As we ready our homes for the holidays, ironing linens and polishing silver for the table, here's a bit of inspiration from an event we did at the Apawamis Club in Rye, hosted by one of our closest friends, Elizabeth Moyer of the splendid blog Pretty Pink Tulips. Elizabeth, you may remember, from her charming home on the Rye House Tour or even the Springtime Social she co-hosted with reader Linie Featherston.  

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Thanks to them, over 200 people attended the event at Apawamis, which included lunch, a holiday boutique of our vintage wares and a presentation full of insider tips for easy, elegant holiday decorating.  

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These Coalport Indian Tree plates that Jaithan found at Consign It were just the inspiration I needed for a table mixing new and vintage pieces in a vibrant palette of pink and green.   

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The chargers are from the Christmas Tree Shop, while the dinner plates are Mottahedeh. Both sit atop linen runners (Java Java in Pink) from Quadrille, one of my favorite sources for designer fabric. Together, the play of patterns feels fresh, happy and a little bit dangerous, just the way I like it. Speaking of, if you're using holly in an arrangement, make sure you remove the berries beforehand. They're poisonous and tend to fall anyway. Mixed with simple pink roses, the centerpieces are instant holiday.   

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For a bit of tradition, I used old European napkins embroidered with monograms but layered in a modern way.

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Now don't forget the details! Colorful candy in footed compotes are a sweet intermezzo between dinner and dessert. Consider vintage salt cellars, too, like these gold-over-porcelain beauties for no reason at all but sparkle and shine. And finally, layer the light with votives like these cranberry glass holders from Ole Carousel Antiques.    

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For a quick and easy place card, use a white paint pen on ornaments that match your table.    

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You can even embellish taper candles with holly. Simply wire two ends together and it's a fast and easy bobeche. We used handmade tapers in turquoise from my go-to source, Creative Candles in Kansas City. 

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Huge thanks to our friends at The Laundress, Larson-Juhl and Wish for their generous donations. And finally, on a more personal note, thank you to our sweet, super talented friend Elizabeth Moyer for hosting such a beautiful event. 

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Every one of us, I'd venture to say, has friends we've made through the blogging community, and although we may not have met them all in person, they're real to us in every way. Happy holiday entertaining, everyone!