Make your Christmas memorable with our inspirational top tips on how to style a festive tablescape

Is there any better time of year than Christmas? It’s always been special for our family, but it’s taken on even more meaning as our girls have gotten older and been able to join in with the celebrations. For me, the festive season is all about spending time with friends and family. I love hosting casual get-togethers with mulled wine and mince pieces and, of course, welcoming everyone for the main event: Christmas Day dinner.

When it comes to festive entertaining, a beautifully styled table is essential. In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of my favourite styling ideas as well as more practical tips to inspire your Christmas tablescape.

For reference, our table measures 240cm x 90cm and can comfortably seat eight people. 

Let’s get started!

Start with the basics

A table runner is an effortless way to elevate your dining set up for the festive season. Not only does it provide the perfect backdrop for your tablescape, but it’s also practical, protecting your table from any accidental gravy spills or melted candle wax. A crisp white table runner is a classic choice and can be reused year-round. I recommend opting for a washable linen that’s easy to clean.

Create a floral centrepiece

Festive florals and foliage can be used to create a captivating centrepiece. There are a few rules to keep in mind, but the most important is to not obstruct the view of any of your diners. Ideally, your display should look amazing from every angle, but also provide clear sightlines so that your guests can easily carry on a conversation.

I think our white ceramic trays are ideally suited to a low-level centrepiece. I like to use three on our Christmas table, each showcasing a range of seasonal stems including eucalyptus, pine, berries, and asparagus fern. It can be harder to spend time outside in the winter months, so adding these naturally beautiful blooms to your festive décor is a great way to bring the outdoors in. I also think they look particularly striking set against the bright white ceramic. 

Add candles and ornaments

While choosing low level florals can help keep conversation flowing, including a variety of different heights into the overall display can add interest and a touch of festive charm. I like to play with proportions by adding a mixture of candles, candlesticks, and small ornaments onto my table. Our ceramic trees are a popular option, offering a nod to the season without distracting from your overall décor. It’s often these small details that make the biggest impact and can transform your Christmas tablescape.

Pay attention to place settings

Creating bespoke place settings are a great way to make your guests feel extra-special. In my opinion, they’re just as important to creating an effective tablescape as the centrepiece. This year, I’ll be using a selection of our faux wreaths as napkin holders; they’re effortlessly elegant and inherently festive.

To take things up a notch, consider adding a faux hanging wreath to the back of each dining chair and tie them in place with ribbons that match your colour scheme. Choosing one or two signature colours to feature throughout your decorations ensures that your Christmas interiors look cohesive and complement your everyday décor.

I do get asked a lot about where all the food actually goes! We are fortunate with a kitchen island, so all the food is served on there.

With these handy tips and your own creativity, you can create a stunning festive tablescape that will leave a lasting impression. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season - happy styling!