Every year when the holidays come around, we promise ourselves to keep stress at bay.

And every year, in the whirl of activity, stress shows up, uninvited.

Since we know stress will be stopping in, how can we minimize its impact?

One of the secrets is to style our tables, entertaining areas and even entire rooms in such a way that stress will feel unwelcome.

How? Simple design in neutral colors creates a peaceful environment. Not to diminish traditional decorations, but if your home is filled with every holiday item you own, it will feel busy and fussy—not serene.

If your home styling feels calm, you’ll feel relaxed. Without stress in the picture, you and your guests will have the emotional space to feel gratitude, joy and love. And that’s what the holidays are really all about.

The elegant, festive and not so traditional table
If you do have space for a large table, we like this sophisticated, contemporary version with unique wood legs and a light-colored surface to pick up the abundant light from the window.

The grey, weathered oak chairs are comfortable and stain-resistant, with a clean, simple design that matches that of the table.

What’s immediately most noticeable about this table, however, is that it’s festive and holiday-oriented without being fussy or overdone. The use of neutral colors provides that feeling of calm that sends stress packing while giving guests a warm welcome.

The beautiful, pewter pumpkin bowls with gold accents are stunning for soup, salad or other bowl-appropriate foods. A white napkin featuring a single feather rests beneath the bowl, and atop a simple white plate and metal charger.

Grey marble placemats are both elegant and disposable. Pewter and stainless steel utensils, along with seeded glass goblets, are distinctive yet dishwasher safe.

Simple white floral arrangements create a fresh feeling and are echoed by the white flowers near the window.

A mirrored glass tray holds polished stones, flameless grey candles and Plush Pumpkins in a spectrum of greys.

Space-saving and unique
More and more, we’re working with clients in lofts, apartments and newly remodeled homes where dining rooms are small or even nonexistent.

Whether it’s because of lack of space or shifting priorities, evolving dining rooms require rethinking the typical furniture and furnishings.

Our favorite solution is the rustic metal and wood bar or serving cart on wheels. It offers plenty of space for dishes, glasses, utensils, copper cups (Cranberry Moscow Mules, anyone?), slate coasters, crates or baskets for added texture and, of course, a few Plush Pumpkins.

Antique seltzer bottles placed on the cart heighten interest with unique shine and shape and can hold whatever liquid you choose.

A distinctive lamp resting on the cart features a rustic clay spherical base and a linen shade, providing a contrast to the cart’s straight lines and right angles and incorporating an earthy feeling.

The cart allows you to put so many items in such a small space, that it could replace the traditional sideboard or console in the dining room. It can allow you to use a smaller or simpler table by holding serving dishes. Or it can even bring dinner to the living room or den; imagine guests picking up a plate, a coaster and a glass on the way to their seats.

Keep it interesting
Even in a single space, you can incorporate several seating styles. Next to the window are two oversized hearth chairs.

Dining chairs of a different style, yet within the same color family, are used at the marble kitchen island. Feel free to use different types of chairs in the same area; careful contrast always produces more interesting results.

A larger, exceptional floral arrangement in a grey, rectangular planter brings attention toward the kitchen for a more balanced experience.