Decor

Style at Home editor-in-chief Erin McLaughlin is one of our favorite go-to experts for all the latest trends in home decor. With winter fast approaching we asked Erin to share some her top winter tabletop trends for this season.

Plaid

Dating back to the 16th century, tartan is associated with wool textiles, is worn in cool climates (the Highlands) and has become a bonafide winter classic in cool climates and beyond.

Popular winter plaids are rich in colour: reds, blacks, forest greens, a hint of white. Plaid is a timeless trend and it usually reads as traditional.  When you think about tartan you think of upbeat and traditional decor that's only relevant during the holidays. But by using tartan only as an accent to a table set in matte black and a tiny bit of silver, the look is au courant. It's like accessorizing a little black dress with a Vivienne Westwood accessory! 

Pair plaid with black. For a winter chic plaid-inspired table setting, use black to create drama and give the look a fresh modern take that's also a little edgy with the plaid patterned plate.

Go with vintage flatware. Use flatware with a vintage look to soften up the hardness of the black. It adds warmth and the feeling of tradition

Layer with greenery. Layer the look with greenery (rosemary). It adds a dash of elegance that's understated and very affordable.

Sources: plaid tablecloth, black glassware, IKEA; serving platter, plate, bowl, CB2; black tableware, Indigo; flatware, Pottery Barn; pitcher, MUD; PC Home plaid tableware

Stars

At this time of year navy goes from the nautical looks of summer to a more wintery theme of starry night skies. The elegance of navy is paired with delicate patterns of stars andsnowflakes. Stars are a romantic theme for your winter table setting.

Choose a distinctive china pattern. A distinctive china pattern like the one we used by Marchesa is a beautiful winter navy look

Lighten it up with platinum. To keep the navy from feeling too formal and heavy, pair it with platinum for a more modern look that also reads lighter.

Choose modern flatware. Keep the flatware modern and streamlined so it does not compete with the china.

Polish off the look with fresh florals. In keeping with the use of white, navy and platinum, arrangements of fresh white florals finish off this classic yet contemporary look

Sources: Kate Spade flatware, Kate Spade platinum place setting, Kate Spade gobblet and wine glass, Georg Jensen wine and bar coasters, Ralph Lauren cotton paisley embroidered placemant, Ralph Lauren platter, Georg Jensen candlestick, all from The Bay

Rococo Revamp

Yes, pink in the winter! This look is so playful and versatile it works in the winter despite its pastel pink touches. Rococo is also often referred to as "late Baroque," an 18th century artistic movement and style rebelling against the grandeur of Baroque (i.e. Palace of Versailles).

Rococo took the formal nature of Baroque and translated it to a more relaxed, versatile and comfortable look for its time. The look is playful and witty, using asymmetrical designs, curves and gold. The "Rococo Revamped" table setting is a nod to this playfully dramatic era!

Use mismatched antique dishes. You don't need matching china for this look! Dust off your vintage china and bring it back to the 21st century with this fun table settin. Mismatched china reads as interesting and unique yet not precious and stuffy

Go bold with gold. A gold finish is essential for this look. The revamp calls for a modern spin, so go with contemporary gold flatware

Use simple clean linens. These are your backdrop. Keep them simple to allow the embellished items to shine through and take centre stage.

Add pink roses. Delicate pink roses are the perfect touch for this feminine look. Madame de Pompadour would approve!

Sources: vintage tableware; plate, IKEA; flatware, West Elm; Villeroy & Boch plates, Gluckstein Home Prescott Gold Rim platter, The Bay; bubbly decanter, art deco decanter, Dauville gold spreader, Food for Thought platter by Julia Child, Indigo