If you're hosting family or friends for Christmas this year and want to set a beautiful table as the backdrop to your feast, here's some inspiration. For us, a festive table is all about bringing some of the outdoors in, as well as twinkling candles, gorgeous table linens and subtle pops of colour. You want the dining table or kitchen to look lovely but also to feel welcoming, so go for natural fabrics and textures that add warmth and charm, without feeling too formal. Gold makes the ideal accent colour for most decoration ideas, so hunt for paper stars or candlesticks that bring a bit of shine, whilst keeping the rest of your look more simple and understated.
Here are four ways you can create a beautiful Christmas table:
Foraged foliage table runner
Set your linen tablecloth or table runner on the table, then run a line of foraged leaves and branches down the middle of a linen table runner. Amongst these add tall white candles, dried orange segments and pine cones. Fir, spruce, pine, eucalyptus and ivy all work well along the middle of a table.
Pussywillow and white narcissi arrangements
Arranging pots of long-stemmed pussywillow, with their velvety buds and sculptural shape, alongside paperwhite narcissi makes a stunning table arrangement. The contrast in the heights of the flowers adds interesting dimensions, and the scent and quiet beauty of the narcissi is a reminder that life still blooms throughout the winter. Place one jar of pussywillow at either end of your table, then dot the narcissi in-between.
Festive napkins
Roll each linen napkin lengthways, then tie with a piece of simple string. Tuck a fir leaf or sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick into each fastening for a naturally gorgeous place setting.
Wreath centrepiece
If your table is circular or fairly wide, you could create a small wreath as a centrepiece. Gather some bendy branches, twist them into a rough circle and fasten with thin wire. Then weave in foliage like ivy, fir leaves and eucalyptus leaves until you've got a plump wreath. Set a chunky candle in the centre for a lovely focal point to the meal.
Glass bottle candleholders
Tall, white tapered candles look great set in slim glass bottles. For a festive effect, first push a stem of fir or rosemary into the bottle, then add the candle.
Go colourful
Scatter a few small, colourful paper decorations (like these) along the table, and add pomegranates and clove-studded oranges. Choose a pale shade for your tablecloth and then go bold with the napkins (these are perfect for atmospheric colour without being too loud) and candles. Stick to complementary tones to avoid things looking clumsy or shouty. A palette of muted purples, brighter pinks and moody greys looks amazing. Or choose Christmassy traditional red and white for a retro feel.
For tips on Christmas decorating with linen go here, and for more table setting inspiration head this way. If you need help removing stains from festive spills, this post will help.