Tablescapes | Von Gern Home

Mixing and Matching Patterns and Colors: Create a Bold Spring Tablescape

Mar 6, 2023 | Tablescapes

Spring is a season of renewal, rejuvenation, and new beginnings. It’s a time when everything comes to life, including our homes. One way to bring the freshness of spring into our homes is through decor. Springtime decor is all about having fun with different patterns and bright colors. In this blog, you will learn how to mix and match patterns and colors to create that bold spring look for your tablescape. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced tablescaper, there are some strategies that can help you create a beautiful and cohesive tablescape that will delight your guests.

Stripes and solids lacquer placemat white turquoise

Natural Base

If you are new to mixing and matching patterns and colors, it’s important to start off with a neutral base and build up around it. This strategy will ensure that your tablescape is elegant but still allows you flexibility in having some fun.

The Blanche Placemats are a great choice for beginners, as they are all-white with a subtle gold border that makes them easy to pair with other table accessories. These placemats provide a clean and sophisticated foundation for your table setting, allowing you to experiment with different colors and patterns without going overboard.

To add some interest and personality to your table, you can layer patterns and colors with decorative plates and textured napkin rings. Mixing gold or silver metallics with linear or circular patterns can create a bold and eye-catching look. For example, you can use a tablecloth with a metallic design to match the golden outline of the Blanche Placemats. Then, you can add decorative plates with floral or geometric patterns or use textured napkin rings like our Rope Napkin Rings in gold to add some variety to your tablescape. Starting with a sophisticated clean slate like the Blanche Placemats allows you the freedom to experiment with different designs.

A Perfect Match

Matching table decor is a surefire way to create a beautiful table setting. When selecting matching patterns, it’s best to choose one or two shapes and stick to them throughout your selection of different pieces. To find the right color pairings, you can either choose two shades of the same color or consult the color wheel. Colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel are excellent matches.

The round Lacquer Striped Placemats in navy & white are a fantastic table accessory for creating a matching tablescape that is not boring because of the variety of colors and patterns. Plates that have a delicate circular design in a deep green shade are a perfect addition to this setting. The Cord Napkin Rings in navy & white are the ideal coordinating finishing touch to accentuate the color palette and stripes of the placemats.

A Daring Match

One of the most daring decorative strategies that pays off in stunning tablescapes is to create high contrasts. Mixing colors and patterns can create table art when done correctly. When you want to use contrasting colors, the easiest way to make a good decision about the right combination is by once again looking at a color wheel. Contrasting colors will be opposite each other.

For our contrasting table setting, we chose the round Lacquer Striped Placemat in green & white for its pop of earthy green hue and unique concentric striped pattern. Vivid red tones contrast the color of these chic placemats. As for the pattern, we decided to complement the circular pattern of the placemat with a shape created by nature. We found the perfect plates to overlay on the placemats in a deep red featuring a tomato design. To add some cohesion to the contrasting table setting, we topped the plates with the Cord Napkin Rings in green & white to match the color and striped pattern of the placemats.

Updating your table decor for spring is all about having fun with different patterns and colors. Mixing and matching patterns and colors can seem daunting, but by starting with a neutral piece and building up by gradually layering patterns and colors, you can create a beautiful and cohesive spring tablescape that will impress your guests. With these strategies, your table decor will be the talk of the season!

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Put Your Love Out on the Table

Jan 30, 2023 | Tablescapes

Using Your Valentine’s Day Tablescape to Manifest Feelings of Love

Love is in the air, and on the table, this Valentine’s Day. The traditional celebration of this holiday is sharing an intimate dinner. This special meal is not just about the food, but also about the mood.

Create the perfect ambiance this Valentine’s Day by using psychology to inspire feelings of love. It is well known that colors evoke certain emotions, but it turns out that textures do as well! Blend together color and texture psychology as you design your tablescape to make a recipe for your very own Love Potion Number Nine!

Nurture a Budding Romance

If you want to set the ideal table for a newly blossoming relationship, you want to inspire the right romantic feelings without coming on too strong. Pink is the more fitting color to avoid being too brazen, as it stimulates a nurturing and playful sense of love. Pair this softer shade of the color of love with a texture that influences positive emotions and pleasurable sensations, namely, something soft and/or smooth.

A great table accessory to achieve this is the Patent Reversible Placemat in pink & fuchsia. The patent leather texture is pleasurable to the touch and the glossy smooth surface will arouse positive emotions. The modern edginess of the patent leather is balanced by the delicate pink and fuchsia colors, and pairing with the Cord Napkin Rings in pink & white results in the perfect color and texture combination for a romance that is still new.

Reignite the Passion

Long-term relationships can probably use a rekindling of the romance. In order to supercharge the passion, opt to design your table setting using bold colors. The classic color of passionate love is red so using table accessories that display a brightly vivid shade of red can have this emotional effect. Once again, pair with smooth and/or soft textures to increase the positive and pleasurable emotions.

The Patent Reversible Placemats in red & orange will surely spark hot and arousing sentiments. The sensual shade of red combined with the luscious texture of patent leather can provoke very excited and fiery emotions. Adding the Flow Napkin Rings in red will further enhance these feelings, with the striking hue and curvaceous design. This sultry tablescape will make the oldest of couples feel like a couple of teenagers newly in love.

Celebrate Platonic Love

Not all Valentine’s Day dinners are intended to promote romantic love. For the hostess planning a Galentine’s Day meal or a platonic Valentine’s Day celebration for family or friends, there are still a couple of psychology tricks to boost the love without stimulating feelings of romance. Don’t be afraid to use the color of love in your decor, but balance it with white to create feelings of purity and innocence. Textures that are soft and smooth are still optimal, but choose ones that are more delicate.

Style your table with the Splatter Placemats in red to get the right emotional ambiance. The delightfully exquisite hand beaded work is highly pleasant to the touch, creating a feeling of refined elegance. The splash of deep red is just enough to inspire feelings of love and is perfectly balanced with the neutral white for a sense of classiness. Complement with the Cord Napkin Rings in red & white for the perfect finishing touch for this classic Valentine’s Day motif that isn’t overly emotionally stimulating.

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Table Decor Tips to Boost Your Mood

Jan 9, 2023 | Tablescapes

How Your Table Setting Colors and Patterns Can Influence Your Mood

With the holiday season officially ending at the New Year and frosty winter weather in full swing, January can bring a feeling of the winter blues. One of the best ways to combat that depressive feeling that can come about this time of year is by using color and pattern psychology. We share two decor tips that will elevate your mood and make you feel instantly happier in even the gloomiest of weather.

Table-Escape to an Exotic Destination

January is the perfect time of year to think about taking a tropical vacation, but not everyone has the opportunity to travel. Instead, you can bring that exotic destination to your table setting and make every meal feel like you’re abroad!

To get that vacation feel that will instantly boost your mood, use tribal geometric patterns in your table decor. Complement those striking patterns with colors that remind you of natural beauty, such as deep greens of rainforests or vivid blues of ocean waters.

Try styling your table with the Aztec Placemats or Charm Placemats to turn your tablescape into a Mediterranean getaway. The bold patterns and delicate hand-woven beadwork will transport you to a native landscape that will make you want to dance barefoot in the sand. The bright blues will inspire feelings of calmness and will rid of any anxiety that might be lingering from the holidays. In fact, doctor’s offices will often paint their walls in light blue hues because this color has such a calming effect! By balancing the patterns and the colors in your styling, you will create a tablescape that is relaxing and enchanting, the ideal antidote to feeling down in the dumps.

Bonus tip – try adding bursts of bright warm colors to this table setting for an extra boost of feel-good color psychology. Warm colors inspire enthusiasm, passion, and positive energy, so little embellishments of pinks, reds, oranges, or yellows will add extra mood enhancement to your decor.

Crown Your Table as Royalty

Another way to offset that “blah” feeling that can arise this time of year is to improve your self-esteem by making yourself feel like royalty when sitting down for an intimate family dinner.

Just because the holidays are over and there is no extended family and friends to entertain doesn’t mean you can’t style your table for yourself and your immediate family in a decadent way.

You don’t need to do too much to create a magnificent and noble tablescape. All you need is the right colors and textures! Smooth silky fabrics (try satin!), brilliant and bright purples, and shiny metallics are all you need to create a table setting fit for a king and queen!

Purple is the color of royalty, so finding a simple tablecloth – no fancy patterns – in a deep violet will create the perfect base. The warm-toned color will surely inspire a positive state of mind.

Add some metallic embellishments, gold for that extra refined touch or silver for a slightly more subdued look. The Textured Metallic Reversible Placemat in silver & gold allows for the versatility to play with the different shades of metallics and get the look that you are most comfortable with, whether it’s the added flourish or the more subtle touch.

Get Ready to Shine This Holiday Season

Dec 8, 2022 | Tablescapes

Fabulous and Festive Table Setting Ideas this Winter

The holidays are a time to create a magical ambiance in your home. Hosting a holiday feast is a great opportunity to create a decadent and glamorous table setting to delight your guests. We share table designs to really elevate your table setting this year, no matter which winter holiday you celebrate.

Winter Wonderland

A classy and versatile tablescape that is ideal for any winter holiday is one with a white and silver color palette. Add luxury and glamor to the look by playing with festive sparkles and modern metallics.

For some dazzling glimmer and glitz, pair the Sparkle Placemats with matching Sparkle Napkin Rings in white. With just enough glittery brilliance, this sparkly set is beautifully complimented with festive little additions like a sprig of holly.

For some radiant elegant shine, pair the Knot Placemats with the Star Napkin Rings to evoke a starry night sky. The unique design of the intricately hand-beaded Knot Placemats is sure to make your tablescape stand out. The shine and shimmer added by the Star Napkin Rings is the perfect finishing touch to create a truly exquisite table decor.

Extraordinary Embellishments

The holidays are all about that little bit of extra flair. When it comes to winter holiday tablescapes, there is often no such thing as too much pizzaz. Now is the time to get super creative with adding ornaments, such as snippets of pine tree branches, holly, pine cones, tea candles, or fun shaped metallic dishes.

A great way to bring it all together and make sure that your table decorations form a centerpiece is to use decorative mats as a base. Line up our Celebration Decorative Mats or Speckle Decorative Mats across the table to form a table runner. You can also use these mats as chargers. Try one style of mat or mix and match for added flair.

The silvery and white hues of these decorative mats allows them to seamlessly blend with your other table decor pieces, while providing gorgeous shimmer to your festive tablescape. These unique mats wonderfully coordinate with other metallic table accessories, such as Constellation Napkin Rings or Star Napkin Rings.

Classic Candy Canes

A red and white motif is the perfect way to add a bold pop of color to an elegant holiday
table setting. Candy canes are the classic wintertime treat and serve as wonderful inspiration for a fun, modern, and fabulous table setting.

Instead of using extra table decorations to include bursts of color, you can try using colorful table accessories such as intensely hued placemats and coasters. The Circus Placemats, with charming stripes of deep red and neutral white, paired with the Horn Napkin Rings in red, create the perfect look that is both jovial and sophisticated.

For a more uniformed look, try styling your table with the Lacquer Stripe Placemats in red & white and adding the coordinating Lacquer Stripe Napkin Rings and Lacquer Stripe Coasters. This matching set has a graphic allure for a modern holiday table.

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Dress (Your Table) To Impress

Oct 30, 2022 | Tablescapes

Four Fabulous Looks for a Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving is a time of gathering with family and friends, enjoying a succulent feast, and sharing gratitude for all the wonderful things in life. This is a time to not only show off your cooking skills, but also your decorating skills! Creating a stunning tablescape isn’t difficult with the right accessories and a touch of creative flair. We will share four different gorgeous looks that fit any hostess’ personality – whether your style is traditional, avant-garde, or something in between.

Gorgeous Garlands

When we think of autumn, we think of Thanksgiving. This holiday is the hallmark of the fall season. The Garland Placemat is autumn encapsulated in a single table setting accessory. A delicately hand-beaded design of interlacing multidimensional leaves borders a jute backdrop, creating a quintessential fall motif. For an unmistakable seasonal decor, these placemats are a perfect addition to your tablescape. Add some metallic embellishments, like the gold Constellation Napkin Rings, to really emphasize the warmth of your table decor.

Noble Knots

For a more subdued look that still maintains the warm color palette, the Knot Placemat in bronze & gold is the ideal piece. This intricately decorative placemat has a unique shape and the woven pattern is reminiscent of an intriguing optical illusion. A great way to upscale the sophistication of your Thanksgiving decor is to pair these extraordinary placemats with the Ray Napkin Rings. The warm-toned look created by this combination inspires that cozy autumn feeling, while the elegance of the bold modern shapes of these two table accessories will make your table truly majestic.

Classy Coco

Thanksgiving table decor doesn’t necessarily need to have any traditional fall elements. You can set an ultra chic Thanksgiving table for a sophisticated dinner experience with the chic and refined Coco Placemats. These fashionable placemats feature a striking bold border pattern that is offset by a charming and delicate pearl center. For a cool-toned theme, match these placemats with the dazzling Sparkle Napkin Rings in white. If your tablescape is more warm-toned, then the brilliant Constellation Napkin Rings will be a better addition.

Delicate Dewdrop

An elegant yet subtle tablescape is another wonderful option for a Thanksgiving celebration. White pearl is a classic and chic accessory, but it is not limited to only jewelry. Dress up your table with the Dewdrop Placemat, featuring hand-woven petite glass beads, a unique shape, and a beautiful pearl border. The iridescent and achromatic color palette of these placemats makes them a versatile piece to add to any home decor. The 3 Ring Pearl Napkin Rings perfectly complement this graceful table setting, creating a gorgeous classy look that will delight your guests.

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Frighteningly Fabulous and Fun: A Modern Halloween Tablescape

Sep 29, 2022 | Tablescapes

Halloween is a holiday of spooky fun and tasty treats. Celebrated on October 31st, this occasion is loved by children and adults alike. While the kids are out trick-or-treating, adults gather for evening soirees that can include inventive cocktails and a themed dinner. Halloween decor often involves creepy skeletons, wacky witches, and goofy ghosts, just to name a few of the typical characters. This year, Von Gern Home is doing something a little different by putting a modern twist on the usual spooky fun that Halloween is known for.

With the right table accessories and some imagination, you can get creative with your Halloween tablescape in a way that remains true to the spirit of the holiday without sacrificing luxurious style. Here are three fabulous ways to dress up your table for Halloween this year that will delight your guests of any age.

EXQUISITELY ELEGANT

Halloween table decor does not have to be all about ghosts, ghouls and goblins. You can create a gorgeous Halloween-inspired motif without having to add any frivolous scary characters to your decorations. You don’t even have to use the traditional bright orange! Simply adopt a neutral black, white, and gray color palette to get that Halloween look while still maintaining a chic elegance to your tablescape. The Zen Placemats and coordinating Zen Coasters paired with the Beaded Napkin Rings in black & white create the ideal look without the risk of being too campy. Scatter some neutral taupe pumpkins and gourds as a finishing touch to really emphasize the holiday theme in a classy and delicate way.

SOPHISTICATED SPOOKY

While some prefer to have a completely neutral Halloween table, others strive to maintain a balance between whimsical and graceful by sprinkling a bit of traditional Halloween decorations amongst a refined table setting. With a little bit of creativity and the right versatile table accessories, you can design a tablescape that is both playfully spooky and fashionably sophisticated. Mix and match the Woven Fringe Placemats in black & white and white & black, along with the coordinating Woven Fringe Coasters, to set the perfect tablescape that is simultaneously modern and casual. Then, have fun adding black and white Halloween decorations, such as eerie spider webs and ghostly creatures. Don’t forget the quintessential pumpkins, although keep in mind that a taupe pumpkin will complement this tablescape much nicer than a jarring orange pumpkin.

FESTIVE FUN

For those who just want to have a vivid and lively table setting for a festive Halloween celebration, there is no better color for a central theme than the classic bright pumpkin orange. This striking color allows for some extra flexibility in adding amusing Halloween decorations such as traditional orange pumpkins, prismatic flowers, and – of course – piles of colorful Halloween candy! The Woven Fringe Placemats in orange & white paired with the coordinating Woven Fringe Coasters effortlessly create this classic Halloween look. The eclectic fringe and frills of these cheerful placemats is great for a casual Halloween buffet, while the simple design allows for ultimate creativity in adding embellishments to get the right look.

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Transitioning from Summer to Fall Decor

Aug 30, 2022 | Tablescapes

Tips from Suzanne Zingg on Styling Tablescapes

Suzanne Zingg is a master tablescape stylist. She owned a fabric store for 32 years and after deciding to hang up her savvy business woman hat, Suzanne wanted a way to express her creativity while staying connected through social media. She has always enjoyed home decor, as home is her happy place, where she strives to create a beautiful atmosphere for herself and her family. Tabletop styling seemed like the perfect avenue for Suzanne to share her love of dishes and design.

Suzanne has taught us some incredible styling lessons through her Instagram gallery @suzannezinggstyle. We have used her guidance to gather four great tips for how to transition summer table accessories into an autumn tablescape.

RECOGNIZE VERSATILITY

A staple summer pieces is the Woven Rattan Placemat in black rattan. The rattan center creates a natural organic look, while the bold pop of fringe adds a striking blast of color in classic black. At first glance, it might seem that the earthy look of this placement is fitting solely for the summer season, but this piece is much more versatile than meets the eye! The neutral rattan also nicely complements autumn shades such as auburn, terracotta, and cornsilk. Take a page out of Suzanne’s book and style these adaptable and functional placemats with fall inspired accessories and decor.

TOO MUCH IS NEVER TOO MUCH

The Kenya Placemat is another table accessory that can be mistaken as being appropriate only for the summer season. A crisp white center and intricate outline of exotic colors makes these hand beaded placemats a bright addition to any table. Just because something is bright, however, doesn’t mean that it’s only for summer. Suzanne’s designs teach us that the trick with using bright table accessories to create an autumn table setting is to get wildly inventive and eclectic. Suzanne reminds us that too much is never too much as long as you have fun and let the creative muse carry you away. The vividly colorful Kenya Placemat paired with the Twist Napkin Ring in red can easily transition to a fall tablescape when matched with pieces that have the same vivid colors but have a more seasonally befitting motif.

SEE INSPIRATION IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

Suzanne is a lover of luscious flower bouquets as centerpieces and says that the seasonal flowers she gets for her home are often the inspiration for her tablescapes. Inspiration for a beautiful table doesn’t have to come only from other table designs, but rather can be taken from absolutely anywhere! A glittery silver and gold clutch mirrors the Graphic Sparkle Placemat in white & silver, and the whole look is perfectly tied together with a crisp white napkin with delicate gold embellishment.

PLAY WITH DRAMATIC FLAIR

The Maasai Placemat and Beaded Napkin Ring in blue, red & yellow are a melange of lively hues and most people would probably pair these with more subdued accessories. Not Suzanne! She is a big believer in playing with dramatic flair. She channeled her inner Ralph Lauren and styled these eye-catching accessories with equally flamboyant pieces to create a stunning tablescape that Mr. Lauren himself would be proud of. The summer is a time for dramatic colors and that same flair can transition into the fall season when you dare to create something extraordinary.

Easy Summer Decorating Ideas

Jul 8, 2022 | Tablescapes

Summer is all about fun in the sun with loved ones. This is the best season for entertaining, as everyone is in high spirits and the outdoors provide a wonderful venue for getting together. Summer entertaining has its own aesthetic that is bright, colorful, and natural. The best accessories for summer entertaining are both practical and visually pleasing.

Inspired by the Adriatic

The Adriatic Sea encapsulates serenity, beauty, and exquisiteness. The colorful Charm Placemats and Aztec Placemats with coordinating Charm Coasters and Aztec Coasters reflect the majestic charm of this exotic seascape in multiple shades of blue. Bring the stunning allure of the Adriatic to your summer table with these unique hand-beaded table accessories.

These multicolored placemats and coasters are a perfect match for a variety of other table decor. Pair with the Quatro Napkin Rings in either navy or white to highlight different aspects of this brilliant color motif and emphasize the modern geometric look. Alternatively, dress up with the Cord Napkin Rings or Flow Napkin Rings in navy to accentuate the organic and airy features of these dynamic placemats and coasters. Finish with the Lacquer Tray in navy for a complimentary nautical flourish.

Whimsical Wovens

One of the best ways to create a casual chic look for your tabletop is to opt for accessories that are made out of hand-woven natural materials. The Woven Rattan Placemat is a perfect accessory to inspire that natural vibe in your table decor. With an extra pop of striking color on the outer fringe, these natural placemats add a special vibrancy to the tablescape.

The Woven Rattan Placemats create an earthy natural base for the table motif while the colored fringe allows for some whimsical playfulness in matching other tabletop accessories. Pair the Woven Rattan Placemats in orange with the Cord Napkin Rings in orange and the Lacquer Tray in plum to create a luscious color spectrum that emanates that al fresco beachside feel for your summer entertaining. Or you can pair the Woven Rattan Placemat in yellow with either the Quatro, Flow, or Cord Napkin Rings in yellow for a sunny ambiance. With a large variety of different bright colors to choose from, there is so much fun to be had in creating vivacious combinations.

The Bead Creed

Beaded table accessories are the crossroad between sophistication and delightfulness. Intricate hand-beaded patterns exude luxurious refinement that can be best described as playfully elegant. Beads combine the formal with the casual to form the most versatile table accessories that seamlessly fit into both modern and rustic home decor.

The bestselling Sprinkles Placemat, reminiscent of a delicious ice cream cone on a sunny day, adds instant fun to any table decor. The array of vivid colors interlaced into this enchanting design allows for unlimited creativity in matching with other table accessories. The Quatro Napkin Rings or the Flow Napkin Rings, available in an assortment of bold colors, pair beautifully with these exciting placemats. Be inventive and have fun with the seemingly endless color combinations that you can create with these extraordinary table accessories.

For a more subtle look that still possesses the allure of a beaded style, the Zen Placemat in taupe & white displays a delicate pattern with a neutral color palette. These graceful placemats bring to mind white sandy beaches, adding a fresh and summery feel to the tablescape. Pairing these elaborate yet gentle placemats with the Flow Napkin Rings in white completes that perfect summer neutrals look.

Fabulous Fourth of July

Jun 19, 2022 | Tablescapes

Summer is in full swing and Fourth of July is approaching fast! Fourth of July is the third most celebrated holiday in the US and it is all about gathering around the table. Since the table is the centerpiece of this popular celebration, the table setting is the most important decor for this holiday.

The traditional color scheme for the Fourth of July is red, white and blue, but this bold color scheme can quickly turn gaudy and unflattering with the wrong decoration strategy. There is an easy way to create a very sophisticated yet whimsical look that will delight your guests. Start with a classic placemat on a neutral tablecloth for elegance, then add creative and lively embellishments for playfulness.

The Patriotic Flair

The Splatter Placemats in red or blue are a perfect foundation for a chic table setting. Either mix and match the red and blue, or stick to one color variation. These stylish placemats can be repurposed all year round for other events or as staple pieces in your home decor.

Pair with the Wood & Stripes Napkin Rings to add the stripes reminiscent of the American flag to your decor. Just as with the Splatter Placemats, you have the flexibility to either mix and match red and blue, or stick to one color variation for a uniform look. For a more monochromatic look, you can accessorize with the Rope Napkin Rings in navy. These chic napkin rings can be used for any occasion.

Turtle and Starfish decorative objects are such an enchanting and amusing adornments to add to the table setting. These fun sea creatures add that modern bold pop of color and will surely put a smile on your guests’ faces. Use them as a casual home decoration throughout the summer once Fourth of July passes.

Flip the Script

The Patent Reversible Placemats are a must-have table accessory. Available in a variety of color combinations, the turquoise & blue, orange & red, and yellow & white placemats are the ideal table decor for your Fourth of July party. These versatile placemats feature the quintessential patriotic shades of red, white, and blue on one side, and bright summery hues of orange, yellow, and turquoise on the other side. With a single flip, these placemats transform colors, giving you double the decoration capability in a single accessory. Mix and match the red, white, and blue placemats for an eclectic look, or pick a single color variation and use tabletop accessories in other colors to complete the patriotic color scheme.

The Turtle and Starfish decorative objects can either add a striking contrast or harmoniously compliment the vivid colors of the Patent Reversible Placemats.

Nautical Charm

The Woven Fringe Placemats in blue & white are ideal for outdoor entertaining. These fun placemats are practical, charming, and adaptable to a variety of different tablescapes.

Use these fashionable contemporary placemats as a base for your Fourth of July table and add red accent to the table in different creative ways. You can have red foods such as berries available on the table as a delicious decorative snack. Alternatively, you can use our decorative Lacquer Tray in red to serve food or drinks, adding that pop of color.

Classic Memorial Day Table Settings with a Modern Twist

May 16, 2022 | Tablescapes

Memorial Day is a holiday which exudes duality. Originally, Memorial Day marked the day that honored the men and women, who have served in the United States military. Eventually, Memorial Day also became known as the unofficial first day of summer. The two faces of Memorial Day – one serious and the other jovial – has become the essence of this holiday.

In the late 1860s, people would visit national cemeteries on May 30th and decorate the individual graves with flowers and flags, giving rise to Memorial Day’s original name: Decoration Day. Officially becoming a federal holiday in 1971, Memorial Day was observed by hosting family gatherings and organizing commemorative parades. The patriotic roots of this holiday give rise to the red, white, and blue theme.

These commemorative gatherings soon evolved into a festive celebration that also serves as a kickstarter to summer fun. This day became dedicated to barbecues, pool parties, hanging out on boats, and the opening of beaches. The nautical theme that characterizes the other face of Memorial Day emerged from these marine-focused activities. So in one holiday, there is a juxtaposition of the formal and the lighthearted; the patriotic and the familial; the red, white, and blue, and the nautical.

Stylish Reversible Placemats

Highlighting the decorative duality of what was originally known as Decoration Day, Von Gern Home introduces the Memorial Day Collection, featuring the perfect staple pieces to complement both the original motif and the modern twist associated with this day. Celebrate in style by dressing your table with versatile table setting that are seemingly tailor-made for Memorial Day but are also adaptable for the entire summer season.

The Patent Reversible Placemats in Red & Orange, Yellow & White, and Turquoise & Blue feature bold red, white, and blue hues on one side and beachy bright orange, yellow, and turquoise on the other side. These placemats are ideal for a classic patriotic Memorial Day theme and can be flipped to match a more mellow vibe for the rest of the summer season. These fashionable placemats are sophisticated and chic, yet at the same time create an artistically festive ambiance.

Fun Napkin Rings

To complement the patriotic and nautical duality of Memorial Day, the Starfish Napkin Rings are a quintessential addition to the table decor. These fun napkin rings are a striking deep blue that both matches the original shade within the American flag and is, at the same time, reminiscent of the open sea. These unique napkin rings are both decadent and whimsical, perfect for casual table settings but also seamlessly fit to a more formal tablescape.

Nautical Decor

An unexpected decoration to bring everything together and add that impeccable finishing touch is the Sea Creatures from the Decorative Objects collection. Medium Starfish in orange and white, Large Starfish in navy, red, and yellow, as well as the Sea Turtle in red are utterly delightful adornments that can add a fun embellishment to a Memorial Day table and be reused throughout the entire summer. The glossy resin finish gives these decorative objects a contemporary and refined look that transcends the merely casual.

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Mother’s Day

Apr 24, 2022 | Tablescapes

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and we are reflecting on what makes mothers so incredible. As it turns out, there is some science on this very topic! Two researchers at the University of Arizona conducted a study to see what makes the best mothers. This study shows that the best mothers are those who are well taken care of, emotionally speaking. More specifically, there are four factors that help mothers show up as their best selves for their children.

Experiencing Unconditional Acceptance

Experiencing unconditional acceptance involves feeling loved, respected, and seen for the person that you are. We feel that it is not enough to feel accepted by others, but that self-acceptance is also crucial. Accepting yourself and your genuine desires often takes the form of allowing yourself to have nice things because you recognize that you deserve them. Mothers always want the best for their children, but sacrifice quality for themselves. However, the science reveals that giving children the best is achieved by mothers also giving themselves the best!

Comfort

Mothers undoubtably feel stress on a daily basis. Each mother needs to have a personal safe haven that provides her with the comfort necessary to manage the tension caused by having to be a superhero for her family. Comfort can be provided by loving people, but it is also offered by a cozy, serene, and pleasant home. Creating a beautiful and relaxing sanctuary is the next step that science prescribes for mothers who want to be the best version of themselves for their children.

Expressing Authentic Self

A mother often loses her sense of who she is as a person because her attention is always on her family. Hardly anyone sacrifices more of themselves than a mother – they are the modern day martyrs. A huge part of being a good mother is being true to one’s own personality, spirit, and values. A mother needs to treasure her individual personhood and allow her unique light to shine through. One of the best ways to assert and convey authenticity is through style, whether it is the way a mom dresses herself or the way she dresses her home. Focusing on home decor is the perfect strategy for a mother’s emotional thriving, as suggested by science, because it allows for both an expression of her authenticity and for creating comfort.

Satisfaction With Friendships

Importantly, the study found that the frequency of engaging with friends is most important. Maintaining friendships is difficult for the modern day mother, as she is so busy with taking care of her family, her home, and often juggling a job alongside all these other important responsibilities. One fantastic approach to maintain frequent social interactions is to host friends in one’s home. For a mother who follows the science-based advice provided in this post, her home will reflect who she is as an individual and this will work to further reinforce personal relationships with anyone invited into her special sacred place.

A mother who cares about providing the best for her family absolutely must focus on providing the best for herself as well. Women often take great care in decorating their living room and bedroom, but they cannot neglect the dining area. Mealtimes are crucial for time spent with family and friends – breaking bread is one of the oldest and best ways to strengthen and sustain relationships. Create a dining area that reflects your own radical self-acceptance, provides beautiful comfort, expresses your authentic personality, and design a wonderful setting to share meals with the people who matter most.

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Easter Tablescape Ideas to Get You Excited for Spring

Mar 30, 2022 | Tablescapes

Spring is in the air, and that means that Easter is just around the corner. This year, gather family and friends around a festive table, set with bright colors and bold hues of yellows, greens, and pinks. Our placemats and table accessories are perfect for any Easter get-together, large or small, with a variety of textures and colors sure to guarantee everyone have an egg-cellent time.

Striking Stripes

Approach your Easter celebration with a modernist take on traditional springy hues. Start with a raw linen tablecloth in a neutral color and layer our Lacquer Stripe Placemats in sunny yellow and warm gray. Reminiscent of the springtime sun and the freshness of the changing seasons, the curvilinear geometric stripes and striking lacquer offer a touch of minimalist glamour- a splendid juxtaposition with a natural linen tablecloth.

Add festive easter eggs strewn around the table or grouped in pretty decorative bowls. Dried floral moss arranged directly on the table offers a lovely hint of greenery. Double up on the festive sunny color with our coordinating Lacquer Stripe Coasters and adorable marshmallow Peeps.

Spring Green

For many, Easter marks the start of spring and the new growth of the coming season. Explore the freshness of green with your Easter tablescape this year. Layer our Woven Fringe Placemats in eye-catching lime and white atop a neutral linen tablecloth. Crafted from “green” recycled plastic twine, these colorful placemats will surely delight and bring much-needed joy and freshness to your tabletop – perfectly synonymous with spring!

In lieu of traditional florals, scatter small silver or glass dishes filled with assorted candy treats in a variety of festive colors. Guests will be delighted by your fresh take on a centerpiece, and everyone will enjoy picking from the variety of sweet nibbles available. Add fun and practical Woven Fringe Coasters for an extra textural element. Effortlessly celebratory, this whimsical tablescape is sure to have everyone feeling the springtime spirit.

Festive Fringe

Embrace bright colors this Easter with a festive marshmallow Peeps-inspired tablescape. Incorporate color and texture with our Woven Fringe Placemats and mix bold pops of bright pink, magenta, yellow, and white.

Create an illusion of a live tablescape by layering dried floral moss directly on your tabletop or tablecloth to create a natural runner in an organic shape. Tuck colored Easter eggs, candies or marshmallow Peeps into the green runner to delight your guests. Finish by cinching napkins with our bright Floral Napkin Rings for an extra touch of springtime feeling. This joyous whimsical tablescape is a feast for the eyes that is sure to delight and impress your Easter guests.

Celebrate Ukraine

Weighing on our hearts this Easter is the conflict in Ukraine. This year, pay homage to the culture and traditions of the Ukrainian people and explore the heritage of this incredible Eastern European country.

The rich culture and centuries-old heritage of Ukraine serve up colorful inspiration for our Easter tablescape. Brightly-colored painted eggs, known as Pysanka, are strewn about the table. While traditionally decorated using natural dyes such as onion peel, for a rich mahogany hue, and beetroot for vibrant reds and pinks, feel free to honor this tradition at home and use store-bought food coloring. Invite the kids to join in and create festive accents together all while honoring global traditions.

Delight your guests with traditional Ukrainian Easter foods, such as Medovik (honey cake), Smetannik (sour cream cake), and Ukrainian crepes, known locally as Nalysnyky. Our beaded Sprinkles Placemats with a rainbow array of colors add a playful element and festive energy to this Easter table setting. Finish by cinching napkins with beaded Floral Napkin Rings.

Looking to change up your Easter desserts this year? Try this recipe for Medovik cake courtesy of Natasha’s Kitchen.

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