Lounge Lovers in-house stylist, Jason Granziera shares his top tips for creating the ultimate Christmas dining table.
For most of us, the iconic Christmas memory is gathering around the table with family and friends enjoying a festive lunch or dinner. Though it is easy to become overwhelmed by the prospect of creating a memorable table setting, if you follow some basic ground rules you can't go wrong...
The Basics
Layering is key!
Start with a base. I like to forgo a tablecloth and showcase my tabletop, but if you're worried about damage or have a Plain-Jane table you can add a cloth first. For rectangular or longer tables, start by adding a long runner down the center length of the table. This will ground all of the other elements you add to the centerpiece display and make the overall display look more cohesive.
Linen runners and napkins add natural texture, but something as simple as a runner made from a roll of brown butcher paper can do a similar job once you layer other elements on top, plus you can use it for place settings or colouring entertainment for the kids!
For a smaller round or square table use a round placemat or charger plate in the center, and build a center display off that.
Then the fun begins! Start adding layers of other elements of varying height and texture down the center of the table - these can be everything from vases of foliage and flowers, to candles, decorations, and even fruit! It all depends on your own personal style or preference - more on that later.
Hot Tip - leave room for the food! It can be fun to do a practice setting beforehand and use your platters/bowls etc as place markers for where all the goodies will live on the day. For each person's place setting layer your dinnerware, starting with the placemat/charger plate, then the dinner plate, then the side plate and napkin on top.
Personal touches and style
For me, a cute handmade place setting name tag, napkin ring or some flowers foraged from the garden are a very personal way to express your appreciation of loved ones. For others, it might mean going to great expense buying grand decorations and expensive gifts. Everyone expresses their own personal style in different ways, and Christmas is the perfect time to dress your table to reflect what makes you unique.
Below are 3 different looks that cover most people's tastes:
Earthy and Sustainable
If your style leans towards an earthy coastal or Boho aesthetic then you probably will gravitate to this look.
Light or brushed oak tables work perfectly for this vibe, such as the Bronte range. Marble table tops are so versatile and can work beautifully dressed in this earthy style or more glamorous formal look. This is not an overly "Christmassy" look, but one that reflects Australia's love of the outdoors and natural materials. Combine elements like linen, jute or brown paper for your base, and add large jars of foraged foliage or flowers for height. Smaller recycled jars can be used as tea light or taper candle holders, and can be wrapped with jute twine and sprigs of flowers. Fruit of varying shapes and sizes, make a nice earthy and edible layer. Add sprinkles of baubles and bonbons for a more festive vibe.
Napkins can be tied with jute or make your own macrame napkin rings.
This is the perfect look for outdoor entertaining too, building on the natural elements of the outdoors!
Refined Glam
Tables in darker accents, such as walnut or black, and marble table tops make the perfect base for creating a Refined Glam setting.
Metallic accents and a more structured approach to styling work best here. Keep the colour combinations to a minimum, such as an all gold or all silver theme. Add glassware and dinnerware with a rim of the same metallic accent. Keep the centerpiece styling simple and elegant with elements such as candlesticks and one style of flower such as white roses.
Traditional
Plum puds, mince tarts, cherries, pine cones and sprays of spruce combined with red candles.....all of these instantly rekindle my childhood Christmas memories. A traditional European or North American Christmas table setting is definitely a crowd pleaser, which is hardly surprising since many of us have links back to Europe.
Need some OTT inspiration (and a good laugh!)? Watch Home Alone or National Lampoons Christmas Vacation for amazing Christmas table inspiration!