Back in August, I received an email from The Atlantan‘s very lovely editor-in-chief, Lauren Finney Harden, asking if I’d like to contribute a holiday tablescape for an upcoming feature entitled Master of Ceremonies. Immediately, visions of clementine trees danced in my head and I excitedly accepted.

While I’m always up for a festive directive, it was really the pages in which the scheme would wind up that piqued my interest. When I first moved to Atlanta eight years ago for a job as an art gallery assistant, I loved leafing through The Atlantan for all things local. For years, it has been my modern, in-the-know source for where to dine, shop, and play in the A. It’s a special treat to be included in their November issue and I’m pleased to be able to share what I whipped up.

The theme is Colonial Williamsburg meets Atlanta with shades of sage mingling with orange pomanders and magnolia swags. Gramercy Home, a slice of linen heaven, created some gorgeous monogrammed napkins for the table and I found the perfect Matouk tablecloth there too. Herend china, including one-of-a-kind petite soup terrines, sets an elegant tone while exquisite calligraphed place cards by Love, Louise Designs add a thoughtful touch. Sam Jones, florist extraordinaire in Atlanta and Palm Beach, created the perfect centerpiece and decked the dining room in greenery.

Admittedly, I am a controlling personality when it comes to decorating and entertaining and I don’t delegate well. However, I do believe in phoning in expert assistance for things that will make a big impact for your guests. In this case, place cards and flowers reigned supreme! I can’t recommend Love, Louise Designs and Sam Jones enough (Contact me for her information!). I did do the orange pomanders and clementine trees myself and they were actually fun to create while watching Housewives.

If you’re interested in making your own pomanders, indulge in this Martha Stewart video confection from the 90s. It’s a good thing! As for the trees, you’ll need foam trees, toothpicks, and plenty of clementines or mandarins. Starting at the base, stick a toothpick in the foam and press a clementine on. Repeat, working in a circular fashion until you reach the top. Mine lasted about a week and a half or so.

For more holiday inspiration, be sure to read The Atlantan’s digital November issue here. The tablescape spread also includes beautiful settings by etúHOME and Brian Worley. If you’re local, you can pick up a print copy—on newsstands now!

Magazine photography by the talented Jeremy Harwell.

PS My Thanksgiving table from last year is featured here!