The festive spirit of Christmas is drawing near, and with it comes the chance to set your tables and deck your halls.
Even the most seasoned hosts find themselves in a merry conundrum when it comes to adorning the Christmas table. Shall one grace it with the finest silver, crystal, and heirloom china, or dare to veer from tradition with natural hues, soft linens, and seasonal blooms? Fear not, for in the realm of decorating styles – be it minimalistic, contemporary, or eclectic – the sleigh’s open for all (providing there’s no tinsel of yesteryear in sight).
To help you along the way, here are a few tips for a Christmas table worthy of Saint Nick himself.
1. Establish a clear theme or colour scheme and stick with it. Whether you go bright and cheerful, or neutral and muted, let go of the idea that Christmas has to be done a certain way. Limit your palette to a maximum of three complementary colours.
2. Let the centrepiece steal the show – whether it is lush foliage, twinkling candles, flower-filled vases, seasonal fruits, or a mix of all of these elements. Make sure to arrange them thoughtfully so that your guests can chat across the table without any obstructions. Decorative bowls of seasonal berries and chocolates also make an appealing centrepiece that guests can enjoy.
3. Flowers or seasonal foliage is a must for every Christmas table. For festive flair, add pinecones, mistletoe, or boughs of holly, or enhance the table’s allure and aroma with sprigs of rosemary, bay leaves, or eucalyptus. With flowers, whether you stick to a single type and colour, or prefer an array of types and hues – the choice is entirely yours.
4. Elevate the setting with high-quality tablecloths or runners paired with placemats and elegant napkins. Create your own napkin rings by tying the napkins with ribbon and sprigs of greenery, or place folded napkins atop plates, adorning them with Christmas decorations or Christmas crackers.
5. Add a personal touch with handwritten place cards and Christmas crackers at each setting – the perfect icebreaker amongst guests. For extra holiday cheer, consider small edible treats or thoughtful gifts for each attendee.
6. Embrace a rustic charm or eclectic vibe by blending a mixture of crockery and glassware styles. Alternatively, uphold an air of sophistication and sleek elegance by sticking to matching sets.
7. Along with the necessary cutlery, make sure every place setting is equipped with the essentials – a wine glass, water glass and a champagne flute for toasting the occasion.
8. Illuminate the table with candles, tealights, or lanterns along its centre or suspend them overhead to create a warm, charming ambience.
9. Avoid over-decorating and cluttering the table; less is more for a balanced and sophisticated look.
10. Lastly, step back and admire your masterpiece. Make sure it looks balanced and visually appealing from all angles, adding any final adjustments as needed.
