This holiday season, move away from synthetic sparkle and toward the quiet elegance of nature.
In this issue, Walnut Creek City Lifestyle spoke with two experts who shared their thoughts on transforming your space and table with natural, seasonal elements.
Kim Berry, owner of White Barn Home in Lafayette.
For Berry, life on the ranch isn’t just a lifestyle—it’s an endless source of inspiration. Berry and her daughter work together to create a welcoming space filled with unique treasures.
The store reflects the mother-daughter duo’s passion for design, inspired by their lives on the ranch.
“Living amidst nature with horses and dogs, we draw inspiration from the beauty around us, blending rustic charm with a modern flair,” said Berry. “Each item we curate tells a story, inviting our customers to bring a piece of that charm into their own homes.”
As the holidays approach, Berry’s design philosophy shines brightest. She transforms her ranch into a wonderland of rustic charm by incorporating the surrounding landscape into her festive celebrations.
Here are some of Berry's ideas to showcase your Christmas decor with natural elements and greenery from your surroundings
- Take a stroll around your property to collect fresh greenery such as pine branches, cedar, eucalyptus, and fir. These can be used as the foundation for many decorations. Consider creating garlands by intertwining various types of greenery, which can drape across mantels or along table settings.
- For your dining table, use a mix of gathered elements. Start with a wooden or burlap runner, then place a long, low arrangement of mixed greenery. Add in pinecones, small branches, and seasonal berries for pops of color. You can also use mason jars or glass hurricanes filled with twinkling fairy lights, topped with greenery for a warm glow.
- Natural Accents: Incorporate elements like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to add festive scents and visual interest. These can be tied into bundles with twine and placed around your table or used as place settings.
- Creating a focal point: Consider using a large, rustic wooden crate or an old wheelbarrow as a centerpiece. Fill it with various natural elements – perhaps a small evergreen tree, festive ornaments, or even harvested produce from your ranch, such as apples or pomegranates - for a farm-to-table vibe.
- Wreaths and swags: Craft wreaths from your gathered greenery, accented with natural items like berries or dried flowers. Hang these on doors or windows. Swags can also be made to adorn stair railings or light fixtures, creating a cohesive look throughout your home.
- Outdoor Displays: Don’t forget about the exterior! Line pathways with lanterns filled with greenery or place large planters filled with evergreen arrangements at your entryway. A simple wooden bench adorned with blankets and pine branches can create a welcoming outdoor space.
- Lighting: Incorporate warm, soft lighting to enhance the natural decor. String lights can be wrapped around trees or draped along fences, while candles in glass holders can add a magical touch to your table settings.
Mariam Shewan, founder and owner of Grazing Goat.
When it comes to entertaining, few things spark instant joy quite like a beautifully styled grazing table — a feast where food meets art.
For Shewan, each grazing table is a blank canvas. Her philosophy is simple– to balance flavors with visual artistry, layering colors, heights, and textures to make the grazing table feel natural and elevated.
“I want guests to feel excited the moment they see it and delighted with every bite,” said Shewan.
During the festive season, Shewan draws inspiration from “nature’s rhythm,” and uses seasonal produce, earthy tones, and organic textures to create grazing tables.
“My goal is to create a space that feels effortless, warm, and true to the moment,” she adds.
Shewan loves working with fresh greenery—think olive branches, eucalyptus, and herbs draped over boards.
She also loves using seasonal florals, rustic wooden boards, and textured fabrics like linen to create a warm, natural backdrop that complements the food.
"I like to get my ingredients and materials from trusted local vendors, farmers' markets, and specialty stores," says Shewan. "I believe in using high-quality, seasonal products and pairing them with natural serving pieces that complement each setup."
As for her vision this year, it’s all about warm textures and cozy-elegant vibes.
“A table that makes people feel instantly welcomed and loved,” she adds.
Here are some personal tips from Shewan when it comes to setting up a grazing table for the holidays:
- Plan your layout before you start placing items.
- Use a mix of colors, shapes, and textures to make it feel full and intentional.
- Garnish with seasonal greenery, fresh herbs, or even edible flowers to give it that polished look. And most importantly, make it colorful. Guests should feel excited to dig in.