Houstonia Magazine Features Hotel Saint Augustine Holiday Design Philosophy in Table Decor Guide
Houstonia Magazine featured Hotel Saint Augustine in its guide to creating beautiful holiday tables, highlighting the Montrose boutique hotel's sophisticated approach to seasonal design through insights from Rosina Salvi, director of standards for Bunkhouse Hotels & JdV by Hyatt.
In the article titled "The Houston Designers Behind the Most Beautiful Holiday Tables," with the subtitle "Your table deserves a glow-up. Design pros from Hotel Granduca, Bunkhouse Hotels, and Annabelle Brasserie are here to help—no interior designer required," Houstonia explores how Houston's most Instagram-worthy venues create breathtaking tablescapes with surprisingly simple secrets that require neither a hotel budget nor a hospitality design degree.
Salvi explains how Bunkhouse properties approach holiday design with a philosophy of enhancement rather than transformation. According to Houstonia, Hotel Saint Augustine adds holiday design elements "without sacrificing their aesthetic," ensuring that "any holiday decor align[s] with the existing design, complementing what's already there and feeling as if it could fit in seamlessly all year long."
The magazine quotes Salvi's design philosophy: "We don't want to take away from the space's sophistication, nor do we feel the need to hit someone over the head with holiday decor." She cites the Iittala glass ball ornaments on the Hotel Saint Augustine tree as the perfect example of this approach—"elegant and complementary [to] the space as it already exists."
Beyond the hotel's design philosophy, Houstonia shares Salvi's practical tips for transforming home dining spaces from Thanksgiving through New Year's. She recommends incorporating objects you already own to bring height and drama to the table, noting that everyday items like votive candles or vases "can be temporarily transformed for the season with the right additions."
The article emphasizes the power of candles as a "holiday powerhouse" due to their romantic glow, elegant look, and budget-friendly price tag. Salvi suggests mixing traditional red or green with silver or gold for ultimate impact. For sourcing holiday decor, she recommends Houston destinations including The Guild, Kuhl-Linscomb, Lovejoy's Antiques, and Area, alongside treasures from Round Top's antique show.
Houstonia concludes with Salvi's advice for adding personal touches: consider placing "a personalized gift for each guest and incorporating it into the table setting," such as a beautiful handwritten card or a favorite photo in a vintage frame as "reminders of what the season is really about."
SULLTRAIN, as the communications partner for Hotel Saint Augustine, celebrates this Houstonia Magazine recognition of the property's elegant, understated approach to holiday design. For the complete guide to creating beautiful holiday tables, visit Houstonia Magazine below.
