Gather Around These Inviting Wine Country Tables

Author:Annette Hanami

Create holiday gatherings your guests will remember with these inspiring tablescapes from Wine Country’s top hosts using nature’s bounty, family heirlooms and lots of unique personality.  

Wine Country Elegance in Alexander Valley

Jordan Winery Director of Hospitality Nitsa Knoll was inspired by the noble oaks on the 1,200 acre estate in creating this elegant Christmas tablescape. I loved how Knoll added touches of whimsy to the formal setting with jingle bells made of natural eucalyptus pods painted silver. Vintage Tiffany egg cups double as stylish votives while acorn clusters on the table represent the hospitality that Jordan is famous for. 

The attention to detail is clear on the table, honed over time by Nitsa and husband, on-site Executive Chef Todd Knoll, through regular food and wine experiences held at Jordan during year. Jordan Winery is open by appointment Mondays through Saturdays year round, and daily from mid-April to mid-November. Jordan is closed for the holidays from December 21 through January 2, 2014. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg

A Cozy Gathering in Saint Helena

This Wine Country tablescape co-designed by Trishia Florsheim, wife of Goose & Gander owner Andy Florsheim, stays true to the inspiration for the restaurant, Trisha’s grandfather, who used to hunt pheasants and duck in the 1960s. For the holidays, Trisha brings the memories to the table with antique wooden duck calls and decoys collected over time from family and the community, and with goose-feathered tree and wreath centerpieces. Local pomegranates and pears, and local wines, represent the bounty of Napa Valley.

Start off New Year’s Eve in the welcoming ambiance of this local “public house” with a retro menu of caviar and blini, shellfish with cocktail sauce, Standing Rib Roast, Crepes Suzette and more, then stay for the party beginning at 10 p.m. with arrival glass of champagne, live DJ, and outdoor bar on the heated patio. $155 pp for first seating and $175 for second seating beginning at 8:30 p.m.; both seatings include New Year’s Eve party. $45 pp for New Year’s Eve party only. 1245 Spring Street St. Helena

Wintry Welcome

Designer Terry Wicks created this wintry white table for Chateau Sonoma owner Sarah Anderson’s dining room. I love how the silvery ornaments and garlands create a virtual snowy landscape of hills, forest, and rivers.

Wicks embellished the existing antique French side table and objets d’art with white branches, pheasant feathers, and shiny disco balls that Anderson found in London. A glass ball garland draped around the Angel Gabrielle ties in the surrounding gold-framed art for a richer, more expansive holiday look.

All the vintage furniture, objets d’art and holiday décor in the looks above are from the Chateau Sonoma collection. Find similar items, plus everything you need for the holiday table, from Chateau Sonoma. They carry unique holiday items like the paper cones above designed by Anna Corba Studio. Hung on a chandelier, they draw one’s eyes up to the sparkly ornaments or goodies inside and can make great take-home gifts for your guests. Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 153 West Napa Street, Sonoma

More news: