There's no denying the fact that Christmas lunch is the highlight of the day, and given the fact that so much hard work goes into preparing the meal shouldn’t your lunch table be a feast for the eyes too? We caught up with homewares brand Sophie Allport to find out their top tips for setting the most beautiful festive table setting, from flickering candlelight to seasonal table runners, here’s how to create the perfect Christmas table setting…
1. Start with a table runner
A table runner is a perfect way to give your dining table some Christmas cheer, stretching down the length of the table and anchoring your cutlery, crockery, and decorations together. Choosing a classic and timeless design means you can treasure it for years and years, with it always looking the part.
2. Choose your placemats and coasters
Next, fill your dining table with festive placemats and coasters. They’re designed to protect your table from stains, spillages, and hot plates (perfect for Christmas lunch), and are a great way to introduce Christmassy colours and patterns. They’re particularly beautiful when arranged around a centrepiece of scarlet winter berries and clusters of twinkling fairy lights.
3. Add glassware for extra sparkle
Choose cool wintery colours and icy glassware for a sense of relaxed Scandi style - wonderful for toasting to a merry Christmas with your loved ones. Position them beside your candles if you’d like the glassware to reflect the gently flickering flames: it’s a fool proof way to add a little extra glitz and glamour to the dining table.
4. Polish your cutlery
Next, your Christmas table setting needs some beautiful cutlery, so be sure to polish your knives and forks thoroughly for extra shimmer and shine before positioning them on the table. And for a meal with a true sense of occasion, consider laying your cutlery on napkins and tying them with festive red ribbon waiting to be unwrapped like a gift when lunch is served.
5. Add greenery
If you’d like a traditional Christmas table setting, you’ll need some greenery. You could forage for ivy and other evergreen foliage, or you could buy some artificial greenery which is long-lasting and can be used each year. Whatever the case, arrange it generously down the length of your dining table, winding it around tall candles and serving plates. A tangle of winter berries will lend charm and Christmas cheer, and you could spray paint pinecones in gold or silver for a nod to Narnia. Remember - take care to ensure naked flames do not come into contact with your greenery, and never leave candles unattended. Festive faux flowers, wreaths and garlands are also a great option and are perfect for adding a touch of colour to your table setting, creating a charming and festive look.
6. Add those finishing touches
Finally, there are plenty of smaller details to take care of, such as napkins and crackers. Our Christmas crackers are perfect for adding a fun touch to any festive table! Simply choose your favourites and lay them across gently-warmed dinner plates, and don’t forget to fill your table with tealights: they’ll glisten as the candle flames dance inside them and create a cosy glow that draws your loved ones together for a joyful dinner.
Hopefully, these steps from Sophie Allport have given you a little bit of inspiration for your Christmas table setting this year! Looking to spruce you table setting this year, well we’ve got an exclusive 15% off almost everything* at Sophie Allport just for you, use the code PASTA15 at the checkout.
T&CS: Not valid on M2M curtains and blinds, service charges, gift vouchers or sale items and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 30th December.