Impress family and friends this Christmas by asking them to eat at a table that’s glamorous, stylish and welcoming. Clare Harris, MD of Talking Tables offers some ideas to help you dress the table, and add a touch of festive style to other areas of the home.
GLITZ AND GLAMOUR
Fill a glass, mirrored or silver tray or cake stand with sparkler-adorned pomanders for a beautifully scented, glittering after-dinner showstopper. Use a knitting needle or wooden skewer to stud oranges, lemons or tangerines with holes, then fill with cloves and allow to dry for a few weeks. The more cloves, the longer the fragrance will last for.
For a fresh, no-mess approach to mantelpiece dressing, pass up on the greenery and instead group honeycomb baubles or tissue paper garlands to create a huge impact on a small budget. Instantly assembled, honeycombs are available in a range of festive colours and sizes. Choose mixed metallics for a look that will last from Christmas to the New Year.
Non-toxic indoor fireworks and ice fountains create a magical and dramatic display that will really impress. Consider placing in an ice bucket or use as an alternative to a spoonful of brandy in your Christmas pud. For added sparkle, pop a sparkler at each place setting so guests can join in the fun.
GO FOR GOLD
Think scale when you’re creating a dramatic table setting. You don’t want to block guests’ views with huge candelabra or floral arrangements, but neither do you want your table to look too minimal. Baubles, battery-operated fairy lights and table scatter create an atmospheric glow, while decorative canapé picks add height and interest.
After years in the design wilderness, gold is back with a vengeance. If you’re not keen on gold cutlery or glassware, paper tableware is an easy way to dip into the look. Once you’ve decided on your scheme, extend it beyond the table – hang garlands over the fireplace and tie baubles to chair backs for added flair.
Go through your cupboards in the run up to Christmas and collate your box of table dressing tricks. Gather everything you have in your chosen palette and create a 3D table runner down the centre of the table – from layered plates and tree decorations to coasters and cake stands, anything goes.
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS
A casual approach to decorating is more than acceptable at Christmas. Save your china and linen for New Year and take the family-friendly approach with paper tablecloths, napkins and decorations. The range and colours available has moved on leaps and bounds and you can source anything from faux porcelain designs to nostalgic 50s style illustrations.
Creating fun table settings using baubles and twine or ribbon is a great way of involving the kids, with place cards bringing a sense of occasion not often found at family meals. Present giving doesn’t have to stop at the tree, so consider filling mini treat boxes with homemade truffles or dotting the table with games and trivia to welcome your family as they sit down.
It’s not only what’s inside that counts – it’s just as important to think outside the box! Opening a beautifully-wrapped gift can be as exciting as opening the present itself. Browse Pinterest for inspiration and styling ideas before you assemble your wrapping kit. Use chalkboard wrapping paper, stamps, stickers and washi tape to craft out special messages for your family and friends.
Contact: www.talkingtables.co.uk