SETTING THE SEASON
The Art of Holiday Entertaining & Tablescape Competition
Featured Guest: Melissa Bradley Bishop
Dillard's Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE
6:00 - 9:00 pm
THE TABLESCAPE COMPETITION
Calling all creative entertainers, designers, florists, and holiday enthusiasts! Participants are invited to create an original holiday tablescape on a 60-inch round table. Designers may choose any holiday or seasonal celebration as their inspiration.
Possible themes include Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or any other festive holiday or seasonal celebration. Tables may be elegant, whimsical, traditional, modern, nostalgic, glamorous, or completely unexpected. Let your creativity shine!
The Contestant Entry Fee is $100. Each contestant will be provided one 60-inch round table. All other materials are the responsibility of the contestant. Contestants provide their own linens, china, glassware, flatware, florals, centerpieces, decorations, props, and any other materials needed to complete their design. Contestants have complete creative freedom within their chosen holiday theme.
Contestants provide their own linens, china, glassware, flatware, florals, centerpieces, decorations, props, and any other materials needed to complete their design. Tables should be set for 8, with no chairs. Contestants have complete creative freedom within their chosen holiday theme.
CONTESTANT SCHEDULE
2:00–5:00 PM | Tablescape Set-Up
Contestants may arrive beginning at 2:00 PM. All tables must be completed by 5:00 PM. Contestants may bring assistants to help with set-up.
6:00 PM | Doors Open
Guests arrive. Holiday-themed appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available.
6:30–7:30 PM | Melissa Bradley Bishop
Melissa will present her program on holiday entertaining and tablescape design.
7:30 PM | Judging & Awards
Melissa will tour the tables and select the Top Three Tablescapes. First, Second, and Third Place awards will be presented.
After the Awards | Book Signing
Melissa will be available to meet guests and sign her books. Her books will be available for purchase at the event.
9:00–10:00 PM | Tablescape Breakdown
Contestants must remove all personal belongings, décor, and materials from their tables during the designated breakdown period.
COMPETITION RULES
• Each contestant will receive one 60-inch round table.
• The $100 entry fee must be paid to participate in the competition.
• The $100 entry fee includes one reservation to the event beginning at 6:00 PM.
• Contestants may bring assistants during the designated 2:00–5:00 PM set-up period. Any assistants who attend the event beginning at 6:00 PM should make a reservation in advance.
• Contestants are responsible for all design materials, décor, linens, tableware, florals, props, and other items used on their table.
• Prohibited items include live animals; open flames or lit candles; confetti, bird seed, streamers, sparklers, rice, water beads, silly string, bubbles, glitter; anything which causes a high concentration of particulates, such as, but not limited to, dust vapor, smoke, snow, glitter.
• All plant materials, fruits, and vegetables must come from a commercial market or florist to ensure that they are free of insects, diseases, and pests.
• Tables must be fully completed and ready for viewing by 5:00 PM.
• The design must represent a holiday or seasonal celebration selected by the contestant.
• Tables must remain in place through judging and awards.
• All personal items and décor must be removed during the 9:00–10:00 PM breakdown period.
• The Stuart Society and Museum of Fine Arts are not responsible for loss of or damage to personal property, décor, or materials brought to the event.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Melissa Bradley Bishop will judge the completed tablescapes using three primary categories:
• Creativity & Originality — fresh ideas, imaginative details, and a distinctive point of view.
• Overall Design — composition, balance, cohesion, color, texture, and visual impact.
• Attention to Detail & Interpretation of Theme — thoughtful finishing touches and how effectively the table tells its holiday story.
CREATE. ENTERTAIN. INSPIRE.
Come set the season with us!
LEARN MORE ABOUT MELISSA BRADLEY BISHOP HERE
For questions about competing, contact [email protected]
Cancellation requests must be in writing and received by the Reservations Chairperson 21 days prior to the event in order to receive a refund.
The portion of your contribution which is not tax-deductible is $40.00, which is the fair market value of the goods and services provided.
The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization directly supporting the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg's mission and exhibitions.