Crisp mornings and dark evenings. Twinkling lights behind windows and the scent of cinnamon in the air. It won’t be long before you consider food, decorations and gifts for Christmas. Questions such as, ‘who will be attending the Christmas Day dinner?’ and ‘How many RSVP’s have I had for the Christmas Eve cocktail party?’ will prelude the planning of each event and provide many ideas, and opportunities, for decorative Christmas table settings.
The fundamentals of laying the table at Christmas
Whether it’s a relaxed Christmas brunch or the formal Christmas Day dinner, there are a few simple things to consider that will make dressing the table effortless.
1. Christmas colour scheme
Do you lean towards a nostalgic green and red colour palette, or maybe a more neutral scheme elevated with champagne golds to embrace the festive season? Start by deciding on your table linens, whether that’s a simple white tablecloth or a more decorative design, this choice can then set the tone for your scheme; taking hues from a coloured tablecloth and echoing them through glassware, accessories and tableware.
2. Decorative Christmas centrepieces
If you have a large round table such as the Battersea six-seater dining table, use the centre of the table to display candles or lay a small evergreen wreath. For long rectangular tables, like the Arundel six to ten-seater extendable table, work along the middle of the table by weaving garlands, strings of fairy lights or our new Ashridge Leaf Garland and then add dotted candlesticks at varying heights. Avoid tall floral displays as they will obscure conversations, instead opt for a low seasonal potted plant or remove your larger display before sitting down to eat.
3. Thoughtfully laid place settings
The traditional recommended space between table settings (and adhered to by those laying tables for royal banquets, no less) is 45cm from one place setting to the next, allowing everyone to sit comfortably. But if space is tight, remove side plates and stack starter and main course plates on top of each other instead. We suggest having a couple of Wycombe folding dining chairs available to pull up for last-minute RSVPs, too. Handwrite each guest’s name on a card and tie to napkins, and if you have a wide range of age groups at your dinner, think about pairing little ones together so they can entertain themselves, but there’s always an adult on hand to help with serving up seconds.
Three Christmas dining ideas
Christmas Eve supper party
The night before Christmas feels like an opportunity for opulence. Whether it’s an intimate dinner for two, a small gathering or a large party, a well-dressed drinks trolley or console table should be the first priority. Make sure it’s stocked with elegant barware, accessories and of course your drinks of choice. Instead of a table, an ottoman makes the perfect surface for a couple of trays to display a selection of canapés, with side plates and embroidered napkins guests can reach for throughout the night. And don’t forget about mood setting, from lamps and candlelight to the perfect party playlist. Pop the Champagne, and raise a toast to the festivities.
Traditional Christmas Day dinner
With so many elements making up the big feast, it's best to set up a dedicated space for food dishes to allow room on your dining table for decoration. Using a freestanding chopping block, like the Borough oak butchers block, will provide a large surface area for serving bowls, sauce jugs and a place to drape kitchen towels. On the table it’s time to bring out quality ceramic dinner plates, timeless glasses and smart cutlery. Just before you invite guests to take their seats, light your tapered candles for a soft ambient glow.
The Boxing Day buffet table
Those days between Christmas and the new year can flow by without ceremony, but we see opportunity to continue the celebrations. With leftovers ready to be made into a warming stew and bottles still left un-opened, a more informal dining experience is called for. The buffet spread requires your kitchen island, or large table, to become a place of presentation. Start with plates and bowls piled up to one side, and then present food in your favourite artisanal dishes, making sure to have plenty of napkins and serving spoons on hand for guests to help themselves.
Find everything from glassware and tableware to place settings and candles for your table this Christmas in our Christmas shop.