Perhaps inspired by the work on my new book on Blue and White, this year I departed from the tradition of red and green or red and gold to the classic color pallet of blue and white to create Cool Christmas.

With the dining room at Westbury as the backdrop, I consulted with nature to get the next source of inspiration for this table setting. In Colorado there is nothing more beautiful than the big blue skies that surround the Rocky Mountains. Add to your image a couple feet of pure white snow that glistens like glitter and a reindeer running through the Aspen trees and you will have set the stage for a perfect holiday tableau.

To create this simple centerpiece and garland for the hearth I used frosted and glitter tipped baby’s breath. The pine cones from the garden were finished with a touch of spray snow and glitter spray. The glisten of the table carried through in the pewter, a beautiful alternative to bright silver in this setting. The reindeer was given a coat of snow spray to finish the winter scene. This setting has no fresh flowers -- a departure from tradition for me. The beauty of this setting is that it works throughout the holiday season. The only items that need refreshing are the candles.

Visit your local craft store for the baby’s breath, glitter and snow spray.