The holidays bring plenty of reasons to gather around the table, whether it's Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas celebration or a toast to the new year. And while the food and company take center stage, a thoughtfully dressed table can make the occasion feel all the more special.

This year, five Wilmington retailers offer their own takes on holiday entertaining, from rich autumn colors and gilded glamour to playful gingerbread houses and timeless Christmas greenery. Each setting offers ideas worth borrowing, whether you're starting a new tradition, bringing out treasured family pieces or simply looking for a little inspiration before your next gathering.

A Place for Tradition

Sugarwood Interiors
sugarwoodnc.com
910-319-7779

At Sugarwood Interiors, holiday decorating begins with the familiar rituals of gathering family, setting the table and bringing out pieces that return year after year.

This Christmas tablescape combines warm brass, glass and seasonal greenery for a look that feels collected rather than overly coordinated. Antique brass taper holders display deep red candles, while elegant glass hurricanes hold glowing pillar candles. Together, they create a warm, inviting atmosphere against the natural wood of the dining table.

Fresh-looking greenery, including long-needle pine sprays, runs through the arrangement, complemented by a gold cast-aluminum flower-shaped bowl and other decorative accents. Bubble wine glasses and patterned dinnerware add subtle character, while traditional holiday colors lend the setting a timeless quality.

Rather than relying on an elaborate centerpiece, the design draws interest from the varying heights of the candles, the contrast between glass and metal, and the organic shapes of the greenery.

The result is a table that feels festive without being formal, leaving plenty of room for good food, conversation and the family traditions that make the season memorable.

Collected With Care

The Ivy Cottage
threecottages.com
910-815-0907

A beautifully set holiday table doesn't require perfectly matched pieces—it's an opportunity to bring together vintage finds, family heirlooms and decorative treasures that each have a story to tell.

The centerpiece of this elegant setting is a Duncan Phyfe double-pedestal dining table ($695), complete with six classic shield-back chairs. Fine Collingwood china from England ($395 for 12 place settings) lends a traditional touch, while an assortment of vintage crystal stemware adds variety and sparkle.

Two striking Bohemian trumpet vases ($145 and $195) anchor the arrangement, accompanied by colorful art glass and hand-blown pumpkins ($20–$55 each). Brass candleholders ($95 per set) complete the look, bringing warmth to the mix of glass, china and wood.

For owners Andrew and Marie Keller, The Ivy Cottage is a family business built around giving treasured pieces a new home. Their approach to holiday entertaining reflects that same appreciation for objects with history and character.

"It doesn't have to be perfect, or completely matching to make a beautiful, memorable table," Marie says. "It's about the love and attention to detail that you put into it."

All That Glitters

Port City Peddler
portcitypeddler.com
910-444-8881

For those who prefer a little extravagance with their holiday celebrations, Port City Peddler makes a convincing case for going all out with gold.

Inspired by Old World Christmas glamour, this monochromatic tablescape combines antique gold, shiny metallic finishes, sequins and sparkling glassware for a setting that's anything but understated.

Towering sculptural gold Christmas trees form the centerpiece, surrounded by elaborate brass candelabras and glowing gold taper candles. A shimmering tablecloth provides the foundation, while ornate chargers, porcelain dinner plates with metallic gold rims and 24-karat gold-plated flatware bring the gilded theme to each place setting.

Antique gold napkins and shiny napkin rings provide subtle variations in tone, while glassware with metallic detailing catches the candlelight. The combination of finishes and textures gives the all-gold palette depth without introducing competing colors.

It's an elegant setting designed to carry the celebration from Christmas dinner straight through New Year's Eve.

Port City Peddler is also embracing a renewed interest in silver plate this season, offering vintage-inspired entertaining pieces such as punch bowls and chafing dishes for those looking to bring a little old-fashioned glamour to their gatherings.

A Sweet Holiday Tradition

Big Sky Design
bigskydesignonline.com
910-793-3992

Who says holiday decorating has to be serious? At Big Sky Design, designer Lindsey Gregg embraces the playful side of Christmas with a tablescape inspired by gingerbread houses, candy-colored treats and childhood holiday traditions.

A pink gingham tablecloth sets the stage for an assortment of decorated gingerbread houses, pastel nutcrackers, miniature Christmas trees and cheerful floral arrangements. Pink taper candles and colorful accents add to the festive atmosphere, while icy blue Grasscloth and warm brass details in the dining room provide a more sophisticated backdrop.

The contrast is intentional. Gregg pairs traditional surroundings with whimsical holiday decorations, showing how even the most formal spaces can make room for a little fun. Durable, disposable tableware makes the setting as practical as it is playful, especially when entertaining children and large families.

With its sugar-plum palette and nostalgic details, the design is a reminder that some of the best holiday tables are the ones that don't take themselves too seriously.

Harvest Elegance

Nest Fine Gifts and Interiors
nestfinegifts.com
910-256-6378

Interior designers Suzanne Reid and Porter Creighton bring the colors and textures of autumn to the table with an arrangement of lush magnolia blooms, natural accents and warm seasonal hues.

Olive-and-gold acanthus-striped cachepots and pinecone and pear topiaries add height and texture, while pumpkins and candles of varying sizes nestle among a magnolia garland. An oversized mango wood pedestal bowl filled with green and amber ribbon orbs adds another layer of interest, complemented by a forest green plaid fabric pumpkin.

At each place setting, espresso-colored woven pumpkin placemats pair with embroidered autumn napkins, wooden napkin rings and hand-blown stemware. A mantel decorated with fall leaves, acorns and a gold-trimmed velvet bow completes the scene.

The combination of rich earth tones, creamy white magnolia blooms