New York City-based interior designer Sarah Lederman shares her secrets to setting and hosting the perfect Holiday party!

Follow Sarah @SarahWLederman and learn more at SarahLedermanInteriors.com

1. When setting a table, what item do you usually start with?

I typically start with the tablecloth. If it’s simpler I’ll choose more interesting tabletop items but if it’s a colorful pattern, then the palette is already pre-defined. 

2. What are your favorite tabletop accessories? 

I love candlesticks, a carafe, a compote…  

Get the look!

3. How do you go about layering?

 Part of it is about playing with color, but I think almost more important is incorporating elements of different heights.

4. The season of hosting is upon us! How do you set a table with guests in mind? 

For the holidays, it’s more than just making it pretty, but also making it fun for kids and adults alike. Maybe that’s putting a chocolate turkey on everyone’s dish at Thanksgiving, a kid’s Haggadah / coloring book at each child’s place setting on Passover, or a holiday surprise ball.  I went to a dinner party recently where each place setting had a different paper mask featuring a Hollywood icon on their charger, which everyone loved! It’s fun to see something a bit unexpected.