It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to gather around the table to spend time with family and friends and make lasting memories. Setting the mood for fun times and cozy conversations is easy when you know how. Whether you want something chic and laidback or prefer something colorful and fun, try these top tips to decorate your table for Christmas in style.  

CHOOSE A THEME  

“Firstly, you should consider the atmosphere you want to create; are you having an intimate celebration with friends or a large family gathering? This will help you create the right mood and provide a starting point for your table décor. When it comes to the display, we love mixing new trends and nostalgia: crisp table linens, paired with hand-painted ceramics and scattered with decorations from the past will look artisanal, yet fresh,” suggests Rosy Fox-Andrews, founder of Mila London.  

“Before you purchase anything you need to choose your theme. Whether it’s a winter wonderland or Santa’s grotto, your theme should be obvious. Create glitz and glamour with classy color pairings such as silver and white or red and gold,” suggests Interiors Expert and Creative Director Emmie Brookman, of Silver Mushroom.  

If traditional isn’t your vibe, amp up the energy and fun with an unexpected bright, colorful theme. Check Pinterest for inspiration, and remember your theme when you’re shopping for props.

CHOOSE A CENTERPIECE

 “The centerpiece should be the focal point of your table as it’s seen from all angles. Introducing lighting is a nice way to add atmosphere but make sure to stay away from tea lights, especially if there are any children at your table. Why not introduce candles in lanterns and dress it up with winter foliage and seasonal flowers?” says Brookman. Tall dinner candles mix-and-matched with church candles are having a moment. Go classic with white or cream, or try a pastel-hued or twisted dinner candle for an unexpected fun twist. When you’re leaning over the table to collect gravy or condiments, it’s easy to get sleeves caught on tealights, and calling the fire brigade is the last thing you want to be doing over the festive season! 

PROPS AND STYLING WITH EASE  

“Layer different textures together from printed linens, cotton, and rattan to ceramics and vintage China, paired with lots of candles, glassware to add height and visual interest to your scheme. Festive fruits, nuts, blooms, and foliage picked from the garden are key for those final festive touches,” advises Ozbek.  

“A candelabra can make a stunning centerpiece, particularly as Etsy and Instagram are crawling with vintage bargains. You can often find an unexpected use for ordinary items you might have stored inside your cupboards at home. An abundance of deep red roses and cranberries in bud vases or glass jars will bring a romantic feel to the setting, while some greenery or foliage from your garden will bring a touch of nature to your table. And, of course, crackers are a must! If you have the time, try making your own, otherwise, sustainable crackers can easily be found online. Etsy has become our go-to destination for unique, handmade items and is a great way to support small businesses.”  

AVOID CLUTTER & MAKE IT PERSONALIZED

“No one likes clutter, especially when you think of all the items that need to be placed on the table such as crackers, cranberry sauce, gravy, salt and pepper, napkins, cutlery, etc. Make sure that every accessory adds something to your table, whether that be personalized name cards, or beautiful statement serving plates.” 

Everyone appreciates a personalized touch, and name placards do just that. You could also add individual drinks charms to wine glasses or flutes so everyone can identify which glass is theirs.  

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN  

Some outdoor foliage and accessories like bark, flowers, and fruits are a great way to bring the outdoors in to add to create a rustic feel. Plus, real foliage can smell exquisite and add a fresh aroma to your dining area. If you have a real Christmas tree and find them you lost branches along the way, pine branches could make a great centerpiece or placemat accessory to add to the festive cheer.  

Don’t forget Christmas scents too! Start burning some scented candles so that the house is awash with your favourite holiday scents for when your guests arrive. Scents can go a long way to bringing back memories and creating an atmosphere. 

CREATE A DEDICATED DRINKS STATION  

Keeping your dining area practical can go a long way on the day too. “Whether you like to concoct classic cocktails or indulge in a mulled wine, set up a stylish home bar filled with glass beakers. It’s a simple but practical décor idea that saves you trips to and from the kitchen,” says Brookman. Make a pitcher of a crowd-pleasing holiday cocktail to start your night right! You could even include a welcoming cheese board or grazing platter for nibbles.  

As the host, seat yourself closest to the door so you can easily get in and out without too much trouble as it’s likely you’ll be up and down a lot. 

RESIST PERFECTION  

Finally, avoid the need to make everything super neat. A little bit undone can have a charming rustic feel and will help you to let go of everything being folded at a particular angle. Simplicity and blank space can actually go a long way, along with crockery being slightly mismatched. While we admit Christmas is a good excuse to go all out, avoid overthinking it and experiment with what you already have for the ultimate Christmas table setting that will lay the foundation for joyful memories.  

SET THE SCENE 

Sharan Ozbek, founder of Mila London, suggests that decorating your table for Christmas helps us to separate the pandemic from our thoughts and serves as a reminder to celebrate.  

“Having spent so much time in our homes during the last two years throughout the pandemic, it can be hard to separate ourselves from thoughts and feelings of everyday life and step into a special occasion. Decorating your table is the first step towards making yourself and your guests feel that an occasion is truly special. A beautiful Christmas table setting becomes the backdrop for memories, and now more than ever, it’s an opportunity to dress up your home and create a festive atmosphere worth celebrating for both you and your guests."