How to decorate your Christmas table

Bhs metallic place
Metallic plates are festive
© Bhs

A smartly laid table can have just as much impact on your guests as the food you serve up. Escape the heat of the kitchen and follow expert advice to create a striking setting for the most important meal of the year.

1. Strong foundations

Restaurant designer David Rockwell says ‘I like a crowded table because it feels celebratory and like a cornucopia. I'm not a fan of tablecloths – unless you are on holiday. I prefer to use a table runner and great mats instead.’ A brightly coloured runner highlights the natural finish of a wooden table for a modern look. Pair with metallic or high gloss plates to complete the festive feel and accessorise with napkins and place mats.

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    2. Raise a toast

    ‘Glassware gives the table height, reinforces the colour scheme and adds another layer of interest,' says interior designer Kelly Hoppen. 'I like to use coloured glassware in either a light smoky taupe shade or red for a more dramatic accent.’ These champagne flutes from Ziggi Ziggi will be the jewels of your tabletop and kick the party into action.

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    3. Get personal

    Make your guests feel at home by adding personalised touches to the table, like place cards and home–made crackers filled with thoughtful goodies. These eco-friendly crackers from Judith Michael are not only great for the environment, they are also filled with unusual vintage gifts!

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    4. Plate up

    Polly Dickens, Creative Director at The Conran Shop, recommends choreographed disorder for your crockery: ‘Make sure it’s glamorous but not formal – the best looks are mixed together.’ This glitter charger plate from Marks & Spencer is guaranteed to add a touch of festive glamour to your chinaware.

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    5. Get the edge

    Polish, polish and polish some more! Your cutlery should shine like Rudolph’s nose. Make sure you've got enough for the big feast. Stock up on simple but durable designs like this 44-Piece Aurora Cutlery Set from Marks and Spencer.

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    6. Cute Christmas ceramics

    Here's one sweet treat you can enjoy on Christmas day knowing that it's 100% calorie free. The perfect festive container in which to put yummy goodies, this cupcake (£17) from JP Ceramics will bring a touch of kitsch to your dining table.

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    7. Stay fresh

    Bring in the garden for natural Christmas chic. ‘Cluster small blooms in a handful of mini vases, or put one at each place setting. For a splashy look, fill lofty, narrow vessels with towering stalks or leafy branches that spread upward,’ advises Marion McEvoy, former Editor–in–Chief of US Elle Décor. Get the look with a Orietta Vase/a> from Red Candy.

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    8. Set the mood

    Scatter tealights around place settings to add a warm glow to your festivities. These pretty Linea Clear Jewel Tea Light Holders from House of Fraser will make the light dance across the table. Cheap and chic.

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    9. The little extras

    Decant sauces, preserves and brandy butter in pretty dishes like this leaf bowl and spoon from Crocus. They'll add another layer of interest to your tabletop and create the look of a truly decadent feast.

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    10. Crowning glory

    The centrepiece of the table should express your creativity. ‘Make glorious piles of golden fruit, biscuits, cinnamon and goodies on a tiered platter,’ suggests Priscilla Carluccio, owner of award–winning store Few and Far. Blaue Blume's red shoes cake stand from Undergrowth Design at design boutique is a must–have. Use it to display edible delicacies or even your favourite Christmas decorations.

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Design Spy

Design Spy

Posted | 26th November 2009

How about a sprig of holly on placemats? Just don't use mistletoe (it's poisonous - I once got into trouble after decorating people's plates with the white stuff!)

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