Best tips to create a beautiful table setting this Christmas
Want to impress family and friends with a stylish dining table set-up this Christmas? Here are five expert tips for festive tablescaping.
If pictures of elaborate table settings dripping with gorgeous flowers and glittering accessories have been flooding your social media feeds, you’re not alone.
And Christmas is the perfect time to get on board this trend.
Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner, a long lunch or a quiet brunch this festive season, making your table look fabulous is easier than you may think.
What is tablescaping?
Stylist and Blue Maisonette founder Fifi Matiga says tablescaping is simply the art of styling the table.
“Tablescaping is dressing up the table, creating a sense of occasion, and giving it that ‘wow’ factor,” Fifi explains.
Even with a very simple meal, a well-presented table will delight everyone, she adds.
Where to start? Fifi says the first thing to remember is there is no right or wrong when it comes to creating a beautiful tablescape.
“There are no hard rules in setting tables – just use whatever brings you joy,” she says.
Here are five easy ways to level up your table styling and turn any meal into a special occasion.
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1. Plan ahead
Fifi suggests you start off by considering the following:
- The type of event you are hosting – is it an intimate affair or a big family gathering?
- Think about what food you’ll serve, and where you plan to serve it.
- Will you use traditional Christmas colours such as red, gold and green? Or do you prefer a more neutral palette inspired by nature?
She recommends setting the table ahead of time as this will give you the opportunity to enjoy the creative process – and the chance to make changes without worrying about scrambling for things at the last minute.
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2. Embrace layers
Use your tablecloth as the starting point to anchor your colour scheme, Fifi says.
- If you’re sticking to a tight budget, check out your nearest op shop for a suitable table covering.
- Fun alternatives to a tablecloth are a roll of craft paper, or even fabric remnants.
- Otherwise, invest in a high-quality, handmade tablecloth that you can re-use in the future.
Next, consider different themes, patterns and textures.
“If you mix and match those, you’ll be on the way to creating a beautiful table,” Fifi says.
Try adding unscented candles of various heights to bring visual interest.
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3. Bring nature inside
Fifi recommends adding natural elements to your tablescape to help create a memorable table.
- Try using fresh seasonal flowers or foliage, such as wattle and bottlebrush blossoms to pay tribute to the Australian environment.
- Dress up your napkins for a charming finishing touch – use gum nuts or a sprig of rosemary.
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4. Mix and match
Use your “special” pieces instead of saving them, Fifi suggests.
“I realised (during lockdown) that we don’t really need to save items for a special occasion because every day is worth celebrating,” Fifi says.
Mixing budget finds with expensive pieces is a simple but effective way to dress up a table.
“Using existing or thrifted pieces can really add in the ‘wow’ factor,” Fifi says.
“People are repurposing their existing pieces, pairing them with new, high-quality decorations.”
5. Remember the details
Nothing completes a table like a few thoughtful little details.
- Add beautiful, handwritten place cards.
- Fold your napkins in creative ways – it’s a budget-friendly way to add another layer of interest to your tablescape.
- Set the scene with a personalised playlist.
Written by Bianca Carmona.
