An female interior designer with dark brown Donatella glasses, black natural curly hair, and cream hoop earrings smiling while holding a coffee cup in a cozy, well-lit cafe with a staircase and plants in the background.

Welcome to the blog, I’m Sabine! Interior Designer, candle creator, mom of 2, and lover of calm, beautiful spaces. I help busy women create homes that feel intentional, functional, and full of joy - one room at a time. Grab your coffee, get inspired, and let’s make your home feel like you again.

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Sabine Hayes Sabine Hayes

Time Is Running Out! Use These 7 Items To Transform Your Thanksgiving Table Setting.

Thanksgiving is literally around the corner and you're hosting dinner at your home. You have all the food preparations organized and ready to go except for one thing...the TABLE! Fear not, with these 7 key items you will impress your dinner guests with a gorgeous table setting that will take minutes to arrange.

Thanksgiving table setting

Thanksgiving table setting

  1. Centerpiece. A centerpiece creates the theme for the entire table setting. For Thanksgiving, keep it organic and simple. Place a handful of fresh flowers (big blossoms such as hydrangeas and roses display beautifully) in a short glass vase. This will be a way to add color and brightness to your table.  For a long, rectangular table with leaves use 2 or 3 vases. For a large, round table use a round vase with a wide base.
  2. Dinner Plate. Keep your dinner plate option simple. Use a solid color plate or one with an outer trim for a touch of detail. This will be the base to the design of your table setting. When in doubt a simple white dinner plate is always a good option.
  3. Charger. Using a charger is essential because it will retain the heat from your dinnerware, prevent spills and messes from touching your table, and adds texture to your table setting. Place your charger underneath each guest's dinner plate, in between your flatware arrangement and below your glasses.
  4. Dinner Napkins. Napkins are great accessories to a table setting but they also need to be functional. Decide if you are going to use cloth or disposable napkins. Large napkins that measure between 22-26 inches square are best. Your napkins can be a pattern design or a solid color. It is a good idea that your napkins contrast with your flatware and dinner plates. For example, if your dinner plate is a sage green use a bold eggplant colored napkin for visual contrast. Place your napkin between your charger and dinner plate for a layering effect or fold it and place it directly on your dinner plate.
  5. Flatware. Flatware sets the tone to your table setting. For a Thanksgiving dinner table, choose flatware that will compliment the look of your setting. Ask yourself if your setting is rustic, modern, traditional, or eclectic? That will determine what style flatware to use. For presentation purposes be sure your flatware are a matched set. I recommend using a four-piece place setting. This includes a dinner fork, dinner knife, teaspoon, and a salad fork. The salad fork can double as a dessert fork. Your flatware can be placed on top of the napkin or formally placed to the left and right of your charger.
  6. Table Runner. A table runners is a great way to draw your eye back to the center of the table by adding balance. Like mentioned in no. 1, your centerpiece creates the theme for the entire table. The perfect table runner always compliments the centerpiece. It also can add texture and a pop of color to a neutral table setting.  For a long rectangular table your runner should be the entire length of the table plus overhang approximately 6 inches on each side. For a square or round table you can place two table runners crossing in the middle for a dramatic presentation. 
  7. Glassware. Determine what beverages will be served during dinner. Ask yourself, are you serving chilled water, juice, cocktails, beer or wine?  It's always a good idea to have two types of glassware set out for each setting. Place a water glass and a wine glass to start. If you decide to serve additional drinks like coffee during dessert you can bring them out as needed, that way you don't crowd the table. 

With these few key items your table setting will look inviting and festive to your guests. Remember to enjoy the time with your family and friends during this holiday and be thankful for the little things that bring you joy. Happy Thanksgiving!


Need help designing your entire dining room? To get a design customized just for you get your votre chambre by Georgette Marise today! Looking for Full Service treatment? Become a client today!

 

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Sabine Hayes Sabine Hayes

Must Haves for Creating the Best Guest Room

When it comes to our home we want to feel a sense of pride when we welcome people into our humble abode. After all this is where we eat, sleep, and live. Everytime we get a compliment from a guest we feel so happy inside! How much more do we want to welcome our guests when they spend a night or two. Here are some must haves for creating a hotel-like stay for your holiday guests.

Comfortable Bed. A comfortable bed is the first key to making a guest feel relaxed. Tuft&Needle offers a hassle free option to buying your mattress online at a reasonable cost. It comes directly to you in 7 days and vacuumed sealed for easy installation. Just in time for the holidays!

Table Surface. Having a table surface is essential. It allows your guests to be able to have a place to put their personal items as soon as they enter. Some recommended surfaces can be a nightstand, dresser or a writing desk. This will allow the guest to visibly have a place to leave a drink, book, keys, or their tablet easily. 

Dresser - Bedroom designed by Georgette Marise Interiors

Dresser - Bedroom designed by Georgette Marise Interiors

Wi-Fi. Give your guest access to your wireless connection so they can easily access their email, stream a show, or just browse the internet before going to bed. This will allow them to feel at home during their stay.

wi-fi access

wi-fi access

Soft Towels. Just like at any hotel, you must have towels ready for your guests. They don’t have to be fancy towels, just clean, soft towels folded nicely on their bed for when they arrive. This should include several washcloths, hand towels, and a bath towel. For presentation purposes, keep them simple and as a set.

Personal Touch.  Nothing says "welcome to my home" more than a little personalization. Add a small note welcoming your guests to your home, a scented candle, a bottle of water, or their favorite snack to make their stay feel like they’re at home. Find out what your guest likes or would appreciate, and place it in their room. This will make them remember their stay at your home for years to come..

scented candles and unique bath accessories are great personal touches

scented candles and unique bath accessories are great personal touches

Remembering these must haves will make your guests feel at home! Enjoy this time with your family and friends!

 
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