Let these Christmas vignettes inspire you to deck your halls in festive style
Discover how Filipino tastemakers blend whimsy, tradition, and personality in festive decorating
By John Legaspi
It is no exaggeration to say that Filipinos are deeply invested in the Christmas season. As soon as September arrives, malls are decked with Yuletide decorations, Christmas jingles fill the air, and stalls selling holiday delicacies line the streets. For true holiday junkies, sprucing up their space this early has become a yearly tradition—an inviting way to weave creativity and heritage into everyday life. It is a joyful ritual that sets the mood for the season ahead.
To inspire Filipinos to make their living spaces more whimsical and personal this season, Rustan’s gathered a group of creatives and tastemakers to curate holiday displays for the Rustan’s Christmas Shop 2025, each presenting their unique perspectives and personal stories. If you’re in the mood to refresh your home, let these inspired vignettes spark new ideas for your own festive space.
Sofia Zobel Elizalde's Christmas tablescape
Manila meets New York
Steps Dance Studio founder Sofia Zobel Elizalde presents a tablescape that pays homage to the things she grew up with. It features a piña tablecloth, white magnolias, sweet treats, and a butterfly-adorned tea set—a nod to her mother, New York, and her favorite ballet, The Nutcracker. “My mother always brought out her best piña tablecloth for such a special evening and paired it with all her favorite plates and good crystal glasses to serve water, white wine, red wine, and of course, champagne,” she recalls. “The white magnolias add a touch of white and green to the lovely Filipino piña tablecloth.”
Michelle Suzuki's “A Red Reverie”
'A Red Reverie'
Michelle Suzuki looked to the Japanese art of ikebana in creating her vignette. The result is a striking red tableau with berries, jewel-toned ornaments, and cherry blossom elements—giving a one-of-a-kind approach to a Christmas setting. “Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, and this Japanese-inspired vignette is a refined tribute to both the season and a culture that holds deep personal meaning,” she muses.
Myze Bangayan's “Enchanted Christmas”
'Enchanted Christmas'
Fantasy is synonymous with the holiday season. Interior designer Myze Bangayan went all in with her table setting, featuring artful plates, lustrous gold flatware, and whimsical candle holders. “For this season, I chose an eclectic Christmas afternoon tea set-up—a mix of textures, colors, and little details that spark joy,” Myze explains. “Because Christmas is also about slowing down and savoring conversations over tea.”
Happy Ongpauco-Tiu's holiday setup
Glamour and modern elegance
Crystal glassware, stunning china, and polished cutlery shine in Happy Ongpauco-Tiu’s vignette. The My Happy Home founder showcases a more contemporary tablescape, where gilded elements add charm to a sleek monochromatic canvas. “We’re embracing evening glamour with a tablescape that truly shines,” Happy says. “Golden accents shimmer under the soft glow of candlelight, while sleek black and champagne tones bring a modern yet timeless elegance to the table.”
Pam Gonzales-Lopez's “A Floret Christmas in Woodland Whimsy”
'A Floret Christmas in Woodland Whimsy'
Pam Gonzales-Lopez, the floral designer behind Floret, centered her vignette on lush woodland beauty. Forest charms—from birds’ nests to oversized foliage—adorn her Christmas tree. “It reimagines traditional holiday décor through botanical abundance, creating a wild yet harmonious silhouette,” she explains.
Jia Estrella’s “Noel Majorelle”
'Noel Majorelle'
Jia Estrella’s vignette is a blue wonderland, inspired by the allure of Morocco’s Jardin Majorelle. Her composition highlights the fusion of cultures through hand-painted furniture and found-object artwork. “It’s where vibrant colors and intricate designs blend and reflect both French and Moroccan cultures, creating a truly magical Christmas,” she describes.
Miko De Los Reyes' Yuletide vignette
Something old, something new
Architect Miko De Los Reyes’ display is all about nostalgia infused with fresh, festive energy. He blends heritage with contemporary flair through natural textures, European prints, Rustan’s signature blue, and bright pops of orange. “I was inspired by the adage ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.’ It celebrates Christmas as a time for honoring family heritage,” he says.
’Tis the season to decorate! Explore more inspiring views and beautiful holiday decorations at Rustan’s Christmas Shop in Rustan’s Makati.