Tablescaping
How to style your Christmas table to make it look extra special for your festive feast, without necessarily breaking the bank.
It’s the most important dinner date in the diary – and it usually takes a great deal of swank to make the festive table look so splendid. More a theatrical production than a chore, the good news is, showcasing your creative flair to sync with the food has never been easier, with such a wealth of wonder within reach.
“Tablescaping is the latest buzzword in interiors when it comes to dining in style,” says interiors expert Emmie Brookman. “If you’re hosting a festive feast this Christmas, the table should be just as memorable as the menu. “The first and most important thing to consider is the mood. Are you hosting a large family event, or an intimate affair? ‑ ink about what space you have, where you want everyone to sit, and who you’re catering for. If there are children in your party, the theme will certainly be different to an adults-only soirée,” suggests Brookman.
Johnny Roxburgh, ‘party architect’ to the royals, says: “In this day and age, most people have enough matching tableware for a small get-together, but when numbers tend to increase for Christmas, it’s fun to mix it all up. As long as it’s reasonably coordinating, it can look much more festive and not overly formal.”
However, if you’re happy and willing to “twin your table with the rest of your décor”, as Brookman puts it, then keeping your theme consistent is important. “If you have a red and gold theme running throughout your home, for example, it’s probably best not to contrast it with blues and silvers. Your table décor should be an extension of the rest of your home.”
She also says to make sure every accessory adds something to your table, “whether that be personalised name cards, or beautiful statement serving plates”.
DRESS THE TABLE
Practical and on point, to save your dining table from any spillages: “Dress it with a tablecloth and table runner in contrasting colours,” suggests Brookman. “If your theme is gold and white, for example, choose a white tablecloth with a gold runner, and add in splashes of both colours through your accessory choices.”
Another neat idea for napkins, Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet in Bed, suggests adding seasonal winter flowers like holly, dried oranges or berries to your place settings, for an extra special touch.
“Tie these to your napkins with some natural twine or string, to bring a burst of nature in from the outdoors, and pull your festive tablescape together.”
TRADITIONAL
Blending the old with the new, think about the extra wow factor when you bring the best of both worlds to the table. “Tradition is important, so our overall decorating always feels familiar, but at the same time, it’s always nice to try something different – old pieces that have been collected over the years mixed with some new buys,” says Mark Winstanley, chief creative officer at The White Company.
“Crisp tablecloths and napkins, greenery (often a mix of faux and fresh gathered from the garden) and an abundance of flickering candles,” he continues.
“An all-white scheme bounces the light off your glassware and cutlery – add extra brilliance with a beaded charger, place mats, coasters and napkin rings, and add softness and texture with shearling and faux fur cushions.”
1. AGNES H DESIGN Christmas Dinner Napkins Irish Linen Set of 4 €54.40, visit agneshdesign.com
2. TARA O’CONNOR Gold Beaded Napkin Rings (4) €24 White and Red Napkin (4) €48, visit thedesignedtable.com
3. PEACOCK & CO Brass Candle Holder With Pink Marble Base €33 with Tall Dinner Candle €3.50 Each (was €5), visit peacockandco.ie
4. LAURA NOLAN HORGAN Small Glass Centrepiece Stand €9.50, visit lnhedit.com
5. HOSTARO TABLEWARE White Wine Crystal Glasses Set of 6 €66, visit hostarotableware.com
6. BROOKE & SHOALS Christmas Cracker €22, visit brookeandshoals.ie
7. WOODIES Confetti Place Card Holder Gold Star Set of 6 €3.50 (was €6.99), visit woodies.ie
8. CLODAGH MCKENNA Pomegranate Linen Napkins from €14.09, 150 cm Round Pomegranate Tablecloth €93.92, visit clodaghmckenna.com
9. HELEN TURKINGTON Gold Christmas Tree Disc Decoration €5 Each, shophelenturkington.com
10. HABITAT Country Manor 4 Piece Brass Cutters €8, visit Argos
11. HABITAT Japonica Set of 4 Champagne Coupes €22, visit Argos
12. HABITAT Christmas Joy Tableware: Ceramic Serving Platter €14, Ceramic Serving Bowl €18, Set of 4 Side Plates €18, visit Argos
13. WHITE COMPANY Silver Beaded Napkin Ring Set of 4 €33, Sparkle Wreath €176, Super-So Faux Fur Almond Cushion Cover from €59, Symons Bone China Collection from €16 to €208, visit thewhitecompany.com
14. NEXT Star Embellished Velvet Table Runner from €31, Glitter Placemats and Coasters Set of 4 €28, 12 Piece Sloane Dinner Set €79, visit next.ie