15 unique and quirky accents for your holiday table
Finds that let you add some personality and whimsy to this year’s soirées
This year, why not get playful with your holiday entertaining, and jazz up the decor at your next fête with the addition of some fun tableware? Festive classics like red charger plates and golden serveware are always nice for setting the seasonal mood, but adding whimsical, practically collectible dishes and tabletop accessories into the mix is a great way to share your personality and sense of humour with guests. And, best of all, you can keep many of these unique finds in your entertaining arsenal all year long.
Plant World
Vegetarian-forward diners and urban gardeners alike will love this crop of greens-inspired tableware (including a reissue of the late potter Dodie Thayer's famous 1960s Lettuce Ware line). The organic shapes and bright hues are sure to make a lively impression on any table.
Dodie Thayer for Tory Burch Lettuce Ware Covered Tureen, about $116, toryburch.com
Smakbit Serving Plate, $14.99, ikea.com
Small Textured Bowl, $12.99, hm.com
DOIY Design Saguaro Glasses, $66.99, drakegeneralstore.ca
Featured creature
From child-friendly dinosaurs to dramatic, lion-shaped cutlery rests, create a dramatically playful tablescape by inviting a few exotic creatures to the party. Real or prehistoric, these quirky shapes are just the pieces to liven up your everyday, neutral-coloured ceramics.
Octopus Tiered Serving Dish With Lid, $39.90 (on sale for $19.90), zarahome.com
Nachosaurus Snack And Dip Set, $14.95, uncommongoods.com
Golden Lion Cutlery Rest, $39.90 for four, zarahome.com
Faux Antler & Glass Large Serving Bowl, $65 (on sale for $45.30), potterybarn.ca
Modern quirk
Even minimalists can't help but go for a bit of whimsy when it comes to the festive season. These playful finds are sleek and without much ornamentation, but also pleasantly idiosyncratic — have a bit of fun by adding a trompe-l'œil plate or musical napkin ring to your table.
Gather Salad Plates, $14 each (on sale for $9.99), westelm.ca
Gold Bell Napkin Ring, $6, chapters.indigo.ca
DOIY Design Hestia Food Stand, $74, urbanoutfitters.com
Pet friendly
Whether or not you are a proud pet owner, there's practically a whole sub-genre of tableware designed for pet and animal lovers. From platters decorated with artist illustrations of your favourite canine breed to bunny-shaped serving containers, these friendly designs come complete with a dose of charm.
Sally Muir Dog-a-Day Platter, about $55, anthropologie.com
Bunny Belly Bowl, $9, potterybarn.ca
Dapper Animal Salad Plate, $14 (on sale for $11), westelm.ca
Corinne Tea Pot, about $76 (on sale for about $61), anthropologie.com