Our Guide to the Best Sparkling Stemware and Chilled Bubblies to Make your Holiday Gathering Shine

Kate Mellow of Bloom + Blueprint created this boho chic fall tablescape.

Bohemian Rhapsody
When dreaming up this decadent display, Lead Designer Kate Mellow of Bloom + Blueprint says she was inspired by the rusty, natural colors of Sedona. “I used wood flowers and clean glassware for a modern twist,” she says. “Taking the setup closer to the floor just feels more intimate and cozy for fall.” When planning your haute holiday soiree, Mellow recommends adding some dried, natural elements like sun palms and bunny tails and to be thoughtful in smaller design details. “Custom place cards or details that make the guests feel that you thought about them will always feel indulgent,” says Mellow. She also notes the importance of balancing out luxurious details by using the rules of halves. “If it’s a luxe one-of-a-kind vase you can go more simple on the contents. If it’s a simple vase, dress it up with luxe blooms,” Mellow suggests. And this season’s most sumptuous tablescape trend? “Adding some flair and creativity to your food display is a great option to look like a pro,” adds Mellow. “Wooden platters and ceramic bowls laid effortlessly down a long table with edible flowers, figs, and fruit tucked among it all is a smorgasbord in all the right ways.”

Blogger Lory Parson of To Have + To Host used deep purple hues to create an elegant holiday table.

Plum with Aplomb
Few names are as synonymous with entertaining in the Valley as Lory Parson’s. Her blog, To Have + To Host, is a fantastic resource for those looking to add a little extra elegance to their dinner party, family gathering or holiday event. Parson offers those searching for inspiration this season a vast compendium of helpful tips and suggestions, ranging from recipes and wine pairings to hosting advice and party themes. To Parson, the key to crafting a perfect tablescape begins with the color palate. “I like to start with the colors and then allow them to dictate the design,” she says. In the case of the elegant jewel-toned masterpiece depicted here, the season certainly helped guide the journey. “I wanted a dark, almost moody feel, but something that was still fun enough for a table,” she says.

So Parson showed a local florist the colors she felt would dictate the piece. “I’m a sucker for hues of rich plums, royal violets, deep burgundy and midnight blues,” she says. Soon, her vision began to materialize. “With everything centered around the color scheme, you can then easily begin to organize your plates, your linens, your tablecloths, your flatwear. ... Before you know it, something magical will begin to take shape.”

AT YOUR SERVICE
We find ourselves in hearty agreement with Peroni beer’s slogan this year: Whatever you do, do it beautifully. It holds especially true at the holidays. So we were delighted to learn of the brand’s limited-edition bar cart, a stylish partnership with prolific designer Jonathan Adler. Rendered in clear acrylic with nickel detailing and featuring the beer’s blue stripes, it’s made for the host or hostess whose gatherings feel like an evening on the Amalfi Coast. “There’s no place I love more than Italy,” Adler says. “And the bar cart I created… is the next best thing to actually being there.” Salute! $1,450

MERRY & BRIGHT
Traditional isn’t always better. Witness the reimagining of the Christmas tree into a modern, glowing masterpiece. Modern Christmas Trees founder Matt Bliss’ grandfather created the prototype when he made a family Christmas tree out of cardboard in the 1960s. From that midcentury start, Bliss fashioned a new version of the A-line tree from concentric acrylic rings, chandelier crystals and LED lighting. The final touch is the Sputnik-reminiscent star on top. The trees come in four heights, with different color options and, even, a new, inclusive rainbow design. $269-$1,399

SHAKE, RATTLE, ROLL
Recently, Tiffany & Co. launched a new men’s collection the luxury maker describes as “direct, uncomplicated and rooted in a legacy of expert craftsmanship.” The Tiffany 1837 Makers Collection (the name a nod to the brand’s founding year) was inspired by the jeweler’s holloware workshop and by its longstanding business in handcrafting championship trophies. A sure winner is this gorgeous and sturdy cocktail shaker in sterling silver and brass—a can’t-miss for the fellow who has (almost) everything. Reed Krakoff, chief artistic officer for the house, says “there’s a person behind each object”—in this case, someone who appreciates an exquisite drink, exquisitely delivered. $2,250, Scottsdale Fashion Square

LUXE LABYRINTH
Ceramicist Paul Schneider is no stranger to the spotlight, having caught the eye of his top-tier clientele early on with his signature chevron prints, dappled techniques and multibanded drip process, which he meticulously applies to an assortment of lamps, trays and accessories. This season, Schneider swirls into new territory with the launch of his geode collection, which utilizes an innovative marbling process. What to expect? A whimsical mix of rich hues, intricate design and swoonworthy pieces that will make for the perfect addition to your holiday tablescape. And like the ceramic artist himself, each piece is one-of-a-kind. $325

A romantic farm-table dinner tablescape by Scottsdale’s Laki Events and Design

Farmhouse Chic
When event planner Lara Jacobs planned this unique tablescape for a private fall dinner for 20 guests on a farm property in Chandler, the goal was to harken to the rustic natural landscape, but keep it chic. “We wanted to bring in the colors and the feel of that farm setting,” says Jacobs, owner and lead designer of Scottsdale-based Laki Events and Design. “But we wanted to dress it up to be more elegant.” Her team chose an espresso-stained wood harvest table and added a white table runner, hanging bistro lights, tapered candles, gold charger plates and glass bud vases filled with wildflowers. To give it a holiday spin, Jacobs says a nice touch would be mini white pumpkins or ornaments inscribed with each guest’s name. Metallics work well for holiday-themed events, she says, but the name of the game is to keep it clean. “Sometimes all you need is a simple napkin with a menu and a sprig of greenery.”

INNER GLOW
Candlelight adds a festive air to the winter table. And the Evelina candleholder centerpiece by AERIN is a stylish, versatile centerpiece that holds eight tapers while adding its own sparkle to the tablescape. “There’s something so cozy and inviting about lighting candles in the winter. Especially during the holiday season, candles immediately create a festive, warm environment,” says company founder Aerin Lauder. “I like to decorate with a lot of red and gold, but candles are always the best finishing touch.” Given that this centerpiece is customizable and can be configured in different shapes for small or large tables, it means you won’t only use the Evelina for the holiday dinner, but you can make a chilly Tuesday night a special occasion simply by lighting a few candles. $900, Main Dish

TABLE MANNERS
Any host worth their salt knows no holiday place setting is fully dressed without fine linens. Enter the table-toppers of the smart set, Julia B.’s handembroidered creations. Raised in Tokyo and San Francisco, founder and CEO Julia Berger credits an attention to craftsmanship as key to her handmade limited-edition designs. With myriad monogram styles and designs available, these linens are the most delicious thing on the dining table this season. Venezia table linens, set of four mats for $620, four dinner napkins for $640, four round cocktail napkins for $190, monogramming for $160

LET’S RAISE A GLASS!
What’s more glam than glassware by famed French cristallerie Saint-Louis? The St. Regis Midnight Supper set by Saint-Louis—a sublime pairing between Saint-Louis and the luxury hotel brand. Inspired by Caroline Astor’s Midnight Supper tradition, which dates to The St. Regis New York’s 1904 opening, the collection pays homage to glamorous dinners throughout the ages. “Saint-Louis has often set the table for St. Regis—from fashion week events in New York to luxurious crystal-laden picnics in London’s Hyde Park to one-of-a-kind Midnight Suppers around the world,” says Saint-Louis CEO Jérôme de Lavergnolle. The set includes a mix of the amethyst Tommy cocktail glass, Stella American water glass, Les Endiablés Bubble glass, amethyst Bubbles hock and amethyst Excess Champagne flute. $2,300, Neiman Marcus, Scottsdale Fashion Square

ON THE GRID
New from Danish objects company Georg Jensen comes Matrix. Designed by acclaimed Swedish designer Monica Förster based on Georg Jensen archives, it’s the ideal way to incorporate some of Scandinavia’s finest designs into your holiday decor. Made from mirror-polished stainless steel, the cube vase, tube vase and bowl are all three available in both small and medium sizes, making the possibilities for use endless. $40-$195