Six tips for decorating the perfect christmas table
Christmas is fast approaching. If your tree is already up and you’re now thinking about the other decorations for the festive occasion, the table is a great place to start.
Since Christmas dinner is the most important meal of the year, make sure not to leave the table empty. to help, two interior design experts, Raf Michalowski and Zara O’Hare, have teamed up to reveal their top six tips on how to set the perfect Christmas table.
1) Think ahead
Never treat the dinner table decoration as an afterthought. With Christmas less than three weeks away, you should already know the number of people you’re catering for.
Christmas is family time with both young and old at the table. Decide where you want them to sit and where you’ll be placing the serving dishes. Also, determine the number of bowls, glasses, and cutlery you will need.
If you’ll be going back and forth to the kitchen during the meal, sit close to the nearest place setting to keep things smooth.
2) Decide on a theme
Selecting a theme for the Christmas table is crucial for creating a cohesive and festive atmosphere. Although red, green, and silver are classic choices, adding some gold accessories and a white tablecloth can also make the Christmas table just feel right.
If you’re not into glitz and glamour, consider a natural vibe with organic cotton linen and wooden napkin rings. Also, don’t forget a table runner as well, adding a special touch to the table that you don’t see every day.
3) Personalise your table décor
Make the day extra special by personalizing your table. You can craft, for example, herb bundles for guests to take home and they work as a charming table.
Adding personal touches to the table – using objects, colours, or items – helps guests connect and gives them conversation starters. People love the extra thought that puts the icing on the cake.
4) Mix the classic and rustic
A good classic Christmas table is created by carefully layering each setting. Start with a high-quality tablecloth, whether patterned or plain, as the ideal foundation. Add a placemat and charger under plates and napkins to introduce texture and maintain visual interest between courses.
Select elements based on design details you love, such as piping and scallops, rather than trying to match everything.
5) Focus on achieving table symmetry
A symmetrical table is important because it creates a visually pleasing and balanced dining experience. Start by planning the balance and symmetry of the table – make sure each element in a place setting is visually balanced and repeated.
Mixing different heights, volumes, and contrasting materials, such as a rustic wood table and smooth marble chargers, creates a dimensional and texturally interesting quality.
6) No clutter
Don’t clutter, as any mess can take attention away from your masterpiece. The space around your table depends on its size, the number of guests, and the room size.
The experts recommend making sure there’s enough space to move around the table, as the table can get crowded with lots of dishes, utensils, crackers, and napkins. If you’re serving more than two courses, use a side table for main plates and extra glasses to avoid crowding.
