Once reserved for weddings, gala dinners, magazine photoshoots and other special occasions, tablescaping has recently found its way into our homes.
The crossover is largely due to social media, with homeowners styling their dining rooms to look ‘Instagram-worthy’.
Rather than throwing any old tablecloth and a few cork mats at their tables and hoping for the best, people have started practising the art of designing beautiful place settings. They say the devil is in the detail and it’s true. A professional-looking table needs carefully coordinating linens, accessories like candles and vases, plus crockery, cutlery and glassware that all ‘go’. And let’s not forget the showstopping centrepiece!
For many, the impeccably styled tablescape remains in place year-round, with elements changed to suit the season once every few months. So, if you’d like to join in with this trend, now is a perfect time, you have an excuse to go big for Christmas! Think ribbons on the back of chairs, sequinned placemats, calligraphy nametags, intricate decorations and ostentatious centrepieces.
Then remove all the festive finishing touches in the New Year and think ahead to spring.
Anybody with a table can flex their creative muscle and have a go—whether your table is placed in the middle of a dining room or the corner of your lounge. So why not start planning now?
Need a little inspiration? Here are plenty of perfectly presented tablescapes to get you started. We’ve grouped them into themes for your convenience:
Quintessential:
Of course, we have to start with classic red and green, these two colours are the epitome of Christmas. A traditional tablescape like those pictured below will shout “festive” to anybody who walks into the room. Use a mixture of stick candles, foliage and pine cones to create a centrepiece. Look out for wreath motifs printed on linens and tableware. Velvet or satin bows provide the perfect finishing touch.
Christmas tablescapes from top left, clockwise: Braided Rug Company, Annie Sloan, Sophie Allport, Helen Round, Nancy and Betty Studio, Helen Round.
Silent Night:
Pair dark and moody tones to create high drama this Christmas. Use metallic accents to contrast with deep, inky colours. Twinkling fairy lights, shimmering sequins and coloured baubles will create a spectacular centrepiece. Gold cutlery has surged in popularity over the last 18 months. If you’ve had your eye on a set, this is finally your excuse to buy it!
Christmas tablescapes from top left, clockwise: Annie Sloan, Rockett St George, Rockett St George, Dunelm, Rockett St George.
Sage & Blush:
We love this softer take on the traditional red and green Christmas colour scheme. Use sage and eucalyptus green tones mixed with pretty peach, wispy pink and barely-there blush. Pair with green foliage and use cream as an accent. Very millennial.
Christmas tablescapes from top left, clockwise: Annie Sloan, Chalk Pink Linen Company, Chalk Pink Linen Company.
Fireside:
This contemporary colour scheme will warm up your Christmas dining table this year. Pair burnished golds with dark oranges, deep coppers and rich, earthy tones. Use sumptuous velvet and flocked ornaments to add texture.
Christmas tablescapes from top left, clockwise: Annie Sloan, Rose and Grey, Rebecca Udall, Rockett St George, Rose and Grey, Annie Sloan.
Modern Muted:
Create a serene and sophisticated setting by pairing pure snow-white with modern muted tones. Soft colours, pale timbers, twinkling candles and organic textures will result in a tablescape that’s both elegant and timeless. Finish with star motifs, grey grosgrain ribbons and felted decorations.
Christmas tablescapes from top left, clockwise: Chalk Pink Linen Company, Garden Trading, Garden Trading, Nancy and Betty Studio, Lights4Fun, Garden Trading, Garden Trading.
Eclectic:
Mix and match colourful prints in a rainbow of hues to create a brightly coloured, if not slightly eccentric tablescape. Add in plain white or navy accessories for a bit of balance. Use metallics to add a dash of festive charm.
Christmas tablescapes both Bluebellgray.
