Columbus Conversations

The holidays have a way of pulling us back to the things that feel most elemental—craft, memory, ritual, and the quiet beauty of objects made by hand. For Artisans & Co-Owner and interior designer Brooks William, the season isn’t about spectacle or trend; it’s a return to the soulful details that make a home feel lived-in and loved. William’s approach to holiday decorating begins with a story: the patina of a grandmother’s gold-rimmed glasses, the weight of hand-thrown ceramics, foraged leaves collected on walks that become impromptu placemats, etc. In William’s world, a table isn’t staged, it’s a layered, personal, and deeply felt place where craft and comfort intertwine to welcome people in.

EC: How would you describe your holiday style and what holiday traditions inspire the way you design your home this time of year? How would you describe your holiday style?

BW: Narrative driven, a little whimsical, and always rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity rather than trend. I’m drawn to pieces that honor traditional techniques—hand-thrown ceramics, naturally dyed linens, handblown glass. At Thanksgiving on the farm, we always take a long walk around the property. I think this is what has instilled my love of things natural and foraged. Oversized leaves for placemats, pinecones, stones that opt as cutlery rests, branches that become arrangements on the table. I like to surround myself with items that feel soulful. The holiday season is an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the artistry in everyday objects, which is really what Artisans & is about year-round. 

EC: When you’re setting a holiday table, where do you begin? Do you start with color, mood, materials, or something more personal?

BW: I always start with the foundation—the linens. A beautiful tablecloth, napkins, or a set of placemats establishes the mood and grounds everything else. From there, I think about layering in pieces with history and patina—things like my grandmother’s gold-rimmed glasses, serving dishes collected during past travels—these bring warmth and a sense of continuity to the table. I love mixing these heirloom pieces with newer artisan-made items; that combination of age and contemporary craft keeps things from feeling too serious. 

EC: What design elements do you think elevate a holiday table without overwhelming it?

BW: I actually love a full, layered tablescape. One of the joys of holiday entertaining is that it gives us permission to break the rules. Bold gestures—an abundant centerpiece, unexpected combinations, playful touches. Though, one mustn’t overwhelm. It’s all about balance and knowing where the line is. The table should feel generous and inviting, not cluttered or overstuffed. Look out for our Tablescape Workshop in the New Year. I’ll be exploring these ideas hands-on—layering textures, mixing materials, and finding that sweet spot between abundant and overwhelming.

EC: Is there a particular heirloom piece or family ritual that always makes an appearance at your holiday gatherings?

BW: My Grandmother and I were very close, and I intentionally held onto serving pieces from her home—items I used regularly during my visits. The gold-rimmed glasses I mentioned, various plates, a silver spoon with the letter “B” engraved on it. I use these pieces throughout the year, but they feel especially meaningful during the holidays. 

EC: For hosts who feel intimidated by holiday entertaining, what simple tips do you recommend to strike a balance between style and ease?

BW: Have fun, lean into the whimsical, and invest in versatile, well-made pieces that work across seasons rather than buying specifically “holiday” items. A set of beautiful plates, quality linen napkins, and simple glassware will serve you endlessly. Focus on one or two elements you can execute well—maybe that’s an exceptional cheese course on a beautiful board, or simply great wine in lovely glasses. Hospitality is about making people feel welcomed, not performing perfection. Light candles, put on music you love, and remember that your guests came for your company, not to critique your table.

EC: How do you approach creating a tablescape that feels festive but still reflects each host’s personal taste?

BW: I encourage clients to think about layering rather than transforming their homes. Your everyday aesthetic shouldn’t disappear during the holidays. If your home is minimal and modern, lean into that with simple greenery and sculptural candleholders rather than fighting it with traditional red and green. If you love pattern and color, embrace it fully. The key is enhancing what’s already there. At Artisans &, we carry pieces that are beautiful enough for special occasions but grounded enough for daily life, which helps avoid that disconnect between “holiday” and “real life.”

EC: Artisans& showcases so many thoughtful pieces. What are your go-to items you consider essential for effortless holiday hosting or gifting?

BW: Quality linens—they instantly elevate any table and improve with age. That and items that offer versatility, like our handblown glass candle holders that double as bud vases. For gifting, I love items that enhance daily rituals. I find that the best gifts are things people use regularly but might not buy for themselves.

EC: Food and design can work together to craft comfort and connection. Do you have a favorite holiday dish or recipe that you look forward to every year?

BW: While I enjoy both the sweet and the savory, I must admit I often choose the former. I’m not hard to impress when it comes to sweets, and I’m a bit of a traditionalist. There’s nothing better than a warm chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk!

In the end, holiday hosting isn’t a performance, it’s an act of care, expressed through the tactile poetry of linens softened by time, candlelight pooling against handblown glass, or a simple plate of warm cookies shared with the people we love. It’s a chance to celebrate artistry in the everyday and to honor the stories carried in the objects that surround us. For Brooks William, the season is less about transformation than amplification—elevating what already feels true, beautiful, and uniquely yours. Because the most memorable gatherings aren’t the ones that look perfect; they’re the ones that feel like home.

Artisans &

56 N High Street

Columbus OH 43215

OPEN 11AM-7PM WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY.
SUNDAY 12PM-6PM. TUESDAY BY APPOINTMENT

The items in this post are available for purchase at Artisans&.