CREATING THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TABLE
When it comes to enjoying the festive season, there’s simply no place like home. This year more than ever, we all want to transform our homes into festive sanctuaries, in which to enjoy some much-needed quality time with loved ones.
Here at Telford Homes we create affordable, luxury homes in London finished to a high specification. But we don’t just build houses, we create dream homes, which is why we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to creating the perfect home-Christmas.
We asked our fantastic interior designer Clare Morton from Studio Morton (studiomorton.com) to provide her top tips for creating a magical festive table spread.
1. Pick a colour palette
Start with a base of four key colours (traditional or quirky – it’s up to you) and add your metallics. To keep it understated, stick to gold or silver, but for a glitzier finish you can even mix the two – sometimes more is more at Christmas!
2. Start with a centrepiece
When dressing the table, start with an eye catching centrepiece and work out from there. The centrepiece should be the tallest element, placed in the middle to make a grand statement – if you’re ever going to go dramatic, Christmas is the time to do it! We’ve chosen some Christmas twigs and dressed with baubles for a touch of nature amongst the sparkle.
3. Play with scale and symmetry
If you’re working with a rectangular table, use the middle line of the table as a point to create symmetry around, working with different sized accessories to create contrasting scale. Once you’ve established some central symmetry with key pieces, you can play with one or two asymmetrical features at the outer edges of the table – perhaps a drinks bucket or fresh flowers. Whilst it’s great to go big, do remember that people will want to see each other across the table!
4. Add some Christmas sparkle
Candles and lights on the table are the easiest way to add festive magic. Include a mixture of big candles, smaller tea-lights, and little table fairy lights – these can be quite versatile and a nice way to add an extra special touch. For those with a young family, battery powered lights can be a good, child-friendly alternative. You can’t have too much Christmas sparkle on the table!
5. Fresh flowers are a great touch to add to the table
Not many people necessarily think about fresh flowers at Christmas, but it’s such a lovely way to make the table feel fresh and different. Try to choose flowers that fit with your colour palette. Greenery and twigs such as holly or eucalyptus are also a great way to bring a Christmassy touch of nature to the table.
6. Personalised place settings
Add a touch of glamour to your place settings with coloured or metallic chargers. Here we’ve used natural looking ones to tie in with the natural theme and make the most of the apartment’s great natural light. Make it feel personal by wrapping up the napkins with a little flower and a name card for each of your guests.
7. Have fun with it
Most importantly, Christmas is a time to enjoy, so don’t feel you have to be perfect. If you have something quirky or sentimental you want to add, go for it! Add your own personality and style to the table, like we have with these gold stars.