Nate Berkus Just Shared the Ultimate "Moody" Winter Table – Here's the Secret
Recreate Nate Berkus's dramatic table for two. Discover why smaller is better in winter and how to keep your blooms fresh in dry indoor air.
In a recent post to Instagram, Nate Berkus was clearly feeling moody as he shared a picture of a simple table for two, allowing the vase of flowers to do most of the talking (although the mirror in the background certainly tried to steal the show). What was in the vase? A bouquet of what appeared to be deep red dahlias; they were a tad dramatic and almost a bit defiant in the face of winter.
Just because the garden is asleep doesn’t mean we have to give up on summer flowers entirely, and this was the perfect reminder. For those who are desperate for some color during the grim winter months, this look can be done in two ways: you can force dahlias early (the earliest being the start of February) to get a head start on spring, or you can use winter-friendly alternative flowers to create the same rich, moody vibe inside.
Can You Really Grow Dahlias in Winter?
While they're technically considered a summer flower, dahlias can be started early indoors (usually from February onwards) in most climates. Forcing dahlias doesn’t mean you’ll get blooms right away, but it does mean healthier plants, slightly earlier flowers, and gives you something beat the winter blues.
To get started:
- Plant your dahlia tubers in pots with well-draining potting mix
- Put them in a bright room that is still cool (around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Water them lightly until you start to see some growth, and definitely don’t go overboard
Get the Look
This is the closest I can find to the dahlias in Nate's photo. They're full and puffy and, even though they're called "burgundy," they're very close to black. $7.99 gets you 1000 seeds.
Not quite what's in the picture, but what a weird and unique flower! Another deeeep dark red that can be mistaken for black. $23.99 gets you two tubers.
Okay, this isn't actually a dahlia – it's a petunia. But look how dark it is! $22.95 gets you four live plants.
The goal won’t be instant blooms (otherwise you should keep reading for stand-ins) but to have strong stems and a bit of leafy growth that will give you big rewards come early spring.
This Gardenera Premium Potting Mix from Amazon is made specifically for dahlias, meaning it contains peat moss and has great drainage.
Winter Stand-Ins That Mimic Dahlias
Now, if forcing dahlias is too complicated, not your thing, or you don’t have tubers stored away, you can still create some Nate Berkus-level drama with winter-blooming flowers in a similar color scheme. Look for some flowers with layered petals and a super deep burgundy color to get the same look as dahlias.
Some great alternatives include:
Looking at these, you almost can’t tell the difference between them and dahlias. They come in the exact same burgundy color with tightly packed petals.
These come in a similar burgundy shade, though the petals are less packed in, giving a lighter feel if that’s more your vibe.
These are similar to anemones in shape and come in a deep burgundy color with a pale center. They’re often called winter roses, and thrive in the cold.
How to Arrange a Moody Winter Bouquet
Nate’s table setting worked because it looked purposeful and styled with velvet tops on the chairs, and a slightly antique aesthetic, but it was also restrained. You don’t need a massive arrangement to make an impact; in fact, smaller is better in winter.
To recreate the look:
- Choose a smaller vase with lower sides so your flowers have a more intimate feel rather than formal. This carved ceramic vase from Target has a great “vintage” feel to it.
- Stick with one color palette, like burgundy or wine-red.
- If you have too few flowers, which is also possible, add some greenery like eucalyptus, ivy, or olive branches.
- Don’t let all the flowers sit at the same height; vary it up a bit for a less “arranged” look.
Pro tip: Don’t overfill your vase. Leave some negative space to give that all-important “editorial” feel.
Caring for Cut Flowers in Winter
Indoor air in winter is notorious for drying out flowers, which is why most people don’t even bother. However, a few small tweaks can keep your blooms looking fresh for much longer:
- Rather than trimming your stems once and leaving them, trim them every few days
- Change your water every other day to keep your stems from rotting
- It may seem obvious, but it must still be said: keep your arrangement away from heat sources
Pro tip: If you have a small vase and your arrangement is falling in a way that looks messy rather than simply “unarranged” (yes, there’s a difference), try a floral frog like this one from Amazon to keep some of your flowers from falling over.
Why Winter Flowers Matter
Winter flower arrangements are more than just aesthetics, they’re a whole mood. A single vase of flowers in a rich color can soften the blow of gray days, make life feel a little more romantic, and remind you that the season for growing is still on its way, it’s simply on pause.
