I love the idea of being inspired by objects, colours or the flora around you that bring you joy. This inspiration could be a simple flower from your garden, a colour that you’re loving in your wardrobe, a vintage piece from your kitchen – absolutely anything!
Styling a table is a great way to get creative and do something that may not necessarily be within your day-to-day style. Our home has quite muted, earthy tones but this festive season for me is all about bringing the colour and fun! I have a stunning red striped Turkish towel that has become my starting point for layering the Christmas table this year.
In some instances less is more, but when it comes to styling a Christmas table there are no rules! After the last few years of living through a pandemic, many of us are craving connection, colour and fun. So if ‘over the top’ is your vibe, go for it!
There are no rules when it comes to styling a table, but my three top tips include:
- Adding greenery or flowers to add life to the table,
- Including candles to add scent and atmosphere,
- Using linen napkins – not only are they practical, they instantly add colour, pattern and texture.
For me there’s nothing more special than hosting my friends and family for a meal, and even if I haven’t finished preparing the meal when they arrive (more often than not I’m still cooking…) I love ensuring that we have set the vibe to create a first impression as they arrive. This generally involves having a playlist already on in the background, candles lit (Strawberry Spritz is our pick this Christmas) and a diffuser (Fresh Pine is a family favourite) on the entry table. Music and scent play such a role in creating a welcoming space and I think simple gestures like this really help people feel relaxed and welcome.
For some of us, Christmas can be busy and a tad stressful at times so remember that the most important part of hosting is enjoying the company of those you’re sharing a meal with, and take the pressure off yourself for everything to be ‘perfect’. Even the quickest of table settings can feel considered with simple plates, cutlery and fresh glasses if you’re short on time. Elevate this with some fresh foliage from the garden and a scented candle and you’re done!
I also love the idea of using the food you’ll be serving as styling on the table. For example, prepared salads can be placed along the table and will instantly add a fresh and colourful element to the setting. Fresh herbs like sprigs of rosemary can be placed on napkins, or use fruits such as lemons, limes, blood oranges and pomegranate placed along the table to add some extra freshness.
It’s also a great idea to think about things you can do to prepare in advance, such as simple and cost-effective printed paper name place settings or little gifts that double as decorations like the ECOYA Bon Bons we have used in this tablescape.
This year I’m going to use the palm fronds from our backyard as inspiration and starting point for my tropical inspired Christmas table. I’m using some patterned linen napkins and the ECOYA Bon Bons as styling piece that double as a cute gifts for each guest to take away.
The scents of summer fruit and fresh pine will forever conjure up childhood memories of summer Christmas holidays spent by the pool or at the beach for me. I feel excited knowing that as summer approaches, I’ll be creating similar memories with my own children this festive season. Although Fresh Pine will forever hold a nostalgic place in my heart, Strawberry Spritz is my current fav!
