How to decorate your Christmas table

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 (£40 for four) from Cristal d'Arques at Heal's will be the jewels of your tabletop and kick the party into action.

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 fill your own recycled crackers (£5) from John Lewis are not only eco–friendly, they create the perfect opportunity to get the whole family involved in Christmas preparations. See our editor's picks of crackers.

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 stardust charger plate (£15) from Marks & Spencer is available in a range of colours and is guaranteed to add a touch of festive glamour to your chinaware.

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 Marseilles set (£20) from Dibor.

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 Christmas cupcake (£17) from Not on the High Street is handmade and will bring a touch of kitsch to your dining table.

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 tall tub vase from OKA (£10).

8. Set the mood

Scatter tealights around place settings to add a warm glow to your festivities. These pretty beaded tealight holders (£3.50) from Graham and Green will make the light dance across the table. Cheap and chic.

9. The little extras

Decant sauces, preserves and brandy butter in pretty dishes like this leaf bowl and spoon (£20.99) from Crocus. They'll add another layer of interest to your tabletop and create the look of a truly decadent feast.

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 (£128) from Undergrowth Design at design boutique is a must–have. Use it to display edible delicacies or even your favourite Christmas decorations.

For more, shop the UK's largest selection of cake stands.

Need to do some last minute Christmas shopping? Flip through a huge selection of gifts in our Christmas magazine.