New Year’s Eve Party Table

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New Year’s Eve Party Table

By Brandon Branch, Design Director

Southern style is all about packin’ it in- that is to say, more is always more. To achieve a true Southern aesthetic, just when you think you’ve finished that floral arrangement, keep adding for about another five minutes and then maybe, just maybe, you’ve added enough. I live by this design philosophy on a daily basis, so when Paula asked me to design a table for her New Year’s Eve party I knew that I wanted to create a lush, elegant, and truly Southern atmosphere for here and her guests to ring in the New Year.

The best news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune for an over-the-top design. Here’s how to get the look for your own table:

I chose a fresh and clean color palette of whites, crystals, silvers, and just a hint of green. The focal piece of the table are beautiful white flowers of different varieties stuffed into silver wine chiller buckets. Their green leaves add just the right amount of depth and contrast to a simple color scheme. Bringing the outdoors inside with foliage and floral pieces is always a great way to keep things simple and Southern-chic. I also used some of Paula’s etched crystal glasses to add a little more drama.

Table Accents: Candles are an affordable way to create a warm and welcoming ambiance around the dinner table. These tea light candles are only a few dollars at any department, craft, or home goods store and really pump up the elegance of your evening. They are nestled into clear glasses filled with glass beads to further carry the table’s theme.

Place Settings: Paula’s guests (Pumpkin, Paula’s photogenic tabby cat, was not invited), will dine on some of Paula’s white china and silver pieces that she already had in her house. We also found some of her embroidered cloth napkins that were a gift to her. The napkins are monogrammed with silver thread, so they tied perfectly into the table. I was able to find the silver place mats at one of our local department stores.

Takeaway Tip: The glass marbles that are scattered around the table top can be found easily at any craft supple store. They are only a few dollars and really tie the whole table together. Afterwards, you can use them in clear glass vases for decorative floral arrangements.

Brandon Branch is a playful Southern gentleman. His style is equal parts Yankee chic and Southern elegance all muddled together in a monogrammed mint julep cup. An invitation to one of his Savannah dinner parties is the equivalent to getting the golden ticket from Willy Wonka. Brandon holds the position of Design Director for Paula Deen Enterprises and serves as Paula Deen's Personal Assistant. Look for his newest book, co-authored by Paula Deen, Savannah Style.

Read More From Savannah Style.

Read More From New Year's Day Style.

Reader Comments:

Love this but remember you are writing or novices. It would be really helpful if in the future you could describe the type of flowers you are using so we can really truly replicate the look. Also what size vases height to shoot or etc. Love Paula more than life just a little reminder to tell us Everything!!!

By Sally on December 31, 2011

I want to do a traditional New Years Day meal. I want to include the reasons we eat certain foods. Do you have any information on this.? Thanks so much Sandy

By Sandy Goss on December 26, 2011

Pretty but maybeeeeee-just a little too much..It's like you can't see the forest for the trees..The flowers seem to be one big haze.I would like to enjoy looking at the variatiy..

By smith02jordan on January 11, 2011

For decades my husband's side of the family has held a New Year's Day dinner. My mother-in-law would use her best china, silver, crystal, white flowers, and lace tablecloth to set the table. She has been gone for 6 years, but my husband and I gather the family and friends every year and continue the tradition The table is always so elegant Remember how you begin the year will carry through the rest of the year.

By smith02jordan on January 11, 2011

Hi Paula. I really enjoyed the table decor. I'm thinking about hosting a party for a wonderful aunt who's turning 66. I believe This will really be a conversation piece. Thank you for the ideas. They always Help. Happy New Year to you and your family. Looking forward to this years new recipes.

By Veronica on January 06, 2011

Beautiful......I love it...

By Carol on January 05, 2011

Dear Paula I love the Southern way of living. Your table look wonderful. Happy new Year!!! Sinceraly, Zenobia I would love to come to your show so we can cook some Brasilian food!!!

By zenobia beckley on January 02, 2011

Thanks for the great idea - I copied the New Year's Eve Party Table last night for a dinner with 8 people and got great compliments!! It looked wonderful!

By Sheila on January 01, 2011

By Karen on December 31, 2010

Love it, and I think more is better!

By Anonymous on December 30, 2010

Very elegant table.....anyone would be honored to be a guest at that table! Thanks for sharing Brandon's ideas! He's one TALENTED guy!!

By Ellen Lachow on December 29, 2010

Pretty but maybeeeeee-just a little too much..It's like you can't see the forest for the trees..The flowers seem to be one big haze.I would like to enjoy looking at the variatiy..

By Delores on December 29, 2010

You can easily use the gold along with the silver. It would still look fabulous. The gold and silver mix beautifully together.

By Lynn on December 29, 2010

Love the table setting.........awesome.....and elegant! and yet so simple and affordable. Thanks for the great ideas !

By Freida McMillan on December 29, 2010

Really enjoy your newsletters. They give great recipes and ideas.

By J Deloris Slay on December 29, 2010

Love it!! Thanks for sharing, love the votive candle idea, will be using that! All your work is beautiful Brandon!

By Sherry on December 29, 2010

Love the table, can someone suggest tablescape for a wedding for about 25 tables with a low budget.

By Treena on December 29, 2010

Absolutely Gorgeous! Elegant...love the color scheme.

By Linda Vera on December 29, 2010

Hi, I love this table setting with the use of all silver. My antique china has a gold around the rim of everything..plates, cups, saucers ect. What do you suggest to mix with gold if you love the silver?

By Vicki on December 28, 2010

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New Year’s Eve Party Table