The New Classics

Some of our favorite decor experts shared creative themes and trends, along with their favorite places to hunt for tabletop treasures

For their holiday tables this season, Hamptonites crave ideas that feel fresh and trendy. While there’s plenty to love about the traditional colors and turkeys, they do get a little tired for some.

“During this festive time of year, people love to experience spaces that feel transportive,” said Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “A thoughtfully decorated holiday table is one of the best ways to create an enchanting, immersive atmosphere for your guests.”

Kim Seybert, founder of Kim Seybert Design, tries unexpected colors to break away from the traditional Thanksgiving palette. “Blue feels unexpected yet timeless — it’s elegant, adaptable, and perfectly at home in the Hamptons’ coastal setting,” she says. To shop for her table, Seybert heads to Flowers by Beth in Amagansett, Loaves & Fishes Cookshop in Bridgehampton and Duryea’s Market in Montauk.

The Return of Ralph Lauren Christmas

This season, Hamptons hosts are embracing the romance of nostalgia — and no look embodies that better than the “Ralph Lauren Christmas.” It’s a “revival of vintage-inspired look that blends equestrian elegance with cozy Americana,” says Cassie LaMere, founder of the luxury events planning company Cassie LaMere Events. 

Picture tartan linens, velvet ribbons cascading from chandeliers and drinks served from cut-crystal decanters, “to make spirits bright,” she says. A palette of rich reds, blues and winter whites evokes both East End sophistication and rustic warmth, while heirloom china and antique silver add a nostalgic twist.

For local ingredients, LaMere pops over to the farm shops like Amber Waves in Amagansett and Round Swamp in Bridgehampton. “Whether you’re gathering at a historic home in Sagaponack or an oceanfront property in Amagansett, the holidays are about creating connection and the table is where it all begins,” she explains.

Effortless Coastal Glamour

For those craving elegance without excess, “refined ease” defines the Hamptons table this holiday season. This entails a blend of fine details —“textured linens, coastal greenery and warm metallics”— with the simplicity of printed paper settings that mimic porcelain, notes Mallory Killingstad, co-founder of Pavilion Paper. “It’s a way to enjoy that polished, magazine-worthy table without sacrificing the joy of actually being present at the table,” she says.

The palette stays neutral and organic, accented with glassware from local favorites like Homenature in Southampton and Fishers Home Furnishings in Sag Harbor. 

“The most charming tables aren’t too coordinated,” agrees Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director at Mazzarini & Co. Instead, they reflect the collector’s unique eye, he says: splatterware plates from Williams Sonoma, candlesticks from an antiquing adventure at Beall & Bell in Greenport and stemware from a Paris flea market.

Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home, adds a romantic edge with Baroque-inspired details such as pewter serveware. 

The designer recently launched a collection of floral bouquets with UrbanStems designed around a timeless mix of soft green, white and blush tones. Mixed with decorative local produce, they create tables that “resemble a painting, artfully dressed with fresh bunches of carrots and radishes,” Kuo says.

Light, Layer and Linger

“On a holiday table, I’m obsessed with layering tiers of taper candles to create the most beautiful romantic glow,” Kuo says. “This year, I draped each dining chair with a super soft reindeer pelt that makes the dining room feel extra cozy.”

In hospitality, lighting candles and fireplaces is called a “flame program,” says Mazzarini, who enjoys bringing the same concept to residential events. “We love candles for all the tables,” he says. “They complement the sunset and make a beautiful transition from day to night.” 

There’s a renewed admiration for the hosting styles of East End icons like Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, LaMere adds. Their emphasis on elevated ease, seasonal ingredients and personal touches encourages Hamptons hosts to create meaningful gatherings without excess fuss.  “Dim the lights, light the taper candles, and let the scent of evergreens and warm spices drift from room to room,” LaMere says.