This year’s Razzle Dazzle tablescape display expo moves from the art museum to the Eau Gallie Art District, promising a weekend of fun for holiday shoppers.

Organizer Link Johnsten, owner of Eau Gallie Florist, and some fellow Razzle Dazzle exhibitors give our readers a sneak preview of what they can expect to see December 9-11, and some helpful hints for creating your own terrific tablescape for the holidays.

         Darcia Jones Francey & Rita Moreno

Darcia: “You want your table to be fun and festive, but also functional. Your table sets the tone. It’s all about making your guests feel comfortable. The most important part of occasion is that you and your guests have a good time.”

Rita: “Start with one color and build from that. For this we started with my plates and went from there. I like the element of surprise- the feeling of wow!, I never thought of using that on a tabletop.”

Link Johnsten, owner, Eau Gallie Florist

“Don’t be afraid. Be comfortable with what you have to work with. Be creative with different elements: texture, variations of color and shape, all give your table depth and personality. Color is key, and dramatic. If you want to work with one color, incorporate all shades in the pallet, or else work with complimentary colors.

Timing is also a key component; everything takes longer than you think it will. Maybe you can work on your table the day before your occasion so you don’t cut yourself short and run out of time.”

Learn more during Johnston’s Holiday Tablescape lecture and demonstration on Highland Avenue December 11 starting at noon. Guests can enjoy his advice and brunch catered by Yellow Dog Café. Tickets are $50 per person for brunch and the lecture ($100 for reserved seating).

Ralph Sanders, owner, Ralph’s Art Supply

Sanders is excited about the upcoming event. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through the Arts District and view tablescapes in various shops, including Ralph’s Art Supply. Each visitor will be given an EGAD “passport” to guide them through the displays, and everyone who completes their “passport” will be eligible to receive EGAD dollars. “It’s important for us as merchants to work together,” says Sanders. “We’re a very special group and each business has the opportunity to showcase themselves during Razzle Dazzle.”

Valerie Karas,owner/director,

Indian River Potter’s Guild,

Karas is “lucky enough to have plenty of pieces to choose from” when it comes starting her tabletop displays. “I’ve inherited a lot of china and I’ve created a lot as well. For me it always starts with the plates. I look at what will compliment the colors. I love creating new combinations and tabletops. Sometimes it’s about the colors; sometimes I work with a theme. I’m always looking to convey a warm feeling of hospitality that will make my guests feel at home-and a little but of WOW! doesn’t hurt.”

Jillian Burghardt, manager of the Rossetter House Museum

Burghardt likes to bring the outdoors inside by using flora from the museum’s extensive gardens. “ Using items from outside your home is the quickest     and most beautiful way to make an impact.” Complimenting pieces of the museum’s vintage silver collection with flowers, plants and fresh citrus,  Burghardt plans to have four tablescapes on display at the museum during Razzle Dazzle and believes incorporating “the natural beauty that surrounds us in a non traditional use of such items creates an element of surprise.”