Holiday Tables capes 3 Ways: Minimal, Cottage, Glam (with Casagear Picks)

‘Tis the season….. For styling your holiday table! Be excited and at ease about family gatherings around Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas, Hanukkah, and even a New Years Eve party– we know it’s important, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this post, we share three ready-to-copy looks you can build with pieces from Casagear—one clean and modern, one soft and cottage-y, and one full-on glam. 

Pick the vibe, grab 3–5 items, and layer them on your dining or console table.

Before you start: 3 rules

• Start with a base – a runner, a tray, or a low board that everything sits on.
• Keep it under eye level – most centerpieces should stay under ~9" so people can talk.
• Add light – candles or a single hurricane make the whole setup feel “holiday.”

Look 1: Minimal

Vibe: calm, uncluttered, warm. Think simple glass, wood, and one metallic accent.

Build it like this:

1. Base: Use a single tray or shallow piece so it still feels clean:
   • Decorative Tray Plate, Leaf Shape, Silver
   • Or pick something from our Serving Trays Collection if you want wood instead.
2. Light: one candle piece is enough:
   • 11" Glass Hurricane Candle Holder with Acacia Wood Base (reads organic but polished)
3. Accent: add one sculptural object (not three): a small bowl or a single stem in a bottle vase. Find accents here: Table Accents from Casagear

Why it works: everything sits on one line, there’s air around the pieces, and the glass/metal mix still feels seasonal.

Look 2: Cottage

Vibe: cozy, collected, a little handmade. Mix soft color, woven texture, and a couple of floral/green moments.

Build it like this:

1. Base: use a pretty tray or a pair of trays so it feels layered, not formal:
   Round, Marble Pattern Accent Trays | Set of 2
   • Or, if you want a farmhouse nod, this 2-Piece Black & White Retro Tray Set:
2. Florals/greens: give it height with a small vase pair:
   • Vase with Honeycomb Geometric Design, Set of 2, White and Gold
     Drop in eucalyptus, dried stems, or even kitchen herbs.
3. Candle detail: tuck in one smaller candleholder from the Casagear candle stands collection, so it glows but doesn’t look overly formal.
   • Check them out here: Candle Stands Collection

Styling tip: angle the trays so they aren’t perfectly straight—cottage looks better when slightly relaxed.

Look 3: Glam

Vibe: shine, symmetry, and a focal piece in the center. Great for holiday nights and dining rooms you actually want to show off.

Build it like this:

1. Centerpiece/focal point: - Milly Decorative Bowl, Raised Petal Rim, Gold Metallic, 13" (screams holiday right away)
2. Flanking light (both sides):
   • Set of 3 Lantern Candle Holders, Moroccan Lattice, Gold/Black — use 2 on the table, 1 on a console
   • Or the Tall Siana Gold Candle piece if you want a single statement:
3. Shimmer detail: add one more metallic or glass piece to tie it together—could be a small tray from the serving trays collection or a silver decorative plate.

Why it works: you have a big center, two supporting lights, and repeated gold/black, so it feels intentional—not random.

Quick Swaps: Change the Mood Fast

• Minimal → Cottage: swap the silver tray for the ombre blue tray and add the 2-piece vase set.
• Cottage → Glam: keep the tray, drop the vases, and add the Milly gold bowl + 2 lanterns.
• Glam → Minimal: remove the lanterns and leave just one hurricane on the center line.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a real table runner?
A: Nope. A decorative tray or low board from Casagear works the same way and is easier to move when dishes come out.
Q: How tall can the centerpiece be?
A: Under 9" across the middle of the table so people can see each other. Tall lanterns can go to the ends.
Q: What if my table is really small (round or 2-seater)?
A: Use one tray or one low centerpiece only. Style it, then move it to the sideboard when food comes out.
Q: Can I mix pieces from different styles (like cottage trays and glam candleholders)?
A: Yes—just repeat one element (all gold accents, or all warm wood) so it feels intentional.
Q: Do I have to use real candles?
A: No. Flameless pillars in your Casagear lanterns give the same glow and are safer around kids/pets.
Q: How much décor is too much?
A: If you can’t set down a platter without moving something, it’s too much. Leave at least one open landing zone.
Q: What if I don’t have a runner?
A: Any decorative tray, long board, or even a narrow console piece from Casagear works as a “base” to group items.