North Bay Woman

58 NORTH BAY WOMAN | F A L L 2 0 1 6 >> Con't from pg. 14 She decorates with earth tones for Thanksgiving and opts for greenery in lieu of the conventional red-and-green color scheme. "Fresh or dried botanicals soften a tablescape and add color," she says. "I tend to decorate with a neutral palette year round and add pops of color to update for the winter season." For a lush winter style, she is enchanted by the introduction of feathers into botanical arrangements, LED lights that make an arrangement glow, or a console with objects in metallic finishes. For a minimalist tablescape, she sticks with one color and keeps the décor bold, adding variety through shapes rather than color. "For example, if you choose brass as your finish, keep all of the candles white and assemble a collection of brass candle holders in different sizes and shapes," she suggests. "If it's on a dining table, just make sure your guests can converse comfortably." Another tip, she adds, is to "contain your arrangement on a tray. The eye naturally looks at it as a cluster and it's easily transported if your console table must be used to serve food or drinks." Put vases to use, too. "They could hold ornaments or pine cones," she insists. "And, don't be afraid to mix live and faux flowers." Cokas Diko "A warm, cozy, relaxing and inviting environment should always be the ultimate goal when decorating," advises Patrick Mutt, owner of Cokas Diko in Santa Rosa. He likes to see warm winter whites, ivory, soft gold, bronzes and either rust or a deep golden orange in wintertime interiors. "I never get tired of a deep, warm red, either," he says. As lighting influences ambience greatly, he suggests that you "change out bright fluorescent bulbs for softer Edison-style bulbs — Lowe's has the best selection — or update a chandelier or wall sconce with low wattage (8 to 15 watt) vanity bulbs," he says. "Ivory-colored candles are my favorite for winter as they provide a soft, warm glow in any setting." A change of pillows, either patterned or solid, will also provide an instant update for winter, he notes, but keep in mind, "a little pattern goes along way when paired with solid colors." Texture is a must at this time. "I try to find materials that mimic, or incorporate branches, bark, raw stone and burlap," he says. "Even if you are a minimalist, you can use different textures and shades of the same color for a rich, cohesive look." Don't overdo it when decorating, though, he cautions. "Less is always more. When in doubt, leave it out." n Clockwise: This well-appointed table setting from Pottery Barn mixes the traditional with the past, in these warm and welcoming vintage San- ta Claus plates. Jessica Sprouls, general manager, says, "don't be afraid to mix live and faux flowers." – Photo provided by Pottery Barn; Silver and blue velvety pillows amid pine cones and sprigs from the garden from Sunrise Home. – Photo provided by Sunrise Home; Candy canes and candles from Bluestone Main in Petaluma.– Photo provided by Bluestone Main

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