The holiday season calls for joyous celebrations, festive decorations, and, yes, party invitations. Interior designer Debra Zinn combined all three of those elements for a holiday brunch she and her colleague Laura Montross hosted for friends they have met through the design industry.

“We wanted to show our gratitude to the amazing women we have worked with,” Zinn says, “and what better way to say ‘thank you’ than hosting someone for a meal in your home?” Zinn enjoys entertaining and loves a good party theme. For this particular brunch, she wanted to create an old-fashioned Christmas. She selected an airy, unsheared fir tree and embellished it with organic trimmings such as dried fruits and flowers and natural fiber ribbons. Her windows and mantel were adorned with fresh magnolia leaves and emerald lace from Weston Farms and styled by Diane and Lily Joyal of Bowerbird Flowers.

Guests were greeted with crystal coupes of freshly squeezed citrus-ade mimosas and silver trays of pimiento cheese BLT bites. Chef Paris Mishoe created a traditional Southern brunch, including shrimp and grits, fresh local greens, and homemade yeast rolls. But for dessert, Zinn requested a classic French croquembouche from Miel Bon Bons. This confectionery tower of cream puffs provides a stunning centerpiece. “It’s not only beautiful, but it’s also delicious and fun to eat!” Zinn adds.

As for the table, that’s Zinn’s specialty. An interior designer since 2013, she started her latest venture, The Curated Table, just last summer. “I was hosting my mother’s eightieth birthday party in Cape Cod and was disappointed with the rental options for china, crystal, and linens,” Zinn explains. “I saw an opportunity and pursued it.”

The Curated Table’s goal is to create unique and memorable events by setting a beautiful table, layer by layer. “Plates are pretty by themselves but really shine when you add flowers, linens, and candles,” Zinn says. “Every detail matters.”

And no detail was overlooked for Zinn’s holiday table. Green and gold china plates were accentuated by vintage amber crystal goblets. The Erika Powell tablecloth featured a vine pattern, which Zinn emphasized with gold ivy wire wrapped around complementary linen napkins. Party favors of gourmet chocolates were artfully wrapped and topped with hand-calligraphed gift  cards by Myra Jester that doubled as place cards.

Zinn believes that taking the time to set a pretty table makes your guests feel appreciated and cared for. “My favorite moment is to see guests smile when they walk into the room and realize that a very special time is in store for them,” Zinn smiles. “It makes all of the effort worth it.”