Christmas is about creating a warm and welcoming home for you and guests. But it’s also a time to show off your creative and culinary skills. We asked interior designer Emma Hooton for her advice on how to create a show stopping table for what is for many the most important meal of the year.
Winter Wonderland
Nothing beats the beauty of crisp white linen on the bed or table. It also makes a great neutral base for experimenting with the season’s hottest shades. To create a calming winter wonderland, adopt a no-frills approach by mixing plain matte white tableware and plate ware with cutlery and chairs in clean, sharp lines. Soften the effect with a natural foliage focal point such as fresh eucalyptus draped over the table in place of a table runner. Dot the table with flickering candles in clear votive holders to add drama and warmth.
Image: Little few blogspot
Nordic Christmas
This Scandi inspired theme celebrates all things fresh and foraged. Comprising homespun and handmade ornaments, the focus here is on creating a warm and cosy ‘hygge’ dining experience based on a colour palette of pillar box red, white and pale wood. Create the look by draping a runner in a traditional Nordic pattern across an exposed natural wooden dining table and add rustic hits of fresh foliage and moss. Simple touches such as salt dough ornaments for drink markers, a wooden wreath hung from the backs of chairs or sheepskin rug slung across a wooden bench seat can add to this look’s laid back vibe.
Image: Nyde
Enchanted Forest
Create a magical forest feel with moody hues, tactile textures and fresh foliage. Continuing the interiors trend for velvety greens and rich blues, this bewitching scheme works best against a dark, inky blue wall. Combine rich colours with wood and brass elements and take the centerpiece to the ceiling with hanging branches and nature-inspired baubles such as stars, snowflakes and moons. Drape a living garland across the table interspersed with tree-inspired candle holders with flickering lights. Mix and match your glassware for added intrigue – anything goes in the deep dark woods.
Image: Nordic design
Image: Abate Eight
Glitz & Glamour
Make your table shimmer with glitter and gold for a theme that will take you from Xmas day right through to NYE. Combining black or dark blue, metallic and gold leaf tableware with sequined linens and accessories such as mirrored baubles, glittery tinsel and gold votives that playfully bounce light, this big and ballsy theme works well with a stunning centerpiece of white winter roses, rather than natural foliage. Remember to include the champagne on ice and sparkling glassware for an instagram-worthy look.
Classic Luxe
Bring a storybook classic up-to-date with a little vintage glamour. Sticking to the traditional colour palette of deep berry reds, rich golds and greens, this look abandons fussy details such as tartan bows and snow covered pine cones in favour of glassware and tableware full of retro charm. To create this classic scheme with a twist, consider adding attractive antique wine glasses, vintage jars full of candy cane and dome bell jars with Christmas displays. Steel miners lights full of twinkly lights can also bring style and drama to the table on the day.
Image: Style me pretty
Image: Chloe lee photo Instagram
Image: Lane Makes and Decor Instagram
Emma is the founder of Emma Hooton Ltd which provides residential interior design services across London and south-east England. www.emmahooton.com
