SETTING THE SEASON
The Art of Holiday Entertaining & Tablescape Competition
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive NE
6:00 - 9:00 pm
A CELEBRATION OF HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING, CREATIVITY & BEAUTIFUL TABLES
Join The Stuart Society for a festive evening celebrating the art of gathering, entertaining, and creating a beautiful holiday table. Our featured guest, Melissa Bishop Bradley, author and entertaining expert, will present an inspiring program on holiday tablescapes and entertaining. Melissa will share ideas, techniques, and inspiration for creating memorable tables through the thoughtful use of color, linens, florals, place settings, layers, and personal touches.
Following her presentation, Melissa will serve as our guest judge for an exciting holiday tablescape competition featuring beautifully designed tables created by members and our community. Guests will have the opportunity to admire each tablescape, enjoy an evening at the Museum, and discover the creativity and inspiration behind each unique design.
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.
CONTESTANT INFORMATION & APPLICATION
GENERAL ADMISSION
Don't want to compete? Come enjoy the evening! General admission is $75 per person and includes admission to the event, holiday-themed appetizers, Melissa Bishop Bradley's presentation, the opportunity to view all competing tablescapes, judging and awards, and a book-signing opportunity with Melissa. Cash bar available.
For more information, contact the Reservations Chair at [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.
