UK designer and architect Ben Pentreath demonstrates his holiday table setting.
Whether he's in residence at his Dorset parsonage or his London flat, Ben Pentreath (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory )likes to entertain in color. Sensitized to the soft gray light of English winter, Pentreath works into its muted tones in the country and turns it up few notches with bright contrasting and intense accents in the city. And of course, breaking out the silver is a fail safe strategy for upping the ante.
Want to see more of Ben Pentreath's ideas for holiday entertaining? Check out his mood board on Pinterest.
Above: Pentreath's inner country mouse brings out all of his favorite things. "Curwen paper, Christmas crackers, William Morris napkins, Josef Frank chair coverings, all designed in the mid-century; keep your eyes peeled and pick them up when you can," he says.
Above: "The kitchen’s Welsh dresser not only holds the daily china but also rather satisfyingly appeals to my aesthetic values tonally in my more reflective moments," Pentreath says.
Above: The aftermath of a dinner in Pentreath's parsonage kitchen.
Above: Meanwhile, back in London, Pentreath's city cousin has also been busy. "Edible table decorations are far easier to clear away at the end of a dinner party, and everybody knows the symbol of hospitality is a pineapple," Pentreath says.
Above: "Brass candlesticks are a mainstay for any occasion along with good simple glassware," Pentreath advises.
Above: "City table settings sometimes need to simply be a little smarter," Pentreath says. "Breaking out the silver solves the solution."
Above: "Brightly colored glassware is a passion, particularly Victorian. But I’d happily pick up anything that makes me smile"; Blue Etched Tumbler, £6.50; Amber Hobnail Pitcher, £60.
Above: "Technicolor tableware against a monochrome backdrop is the most effective way to make a statement with color," Pentreath says. 
Above: "You needn't even light these to make an impact," Pentreath says: Clementine Dinner Candles, £6.60 for a set of six.
Above: "Marianna Kennedy designs lighting and mirrors like no other: her abilities with color are unparalleled," Pentreath enthuses.
Looking for more holiday table setting ideas? See A Holiday Table with Soul where New York designer Brad Ford shares his holiday entertaining ideas.