For many families, Christmas is often the main holiday of the year. It's when many of us gather together and share one of the most wonderful dinners of the whole year, often with people that we have not seen very often but that we love and would like to offer them the best.
For Christmas day we plan everything, the gifts, the decor, the food, nibbles, drinks, our outfit, everything, and we want everything to go well. There is so much going on in the days and weeks leading to Christmas that it is easy to forget one or two things. Hence why we want to share our best tips, often learnt the hard way, on how to decorate the table in a simple yet stylish way, so you can impress your guests but also have time and money to do the rest.
THE TABLECLOTH
Yes, we are bias, but we believe that a tablecloth is a must for Christmas dinner. It is the base for the best table setting. Choose a tablecloth that is long enough that the fabric drapes over the sides of the table. You can opt for a plain one, but we want to tempt you to choose something that will become iconic among your circle of friends and family. Our choice? Solaris! This design was born to celebrate, and what better occasion than Christmas to decorate your table with style.
We can help you if you want to know what is the best tablecloth size for your table.
THE DINING CANDLES
Candles add an exquisite layer when styling a dining table. They make every table setting look elegant yet welcoming and cosy. When I see candles lit on a table, I know that whoever set the table thought of all sort of details too. Do not choose scented candles, there will be plenty of smells that you don't want to add yet another one, leave scented candles and diffusers for other rooms of your home.
Choose great quality candles that will not drip much, that are made consciously with quality ingredients. We can't recommend enough our dining candles, and we invite you to learn more about them and how to look after dining candles for a better experience.
THE CHRISTMAS TABLE CENTRE PIECE
For many this is a show stopper, and some people go over the top with decorations. Our preference when choosing Christmas table decorations is to find a balance, not too sparse not over the top. The reason for this? By the time Christmas comes we have been over indulged with Christmas decor for moths that this is the time to select the best and do it wisely. Our favourite and best Christmas table centre piece? Natural seasonal greenery with either faux berries, pinecones, or other small accents that will add a bit of charm and fun to the table.
CHRISTMAS TABLEWARE AND GLASSWARE
There are so many collections that are made for the season that we won't get lost in that rabbit whole. Instead, we have learnt that going for your best china (yes, even the white every day china will work wonders) and add some other accents that could be fun or seasonal; think small plates for bread or dessert, or a beautiful large platter at the centre of the table. We offer you a few choices to make your table unique.
Christmas meals tend to be longer than usual, remember to set the table with enough glassware that will allow guest to transition from one drink to the next, and never forget get glasses for water, they are a must, in particular when serving rich dishes.
WHAT IF I WANT TO GO REALLY SIMPLE?
A great way to minimise fuzz, cost and time when setting the table is to avoid the centre piece, but DO keep the tablecloth and NEVER forget the candles. The reason? These two details lift any table in seconds, the tablecloth is an investment, a heirloom; and candles, well, we mentioned it before, their effect is bigger than the sum of their parts.
You can also create the most wonderful Christmas table with our beautiful linens, candles and leave the centre for the most delicious food. Serve it in large platters and bowls, let everyone take part and serve themselves and others, creating a great atmosphere that you will remember well passed the season.
We wish you and your guests a great Christmas and a lot of fun, before, during and after.