Holiday Entertaining and Style Guide

Warm Tones, Natural Textures & Inviting Silhouettes

Warm tones, natural textures, and inviting silhouettes bring people back to the dining room.

Entertaining is about connection,and this year’s dining trends are all about creating spaces that encourage guests to sit, talk, and linger. A return to warm, rich colors and darker woods defines the season, paired with transitional looks that balance modern simplicity with classic comfort, according to the team at Howard Lorton Furniture.

Dining rooms continue to serve as the heart of the home—a place to gather, celebrate, and slow down. Comfortable seating plays a major role, with upholstered chairs that invite long, relaxed meals. Decorative, colorful armchairs at the head of the table paired with matching armless side chairs create a layered, polished look. “We’re seeing more curved dining chairs for formal dining, and benches for families in less formal dining settings,” says Margot Cook, Howard Lorton’s vice president of operations. Low-back chairs also remain popular among those who prefer a sleek, minimal aesthetic.

Nature-inspired design continues to shape interiors across Colorado. Mountain modern style, in particular, takes cues from the region’s serene surroundings—rich wood grains, deep greens, and natural materials like linen and stone. Accessories such as linen table runners, floral arrangements, and greenery add organic texture, while subtle splashes of color or metallic gold details keep the look fresh and sophisticated.

Lighting continues to play a key role in setting the mood. Instead of traditional candles, tabletop lamps are emerging as a stylish and functional alternative. Rechargeable table lamps provide soft, atmospheric lighting directly on the table, enhancing both conversation and cuisine.

For more formal dining spaces, wallpaper and bold patterns are making a comeback. Statement walls and textured finishes add depth and character without overwhelming the room, allowing furniture to remain the focal point.

One standout example of form meeting function is the San Lorenzo Dining Table. Designed with two leaves, it expands easily to seat up to ten people—perfect for large gatherings. Its dark finish and transitional styling complement both modern and traditional interiors. For smaller, more intimate meals, round tables remain a favorite for fostering cozy, conversational dining.

This year’s trends blend comfort with sophistication, emphasizing personal touches, organic warmth, and inviting textures that make every gathering feel special.

San Lorenzo Dining Table
MSRP: $5,975 | Howard Lorton everyday price: $3,885

Howard Lorton Furniture
12 E. 12th Ave., Denver
303.831.1212
howardlorton.com

Artful Entertaining

Elevate your holiday hosting with the Fillmore Barware Collection—a sleek blend of polished stainless steel and warm brass accents that captures the essence of modern luxury. Each piece, from the shaker to the ice bucket and pitcher, gleams with a silver-and-gold lacquered finish that looks as festive as it feels. The clean lines and sculptural handles bring a contemporary edge to cocktail hour, while the durable construction ensures these pieces perform as beautifully as they present.

Whether you’re mixing martinis, pouring bubbly, or crafting a signature holiday cocktail, this collection transforms your bar cart into a showpiece. Pair it with crystal glassware for timeless elegance or bold stemware for a modern statement. Either way, Fillmore proves that entertaining well is an art—and every great gathering deserves a touch of shine.
Fillmore Barware Collection, $79–$129, POTTERY BARN at Park Meadows, potterybarn.com

To the Nines

When the invitation calls for shimmer, this Anne Klein sheath answers with confidence. Bathed in golden sequins that catch the light from every angle, the dress delivers just the right amount of drama for a holiday gala or a New Year’s Eve celebration. The draped neckline adds effortless fluidity to the structured silhouette, while the sleeveless cut keeps the look modern and sophisticated.

A hidden back zip ensures a smooth fit, and the midi length strikes the perfect balance between timeless and trend-forward. Pair it with metallic heels for high-glam polish or minimalist sandals to let the sparkle take center stage. For those who love options, the dress also comes in Titian Red—a stunning choice for anyone ready to trade gold for bold. Whether you’re making an entrance or raising a glass, this sequin sheath proves that shine never goes out of style.
Gold Draped Sleeveless Sequin Sheath Midi Dress by Anne Klein, $149, NORDSTROM at Park Meadows, nordstrom.com

Holiday Glow

Create a mantel that glows with understated sophistication. These Crystal Village Houses shimmer like freshly fallen snow, their faceted glass surfaces catching every flicker of light. Crafted from soda lime glass with a hollow base, each house invites you to personalize the display—fill them with string lights for a warm, wintry glow or leave them unlit to reflect nearby candlelight.

Available in multiple sizes, they’re stunning displayed solo or grouped as a village surrounded by evergreen sprigs and gilded accents. Equal parts nostalgic and modern, this décor bridges timeless tradition and contemporary luxury. Whether you’re curating a winter wonderland or simply adding sparkle to your holiday styling, these luminous homes make an elegant statement long after the season’s final toast.
Crystal Village Houses, $29.50–$49.50, POTTERY BARN at Park Meadows, potterybarn.com

Rustic Holiday Setting

Celebrate the season with dinnerware that captures the quiet magic of a winter’s night. The Rustic Forest Dinnerware Collection brings artful detail to your holiday table with hand-rendered decal artwork depicting serene evergreens and woodland creatures. Each piece is crafted from durable stoneware with a subtly speckled glaze, blending rustic charm with elevated design. The complete set—four dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, mugs and appetizer plates—invites you to serve everything from hearty soups to festive desserts in coordinated style. A standout platter, sold individually, makes the perfect backdrop for your main course or dessert display. Beyond its visual appeal, this collection is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, supporting safe working conditions and fair wages for the artisans behind it. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a fireside feast with friends, this dinneerware brings a sense of warmth, wonder and timeless craftsmanship to every setting.

Rustic Forest Dinnerware Collection, $39.50–$240, POTTERY BARN at Park Meadows, potterybarn.com