Winter Entertaining by Soil & Stem

Our subscribers received our January newsletter yesterday, full of exciting news, exclusive previews and this lovely tutorial from Soil & Stem and Erin Kate Photography for designing an elegant and effortless winter table. We have a few more surprises coming to inboxes next week - be sure to subscribe now so you can be first to know!

We loved this tutorial for its elegant and effortlessly styling. Even though the holidays are over, there is still much to be celebrated in winter - a new year, new life and new beginnings. Enjoy the tutorial below and also, check out Nicole’s beautiful reflection on the new year on her own online journal here.

Here is what Nicole shared with us:

During a time of year when we are overtaken with an abundance of food, lights, gifts, and guests, it may come as a welcome relief to remove the wrappings of the season and allow for intimate and humble settings to take its place when planning your next dinner party or winter wedding reception.

Depending on your local climate, foraging in winter may be difficult. With the wintery earth frozen and conventional botanical beauty wilted with the frost, try collecting evergreens, pinecones, twigs, and stones. These natural elements combined with simple styling, create a personal and minimalistic gathering.

Here is what you will need:

Foraged Materials Used

- Small-Medium Evergreen Branch (we used pine)
- Wood Fragments or Stones (we used petrified wood)
- Pinecones

Other Materials Used

- Natural Dyed Linen
- Taper Holder and Candlesticks
- Heirloom ChinaWine Glasses

Step 1: Lay out your linen. We decided we liked the texture and movement of unpressed draped linen.
Step 2: Place your focal element. Here, our taper holder served as our focal element.

Step 3: Lay your branch. Before you place your branch, look at it. Ask yourself, which way does it fall naturally, how would it lay if found on the forest floor? Usually, the most natural position of the branch will be the best way to arrange it on your table. Note: Don’t be afraid to clip way any extra twigs or needles if impending sightlines or eating space.

Step 4: Add tidbits. These are any elements you’d like to bring in for color, texture, or movement. Here we used pinecones and petrified wood. Cluster small elements together and place larger pieces separately.