The reaction to last week’s blog and the different themes for your Christmas decor was amazing. Clearly, a lot of people have decided to go for broke with the decorations. So I thought I’d follow up with some inspiration for your Christmas table based on some of those themes. It doesn’t matter how many of you will be sitting down to your Christmas meal, it might only be you, however many people will be at the table it’s still nice to make an effort. Concentrate on these elements – place setting, china, glassware and a centrepiece. These are the core features no matter how many will be sitting down to eat. You can then elaborate on these basics however much you like.
Traditional
For this we are using the red , green and gold theme. Start with a red table runner or place mat. At Christmas, it’s nice to use a charger plate to set off your china. There are lots of Christmas themed dinner sets to choose from and you could use a complete set or simply opt for a dinner plate paired with plain white or coloured china. You some special glassware, either crystal or why not look for vintage coloured glassware. Every table needs a centrepiece. A poinsettia plant makes an excellent choice especially for this theme and you could create a centrepiece using a single plant in a container combined with other greenery and a few small baubles or fir cones.
Natural
Starting with the table, if your table is wood then you don’t need a cloth. If your table is more modern in style then use a simple white cloth – an antique linen cloth would be perfect. Raffia placemats form the base for your place setting. I have gone for rustic stoneware crockery rather than fine china and similarly plain glassware (perhaps even goblets). In my original blog I included plain linen napkins tied with a sprig of a herb. For your table centre a hellebore in an enamel or stone pot is a pretty option or even arrange some greenery in a jug. For finishing touches scatter some pine cones or little bowls of nuts.
Glamorous Gold
For the glamorous gold Christmas dinner table I have expanded on the ideas of the gold rimmed glassware and gold cutlery with black handles. A silver velvet or damask table runner sets the scene and for this setting I have gone for square, rather than round charger plates. The glass cake stand makes an alternative centrepiece with can be decorated with a selection of baubles. You could even include gift boxes containing a small gift for those you are sharing Christmas with, tied with ribbon. That could also be an alternative to a traditional cracker. If you want to avoid the completely glitzy look decorate your cake stand with greenery and festive fruits and nuts.
Whatever your plans, I hope that I have given you some ideas for creating a festive table setting.
If you are planning any sort of home makeover or maybe a house move, call me on 07745 876182 or e mail judith@homestyle4u.com. I cover the Wirral, Cheshire and the North West.