Gather ’Round! A Trio of Tastemakers Share Their Holiday Season Tablescapes

Fans of Pritchard’s will know his description of “bountiful and colorful chaos” well: the kaleidoscopic interiors of his picture-postcard 17th-century Somerset cottage, where paintings and posters hang askew on every inch of wall and bookcase, and overflowing vases of freshly cut flowers jostle for space against joyous clashes of color and print. What helps bring it all together, Pritchard explains, is an anchor—and in the case of his tablescape for Vogue, that happens to be the Emma Grant for ODD tablecloth in an indigo Baracca pattern, atop which sit arrangements of chard leaves and a large jug of dried honesty, poppies, teasels, and branches of crab apples. Further whimsical touches can be found in the handmade crackers created using decorative papers from Choosing Keeping and Tinsmiths, as well as glass baubles displayed in bowls and paper chains dancing across the walls. (We really are overdue a paper chain revival, come to think of it.)

It all ties into Pritchard’s main advice when gearing up to host or entertain this holiday season: not to take things too seriously. “I would encourage anyone to let go of any sense of good taste,” he says. “If ever there was a time of year to listen to the most extravagant and eccentric voices of the imagination, it is surely the holidays. Add that extra bit of tinsel, put up that box of forgotten tree decorations, make an extra tier for the cake. We spend all year at the behest of deadlines, appointments, and late-running trains—this time is ours to enjoy in the ways that bring the most heart-warming and life-affirming personal joy.” We couldn’t agree more. —Liam Hess