With Thanksgiving just past and Christmas looming, we're deep in the midst of holiday entertaining. For the next few weeks we'll be featuring holiday table setting ideas from members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory. First up, inspirations from New York designer Brad Ford.
Influenced by his memories of the natural surroundings in his native Arkansas, Brad Ford, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, is drawn to the warmth and character found in natural materials, especially when they are handmade. Here are a few of his picks for a soulful holiday table setting.
Want to see more of Brad Ford's ideas for holiday entertaining? His entire board can be seen on Pinterest.
Above: "The live edge piece of wood, the loose leafy greens, and the hand-printed invitations from Two Arms Inc. set the stage for a rustic modern celebration."
Above: "I've always been a big fan of wood turnings, and Joshua Vogel from Blackcreek Mercantile has taken this craft to a whole new level. The forms and finishes he creates feel so modern, yet each piece still maintains a certain warmth and beauty," Ford says. "I've been collecting his work for a couple of years and I love the way they look in a grouping."
Above L. "When I entertain I rely on candles to set the mood. These mercury glass candle holders will double the amount of glow." Above R: "I like the idea of stringing outdoor holiday lights indoors. Sometimes a few strands of string lights with candles is all you need to make a room feel warm and festive."
Above: "One of my favorite things to serve during the holidays is a variety of crostinis," Ford says. "Figs and gorgonzola cheese on rustic toasted bread slices, drizzled with a little honey and garnished with just a touch of thyme; sweet and savory, easy to assemble and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser."
Above L: "I like this Laguiole forged stainless steel flatware combined with wooden handles and exposed rivets. Crafted in the French countryside, these utensils and their combination of materials add a nice touch to an artisanal table setting." Above R: "These carved natural horn serving pieces and napkin rings have a nice organic shape and feel to them, mixing perfectly with other handcrafted materials such as wood and ceramic."
Above: "I like the handcrafted quality and unexpected dark glaze of these Laurie Goldstein Ceramics," Ford says. "I think it adds a nice depth to the table."
Above: "This large sculptural vase in polished bronze and hand blown bohemian glass, by French designer Eric Schmitt, has such a simple form; and yet the materials, subtle shapes, and overall scale make an impact," Ford says.
Above: When he's not entertaining in New York, Ford (R) is equally at ease en plein air behind the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Woody-Tailgate Trailer which he designed as a labor of love.
N.B. Want to see more of Brad Ford's Artisanal Table Setting? His entire board can be seen on Pinterest.