Decorating
A Feast for the Eyes: Christmas Lunch Table Settings
Make your Christmas lunch extra special this year with these inventive styling ideas
The most asked question amongst my family on Christmas Day isn’t when presents will be open … it’s when lunch will be served. When there’s glazed ham, roast turkey and fresh prawns aplenty in the waiting, how can one not get excited about gathering round the Christmas table? Every year it’s the same, and it never gets old. Feasting with your nearest and dearest, loud pockets of conversation, laughter and happy snaps. It’s a rare moment that only comes once every so often, which is why I think everyone should put in that little bit of extra effort to make their Christmas Day celebrations even more memorable than the last – starting with planning a beautiful table setting for the feast of all feasts. Here are some inspiring ideas.
Outdoor picnic. For a cosy, picnic-style Christmas lunch, throw a light plaid rug over your table and layer with hessian placemats. Then, take it from floor to table with decorative pieces of tabletop jewellery – homespun napkin rings steal the show of this table setting. Made from a wooden jingle bell, twigs and foliage, it casually decorates a plain black napkin to give the overall table setting a lovely finishing touch.
And look at the difference some chair decor (usually the most overlooked detail) can do to your entire tablescape. Make your guests feel special by decorating their chairs with seasonal ornaments or something as creative as these hanging sleigh bells.
Black tie. For a more sleek and elegant look, nothing beats black, white and silver. Small bouquets of flowers can add pops of colour. Think of your styling like you would a black tie event – use only your finest tableware, and be sure to keep a celebratory bottle of champagne within arm’s reach. The key ingredient here is the ever-so subtle nod to Christmas: a festive centrepiece and frozen berries at the bottom of champagne glasses.
Hunt and gathers. This rustic Christmas table setting makes the most of seasonal fruits and berries in red hues, evergreen trimmings, pine cones and twinkling tea lights to create an atmosphere of hunters and gatherers in the forest. I particularly love the pine cone name holders, which require zero styling but instantly add natural, festive flair.
TIP: With so many fine details at play here, it’s important to group and layer them appropriately. A table runner with a simple pattern, for instance, creates structure underneath a flurry of activity, and ensures the centrepiece isn’t lost.
TIP: With so many fine details at play here, it’s important to group and layer them appropriately. A table runner with a simple pattern, for instance, creates structure underneath a flurry of activity, and ensures the centrepiece isn’t lost.
This arrangement has used pomegranate and picked berries to hone in on the traditional red Christmas colour.
Less-is-more. In some cases, less is more. A simple floral arrangement (of the native variety), decorated with hanging clay Christmas ornaments gushes effortless style.
A simplistic approach to setting your table also allows for you to go all out on food presentation. Think about how you can add a touch of Christmas to each dish with garnishes; and don’t forget to include beverages in your theme too. Try pink champagne or red punch, sprinkled with edible flowers in Christmas colours, for instance.
While table settings don’t always have to be elaborate, keep in mind that it is a once-a-year event, so be sure to add something different, so as to rise to the occasion. You might not use napkins and two glasses per setting on a usual day, but here they instantly add a sense of celebration.
Oh-so-boho. Belinda from Happy Home Blog created the ultimate boho Christmas tablescape by tie-dying white cotton fabric she had lying around the house, so she could create unison amongst multiple tables. Throw some cushions on any hard seating, add some garden trimmings to vases, and hang ornaments from the trees above for a whimsical, festive feel.
Looking more closely, you can see how Belinda’s upcycled everyday household objects like empty food jars and glasses, turning them into sparkly vases and tea light holders. Just glue and dust on lathers of glitter.
This unique table centrepiece, fashioned from backyard branches, tied together with faux pearls and adorned with feather decorations, is another nod to the boho look. Consider it a makeshift Christmas tree for your table!
Bountiful. The layering is a real treat in this table setting. It makes the table rich and plentiful, before food has even been served. Stick to one to three colours and use various textures, to keep it from looking too chaotic.
TIP: Personalise porcelain white plates with a Christmas message for guests. Just use a pébéo marker (a Sharpie works too, but may wash off over time) to write the message, put in the oven (set to 175˚C) for 30 minutes and allow to cool before washing or using.
TIP: Personalise porcelain white plates with a Christmas message for guests. Just use a pébéo marker (a Sharpie works too, but may wash off over time) to write the message, put in the oven (set to 175˚C) for 30 minutes and allow to cool before washing or using.
White Christmas. Seeking a white Christmas under the sun? You’ll need to focus on textures and accents to ensure the ‘white’ look doesn’t fall short. Opt for white flowers with green accents and pick centrepieces that are large and structural.
Read more: Festive Styling That Embraces the ‘White Christmas’ Look
Read more: Festive Styling That Embraces the ‘White Christmas’ Look
Silver lining. Silver is a great alternative to traditional red and green Christmas colours because it still has a festive element. Something as simple as pine cones spray painted in silver take this table setting from traditional to contemporary.
TIP: If you use silver on its own, be sure to add some warmth with greenery or texture, otherwise it could look and feel quite icy.
TIP: If you use silver on its own, be sure to add some warmth with greenery or texture, otherwise it could look and feel quite icy.
Good as gold. Gold, on the other hand, will create a more formal and opulent look. Antique-style china, lots of glassware and all the fine trimmings make this table setting fit for a king.
Gifts for guests. Individual gifts for guests can be integrated into your table setting. These Christmas pudding ornaments will cause a stir, not just because they’re cute, but because people will get to take them home, too. A nice little souvenir of this year’s Christmas lunch!
TELL US
How do you spend your Christmas lunch?
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TELL US
How do you spend your Christmas lunch?
MORE
What’s Your Christmas Decorating Style?
12 Christmas Holiday Traditions to Start Now
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5 Budget-Friendly Christmas Decorating Ideas
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