Whitney Bromberg-Hawkings' top tips
Deck the halls with boughs of holly – and while you’re at it don’t forget about the dinner table. The art of tablescaping is one every host (and hostess) should be familiar with in 2021 – and Christmas is your time to shine. Here’s how to master the art of festive tablescaping.
The Best Kitsch Christmas Decorations
How to Master the Art of Festive Tablescaping
With Whitney Bromberg-Hawkings, CEO of FLOWERBX
Photo: © Sarah Brick
Consider the mood
First of all, consider the mood – are you hosting a large family event, or a more intimate night with friends? Once I have established the atmosphere I focus on decor, starting of course with the flowers. Then I move on to food, table linens, coordinating cutlery and glassware. Defining the mood before planning your festive display will help you to create a table that reflects your guests.
How to Decorate your Mantlepiece
Photo: © Sarah Brick
Twin your tablescape with your other decorations
At this time of year I like to carry my floral theme away from the table with foliage accents in every corner of the house. I always have a FLOWERBX holiday wreath on the front door, one of our garlands effortlessly arranged on a mantlepiece or staircase, and vases of blooms in single-variety bunches dotted around the house. An atmospheric fragrance also really elevates the mood, our Eucalyptus candle is my favourite for the lead up to Christmas.
Reflect your menu choices in your tablescape
For continuity, you should reflect aspects of your menu in your tablescape. My favourite way to do so is by mixing a seasonal welcome drink for my holiday guests that matches with the decor. This year, I will be twinning our FLOWERBX Citrus Table with an orange-inspired champagne cocktail.
Photo: © Sarah Brick
It’s all in the detail
The Devil is in the detail – especially at Christmas. Elevate your festive host status by taking extra care with personalised touches like name cards, hand-written menus, and foliage place settings. I always think important detail of all, though, is your guest list and the seating plan. Invite and old and new friends and seat everyone next to someone that they don’t know to ensure flowing conversation and laughter. Everyone will leave feeling interested, inspired and having had a wonderful evening.
Enjoy the process
Most importantly, have fun! This is a time of year for coming together with your treasured friends and family so enjoying youself is an absolute must. A nervous host creates an awkward environment, so once the first guest arrives act like a guest at your own party and enjoy.
Main Photo: Summerill & Bishop
Festive tablescaping inspiration
Whether you’re a traditionalist or maximalist – get inspired by these showstopping Christmas tablescapes
Tablescape rental service Lay London combines a traditional colour scheme with a riot of pattern. Attention to detail is key – don’t forget ribbons, blooms and nostalgic finishing touches.
Photo: Lay London
What is Christmas day if not the day to go all out? Summerill & Bishop‘s extravagant marble table linen from the latest collection hits all the right notes in this decadent scheme.
Photo: Nicole Hains / Summerill & Bishop
‘Seek inspiration from all around you but a Christmas tablescape in particular should be inviting, reflect your personality, and embody your style of entertaining,’ says Gabriela Martinez de Aragon, founder of Bonadea. ‘Draw ideas from the room where you’ll be eating: the textures of your wallpaper and the colour of your walls are all features which can weave into your tablescape.’
Photo: Bonadea
Short on time? Genius dinner-party-in-a-box creator Limonsier take the headache out of entertaining with beautifully-designed menus and simple-yet-stylish pre-packaged tablescapes.
Photo: Limonsier
If you’re more inclined to minimalism – a simple, pared-back table can be just as effective and enjoyable as one groaning with decorations. We love this simple and delicate table by Wild at Heart.
Photo: Wild at Heart
Why shouldn’t colour have a place on the Christmas table? Take inspiration from this Wicklewood scheme – and get crafty and creative with your colour palette and materials.
Photo: Wicklewood
Pulling together a last minute tablescape? For a traditional (and low-maintenance) look, clip some greenery from the garden like holly and ivy to layer up the table. Finish with a few of pine cones and red berries.
Photo: Burleigh
Keep things traditional (yet modern) a lá Boandea with greens, ochres and a touch of pink or orange to lift your colour scheme.
Photo: Bonadea
‘Laying the table on Christmas Eve makes all the difference,’ says Gabriela Martinez de Aragon, ‘in some households it’s a real ritual – I love that sentiment; of a peaceful time of creativity, reflection, music and taking stock for the next day. It’s a beautiful time to pause and appreciate the guests you have coming, and time-honoured traditions.’
Photo: Bonadea
Kelling designs goes for all-out colour in this vibrant tablescape – with a rainbow of pinks, blues, and greens. A sure-fire crowd-pleaser.
Photo: Kelling Designs
Nothing beats red for a traditional Christmas tablescape – combine cranberry-red glass with table runners, napkins and touches of red pattern on crockery.
Photo: Vista Alegre
READ MORE
The Best Kitsch Christmas Decorations / How to Decorate your Christmas Tree / How to Decorate your Mantlepiece
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