How to Christmas Tablescape
Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year, where twinkling lights, joyful carols, and (best of all) the aroma of my roast potatoes fill the air! As we step into the holiday season, it's time to turn our attention to the heart of the festivities – the Christmas tablescape. But I’m not talking about just any old table setting; we're diving deep into the art of creating a Christmas tablescape that'll make your guests' jaws drop faster than you can say “champs, anyone?”
Picture this: You've spent days perfecting your Christmas menu, hand-picked the perfect gifts, and now, it's time to transform your dining table into a jaw-dropping masterpiece that'll leave your guests in awe. I’m talking about a tablescape that not only sets the stage for a memorable feast but also serves as the "wow factor" of your celebrations.
So, whether you're hosting an intimate family gathering or a grand soirée (in our household Boxing Day is where it’s at), join me on this journey to discover the secrets, tips, and tricks for crafting a Christmas tablescape that's as festive as Santa's sleigh.
Table Cloths
Always start with the base and work your way up. There are lots of festive tablecloths out there. I love a glittery runner. Cheap and cheerful but effective.
Or how about some tinsel skirting to get the party started?
If that’s all too much for you, Anna & Nina have some beautifully Christmassy cloths that aren’t quite as, well, sparkly.
Anna + Nina Christmas Wreath Stripe Pattern Organic - Cotton Tablecloth - £80
The Centrepiece
Arguably the most important yet most annoying part of the table. Mainly because you’re more than likely going to have to move it somewhere else when you’re eating to make room for the actual food, however, don’t let this put you off. The ooo’s and ahhs make it all worth it.
Home-Make It
That’s right, making your centrepiece can be extremely satisfying. Especially when friends say ‘OMG where d’ya get that’ to which you can respond ‘I made it’! The easiest technique is to make a wreath, the kind you would usually put on your door. This is so fun and you can make it as green or as colourful as you like. There are loads of tutorials on Pintrest. Lie it flat on the table and fill it with candles in hurricane glasses. Stunning.
If you aren’t the crafty type, just buy one from the experts and add the candles (and tell everyone you made it-haaa)!
Anything that lights up is always a winner. Adding these Christmas trees would look cute on any table.
Not sure you can get away with saying you made this, but look at it! Fun, vibrant and festive all in one.
Flowers
If all else fails, just chuck a stunning vase of Christmas flowers on the table. Think hydrangeas, roses and berries. And why not spray some eucalyptus gold for some added festive cheer?
Picture from Bloom & Wild
Candles Are Key
Scent your table. If you’re looking for the smell of a fresh Christmas tree forest, try one of these:
Candle holders are also gorgeous. The more candles the better I would say, because everything looks better over candlelight, even Brussel sprouts. Complete the look by adding some coloured candles to go with your theme. Here are some lovely candle holders:
Placemats
This is the next layer of your tablescape. I like a slightly oversized mat so you can see it under the plate.
You can never go wrong with pink and red. I love the scalloped pattern of these mats.
If you want a more traditional vibe, go for gold.
If you want something that will just look fab all year round, then I’m obsessed with these beaded hearts. They’ll adorn your tables for years and years to come.
Plates
Ok, so we all have plates. No matter the style you can always make them look more Christmassy. I do this by layering. Start with a festive napkin on top of the plate. Take a length of velvet ribbon and tie a bow around the napkin. You can place the cutlery inside the fabric if you like.
If you prefer a rustic look. Tie the napkin with a bit of brown string and slot a piece of eucalyptus or a twig of berries through the string.
Picture from Not On The High Street
Crackers
Christmas crackers, those festive novelties, hold a special place of importance on any Christmas tablescape. They not only add a touch of whimsy and surprise to the table but also embody the spirit of togetherness and merriment. The cheerful "pop" when cracked open signals the official start of the holiday feast and sets the tone for the festivities to come. So, whether it's the colourful paper hats, the dad jokes, or the tiny trinkets hidden within, Christmas crackers are an essential element of a Christmas table.
There are some seriously beautiful crackers… ones that you almost don’t want to open.
Make your own. Start saving toilet rolls, get some gorgeous fabric and fill them with confetti and mini beauty products. And obviously, add your own joke. I mean anything is better than “Why did the Christmas tree go to the barber? For a trim-ming”.
I’ll get my coat.
You can also buy reusable crackers if you don’t have time for the above. These are fab.
Not On The Hight Street Set Of Four Fabric Crackers - £25.24
Glasses
So this depends on what you are serving for drinks. Champs tend to be on the menu at ours so they are the glasses we have out. But we always have a cocktail station set up ready to go with pre-made jugs of margs or whatever the cocktail of choice is. We have loads of different cocktails on Mouthfull so check them out. Note to self, always have water glasses on the table with, well, water! Hydration people, hydration! I have loads of colourful vintage water bottles that I fill and leave out because nothing ruins the vibe like a plastic Evian bottle!
Serving platters
There are so many amazing platters out there. I don’t tend to like things that match so there's always an array of variation on my table. My top tip would be to pour your condiments into little bowls too. Yes, it may be more washing up but that’s not your job if you’ve done the cooking soooo…
Here are some of my favourite places to buy platters:
So as I conclude this journey through the world of Christmas tablescapes, I hope you're feeling inspired and ready to create your own dazzling setting. Remember, it's not just about the food; it's about the atmosphere you craft, the stories you share, and the love that fills the room. Listen to me… all sentimental! So, whether your table is adorned with traditional reds and greens or sparkles, glitter and sequins (hi!), may your Christmas tablescape bring you as much joy as mine does to me.
Cheers to a beautiful Christmas!
Love,
Lisa xx