Interview with Melina Raissina

Editor’s Note: American Craft Council‘s Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft project during the Aug 2-4 show at San Francisco will showcase works from nine interior designers and architects that will create room settings inspired by fine craft pieces – generating ideas for show attendees on how to integrate treasured objects into home design.

We got a chance to talk to one of the designers – Melina Raissina of the Peace Industry. Melina will use the creations of Gerald Arrington (wood bowl and sculptures) to design a room. Gerald is one of the 230 artists featured in this year’s exhibition.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself (and Peace Industry). What do you love doing most?

I am the lead designer at Peace Industry. Peace Industry is my company that I started with my husband in 2002. We produce wool felt rugs in our own workshop in Turkey and we have a retail store in San Francisco. It is a revitalization of the oldest rug tradition known to mankind and has been practiced by Central Asian nomads for thousands of years. My favorite thing about my job is getting to open the packages when they arrive from Turkey. It feels like Christmas to me as I get to see how my vision is manifested.

2. How did you get involved with this project? What attracted you to work for the American Craft Council?

My publicist pitched the idea to me and I agreed to get involved because I have never done anything like this or have been given the opportunity to design a room. I felt it to be a challenge and really just thought it would be fun.

3. Gerald’s work with stoneware ceramics is unique. Are you looking to make his work the star within the room – or is it going to complement the room that you’re creating?

The task is definitely to make Gerald’s work the star of the show. I’ve kept the decor simple in muted tones in order to showcase his pieces.

4. How was it working with Gerald? Did you have any one on one sessions with him? What is the creative process like in designing such a room?

Working with Gerald was lovely. The process was relatively simple. I was able to choose any work from the entire show. I chose Gerald’s work because it compliments my personal style and my fondness for subtle textures that show off their process. I just worked from pictures at first, and then Gerald brought in the actual pieces so that I could really experience them up close.

Christmas decorating can become expensive one small purchase at a time.

A runner does not seem like much. Neither do the matching napkins. Then there are candles, place-card holders and a little arrangement for the middle.

Before you know it, the table has cost more to decorate than you intended.

This Christmas table plan sets a clear limit: less than A$50 in additional decorating costs for six people, using plates, glasses, cutlery and furniture you already own.

Food, drinks and household tableware are not included. The figures below are spending limits, not quoted retail prices.

You do not need to spend the full amount. Coming in at $12 because you reused nearly everything is an excellent result.

Make your budget before choosing your theme

Start with what is available at home, then allocate money only to missing details.

Possible purchase	Maximum allowance
Napkins, if needed	A$8
One roll of ribbon	A$6
Paper for cards or decorations	A$4
Battery lighting	A$10
One missing centrepiece element	A$8
Delivery, batteries or other extras	A$10
Planned maximum	A$46

The remaining $4 keeps the plan below $50 and gives you a little breathing room.

If an item costs more than its allowance, substitute something rather than automatically increasing the total.

Decide what you can skip

For this table, leave these off the shopping list:

New dinner plates.
Decorative charger plates.
Bought place-card holders.
Matching Christmas glasses.
Individual decorations for every chair.
A ready-made floral centrepiece.

None is essential to a welcoming Christmas lunch.

A bare timber table, everyday crockery and a consistent colour detail can look lovely.

Pick an inexpensive colour connection

Red and cream work well when you own plain dishes and traditional Christmas decorations.

For another option, use green paper cards and natural twine. If your plates are patterned, choose one colour from the pattern instead of introducing several more.

A single roll of Christmas ribbon on Amazon is an optional way to connect the place settings. Compare length and delivered cost, then make one sample bow to calculate how much you need.

Do not buy a second colour simply because it is suggested beside the first one.

Build the centrepiece from your decorations box

Use an existing shallow bowl and a few ornaments.

Our Christmas balls centrepiece gives you an arrangement idea, but a loose bowl display avoids buying glue and preserves your decorations for next year.

Choose colours that work with your ribbon.

If you do not own baubles, a bowl of whole fruit already included in your grocery plan can work instead. Keep it unpainted and separate from craft materials so it remains useful afterwards.

Make place cards from scraps

Cut six pieces of cardstock to the same size and fold them in half.

Write the names clearly. Add a small drawn star or a strip of leftover paper if you like.

Consistent size and placement matter more than elaborate lettering.

For another handmade detail, browse our Christmas napkin-holder ideas. Pick a design that uses materials you own rather than treating the entire collection as a supply list.

Decorate behind the table if space is tight

A small dining table can feel crowded quickly.

One paper-bag star on the wall nearby can provide a festive focal point while leaving room for serving dishes. Use suitable fixings and keep paper away from heat.

This is particularly useful when your everyday table is doing its best to accommodate extra guests.

Count the extras before paying

Include delivery fees, batteries, adhesive and any additional packets needed to finish the project.

Keep a running total on your phone. If a purchase would push you over budget, remove something or choose a simpler option.

After setting the table, take a photograph and note what you used. Next year, you can repeat the look without shopping from scratch.

A budget Christmas table works because you make deliberate choices. Spend where it helps, reuse where you can and leave the unnecessary extras in the shop.

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