Start with the dinner table to make a holiday decor statement

Wintertime is nearly upon us, and when it comes to table decorations, who can resist a festive centerpiece or table feature to help pull a gathering of friends and family together?

Linda McKinnis of Design Exclusive in Cape Girardeau says first and foremost, holiday tables should mesh well with a room's existing decorations and design.

"Sometimes traditional colors simply clash with most interiors," she says. "Enhance your design to match your existing color scheme and choose colors that complement your room."

Jenna Beussink, owner of Renaissance in downtown Cape Girardeau, says trends are migrating toward dripping, flowing organic looks that include natural arrangements with succulents, rich colors and leafy greens.

"I think the trends I'm seeing are that people are going for a more natural look, a more organic, romantic, flowy look with centerpieces and floral arrangements in general," she says.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

McKinnis says popular ideas she's seeing this year include whimsical touches, pops of color or unusual color schemes and that young couples are moving toward retro components. Additionally, she says white on white can help create a "wow" statement.

Along with new trends remain holiday staples, including traditional color schemes featuring reds, greens, burgundies, white, gold, silver and bronze.

McKinnis says metallic accents add a festive sparkle.

"A good silver candelabra with ivory candlesticks is never going to go out of style," adds Beussink.

Classic patterns also can add a traditional element.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

"Classic tartan plaid tablecloths are timeless beauties," Beussink says. "They'll give your space that Ralph Lauren look."

To add a personal touch, McKinnis recommends using family heirlooms to pull a table together.

Candles are a must, she says, and adding a touch of artificial light can warm up a table without creating a fire hazard.

"A huge trend now and something that we carry here at our store are the flickering flame candles," Beussink says.

Holiday decor is on display in the home of Linda McKinnis, owner of Design Exclusive.LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

When setting up for a meal, McKinnis encourages adding variance to the presentation.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

"Set a beautiful buffet to serve for your guests," she says. "Be sure to alternate and use various heights to create an interesting look to your serving or buffet table."

For centerpieces, McKinnis says an affordable option is to fill a decorative bowl with pine cones, ornaments or another component and use LED battery-operated lights to brighten it up.

"Fresh cranberries can make a nice accent as well," she says. "Find various heights of vases or glassware. Place a candle in the center, then surround it with berries."

Further ideas from McKinnis include a combination of birch, natural pine cones, fresh greens, berries, antlers, twine and wooden boxes filled with fresh juniper or boxwood.

"Apothecary jars on a beautiful tray make a very pretty statement," she adds. "Fill them with ornaments or pine cones and added LED lights. They'll add a pretty sparkle to your table and decor."

Dodie Eisenhauer of Village Designs in Daisy says it's good to have a focal point in a centerpiece.

"It just is a happy thing to have, something of beauty sitting in the middle of your table [to] get that festive look," she says.

She and her daughter create various sizes of steel, copper and brass wire balls, wreaths, angels and Christmas trees that can help create a unique look for the holiday season.

"With our wire balls you can be your own creative person; you can add your own arrangements, too," Eisenhauer says. "You can stick candy canes in it, [there are] all kinds of different opportunities to be creative."

Along with a stunning centerpiece, McKinnis recommends incorporating china, crystal and festive linens to create an unforgettable holiday dinner.

Holiday decor on display in the home of Linda McKinnis, owner of Design Exclusive.LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

Coordinating ribbons are another component that can add flair to a centerpiece.

"Don't skimp on quality ribbon, and be sure the ribbon ends and your bows are cut neatly and diagonally or in a French cut," McKinnis says.

When in doubt, McKinnis says to contact a professional designer or look to Pinterest or design blogs for further inspiration.

In terms of trends that are waning, McKinnis says Old World concepts and country Christmas themes seem to have taken a back seat.

She also suggests decorating other rooms to coordinate with the chosen motif.

"During the holidays, I add wreaths and trees to almost every room in my house, and don't forget to decorate your mirrors, too. Slipcovers over dining room chairs are a nice option as well," she says. "Decorate your fireplace mantels to coordinate with your tree and tables. I also like to match my wrapping papers to the theme of my Christmas. The perfect design will incorporate each and every detail."

Above all else, Beussink says the table decorations should reflect the host's personal style.

"Make it feel like it's your home -- enjoy it, make it comfortable, make it something that you're proud of that you can relax in that feels like you," Beussink says. "Make it quirky, make it romantic, make it beautiful, but make it you."