serve as a chic, elegant backdrop for a special meal. A modern floral arrangement of roses and cedar provides a seasonal hit of green.

Black Caviar DINNER PLATES, $19 each; white and black Ink DINNER PLATES, $15 each; white and black Ink SALAD PLATES, $9 each; small black Caviar BOWL (shown with bread), $6; WINEGLASSES, $22 each; TABLECLOTH, $30; NAPKINS, $4 each; Linen Chest. Osk TRAY, $150; metal PLACEMATS, $25 each; stainless-steel Kenton CUTLERY, $65, set of 5 pieces; Crate and Barrel. Chrome BOWL (shown with mini Christmas balls), $27, CANDLE HOLDER, $24, West Elm. MINI CHRISTMAS BALLS, $10 for 36, HomeSense.

Fir TREES on bases, $20, woollen TREE, $17, HomeSense. Brass DRAGONFLY, $29, West Elm. Pearlized GARLAND, $30, Indigo.

ADD LUSTRE

Give a golden glow to your table with lustrous finishes and muted pastels that are soft and light, like freshly fallen snow. Graphic patterns create a modern feel, while accents like a dragonfly and bottlebrush trees bring whimsy.

Blue DINNER PLATES, $14 each; abstract-pattern SOUP PLATES, $22 each; polka-dot SALAD PLATES, $18 each; TABLE RUNNER, $45; stoneware VASE, $39; small pink marble BOWL with brass base, $29; blue NAPKINS, $57, set of 4; gold and ivory NAPKIN, $53, set of 4; West Elm. Orange porcelain SALAD PLATES, $18 each, Atelier Make. Pearl-finish PLACEMATS, $27 each; CHEESE BELL with wood and marble top, $90; gold-finish stainless-steel Ellenore CUTLERY, $90, set of 5 pieces; brass NAPKIN RINGS, $8 each; Crate and Barrel. WINEGLASSES, $60, set of 4; CHEESE KNIVES, $30, set of 4 pieces; Linen Chest.