How to Set the Perfect Christmas table
Photography by Georgina Morrison
Whether you’re hosting Christmas for the first time (or tenth), styling your table can be exciting and daunting all at once! Here at Australian Country House, we’re no stranger to styling – and we love the festive season, so Christmas tables are our thing.
If you have picked the December issue of Home Beautiful, you will have seen Sarah’s table setting talents – and we’re here to share some of her best tips for creating the perfect table for your special Christmas Day.
TIP #1 - Choose a colour theme and stick to it!
In order to have a beautiful setting that looks curated and considered, we recommend you pick a colour theme – and stick to it! Inspiration might come from a particular staple piece (like our ceramics here!), textiles, and/or location. Whether you want something a bit more traditional, like red or green; you’re feeling the spark of festivity with gold, silver or champagne; or you want something vibrant and new, like orange and pink – go with whatever feels authentic to you. You can accentuate your key colour/s through your napery, Christmas crackers, table decorations and foliage.
Have a look at Sarah’s 2021 Christmas table, with green and gold accents:
TIP #2 - Add foliage!
Don’t be afraid to source things from your garden for your Christmas table. For our Hope & Co. Christmas photoshoot, we picked up branches and pinecones from the woods around our table. And what’s best, is they cost you nothing and elevate the aesthetic. Just make sure to give your garden treasures a good shake/brush before you set them down, so there’s no creepy-crawly uninvited guests at lunch!
TIP #3 - Don’t obstruct your guests’ view.
Always keep your flowers/foliage at a low level, so that your view of the opposite person is uninterrupted. There is nothing worse than trying to have a conversation around a tall table arrangement! Sarah opted for seasonal hydrangeas from her garden last year.
TIP #4 - Get polishing!
Make sure your glassware and silverware is clean. This might seem like a simple thing, but they can make or break a table! Same goes for ironing your napery and tablecloths (if relevant). (Psst, if you’re lucky enough to have children, AKA your personal Christmas Elves, enlist them in some polishing duties. If they’re not motivated out of the goodness of their heart, raise the stakes to 50c per piece and see how quickly they get to work!)
TIP #5 - You don’t need a table cloth.
If you’re not using a table cloth, simple rattan or cane table mats go with absolutely anything. You can smarten them up with what you put around them! Table runners are also a great alternative to a full table cloth, and if you have a gorgeous table you want to show off this might be the option for you.
TIP #6 - Fabric over paper.
For special occasions, always use napery over paper – it elevates your table, and is also more environmentally conscious. We are venturing into our own special line of napery next year, however, we LOVE our placemats and napkins from Provincial Home Living.
TIP #7 - Place your cutlery in the correct order.
(For a formal setting) Many of you will know the points of etiquette here – but if you’re setting a special table for the first time, make sure your cutlery is placed in the correct position. The key to this, is your first course begins from the outside and moves in. Your last set of cutlery (closest to the plate) should be for your plum pudding and ice cream!
TIP #8 - Make your name tags memorable.
Be creative with your place setting for your guests! You can buy a matching set, or get a creative family member to do some sweet little illustrations on plain place-cards. We created personalised ceramic decorations over at Hope & Co. for Christmas this year! Alternatively, get some acrylic paint pens and simple baubles, and write the names on. Then everyone gets a little momento!
TIP #9 - Give yourself plenty of room.
Don’t try and do everything in the same space, especially if you’re entertaining a large number of people. Have a separate side table to service food, so you’re not cluttering your beautiful table setting with lots of bowls and platters.
TIP #10 - Make your table unique to you!
Recognise your style, and make sure it reflects you, not your mother-in-law! As host, it is your home, and such a special feather in your cap. Be proud of your own table, your choices, and let your creativity shine.
BONUS - Get out that camera.
ALWAYS take a photo of your beautiful setting before the celebrations begin, to remember your day by. (Despite what some of Sarah’s kids say, you can never have too many photos!)
