Tabletop toss up: light vs. dark

By: Mary Levitski

Winnipeg-based stylist Danielle Cyr of Mûr joined forces with florist friend Heather Page and other local talents to create two totally different holiday tablescapes. The first is dark, moody and decadent, set for post-supper indulging; the second is white and brimming with light, offering morning munchies. Though the looks are the antithesis of each other in many ways, they both have vintage finds and whimsical ideas as their cornerstones. So will you embrace the dark side or go toward the light? Here, we break each table setting down to help you decide.

Dark & Decadent

With mulled wine, rich cake and plenty of nuts on the menu, this after-dinner tablescape is not for the calorie-counting set. A wide more-is-more floral centrepiece of pastel-hued flowers, varied greenery and even seasonal fruit signals the sinful spread.

Close up: stylish spirits

Cut glass stemware lends an air of opulence. To further the indulgent theme, a few wineglasses are pre-filled and arranged on an antique silver tray.

Close up: black magic

Set in a dark marble candlestick, the black taper all but disappears in the dim space, causing its mood-making flame to seemingly float in mid-air.

Close up: rustic treasure

The Christmas crackers – made from cardboard rolls and lengths of taupe linen by Kyla Ferguson of TheFlower- Cult – are a homey juxtaposition to the sleek matte black plates.

Close up: seasonal signals

Nestled among roses and other flowers, fruits du jour, such as Bosc pears, are hearty reminders of the season.

Close up: Crowning glory

Danielle took the cake – elegantly iced with a ribbed effect – up a festive notch by adding a curved sprig of rosemary (which resembles fir) at its base.

White & Bright

Plenty of negative space nods to the tastefully restrained breakfast offerings of croissants, biscotti, jams and berries. Touches of festive green and vintage brassware ground the look and invite investigation.

Close up: hue cues

Beautifully dotted with dried cranberries and pistachios, biscotti incorporate those telltale jolly tones in a subtle way that befits the pared-back table.