This year, I’m taking inspiration for the table from the asymmetrical wreath I made earlier this month and using the same combination of preserved nicoly leaves and dried grasses from the garden. I love the combination of colours and textures, and the nicoly leaves fill the air with a wonderful festive scent. For a simple yet striking look, I arranged a few sprigs of each in a trio of glass bud vases, which I then dotted along the length of the table. You really could choose any kind of foliage you wanted for this – in the past I’ve used eucalyptus, white ranunculus flowers and even sprigs of fir snipped from the back of the Christmas tree, and I reckon festive berries would also look fantastic. Just make sure you remember to add water if you incorporate anything fresh!
The tablecloth I used is from EUNA’s new range of table linens, and I love the way it drapes. The natural beige colour echoes the grasses while at the same time offsetting the dark green of the nicoly leaves, and I chose large matte-black stoneware plates for a bit of additional contrast. The linen napkins are also from EUNA, and to style them I used one of my favourite tricks: holding each one from a corner, then tying a loose knot in the middle and draping it across a plate. It creates a relaxed yet elegant look, and it means you don’t need to worry about ironing, folding or being precise! For an extra little touch, I tucked a sprig of greenery and a grass stem into the knot of each one.
Of course candles are a must on any Christmas table. I interspersed tall dinner candles in minimalist black holders and tea lights in fluted glass jars between the vases of foliage, taking care to make sure no leaves were dangling too close to the flames. I know that last bit sounds obvious, but I once went to a wedding where the candles set the centrepieces on fire and I certainly don’t want that to happen at home!
Finally, I added a few festive touches to the shelves in the corner of the dining room in the form of a paper star, pine cones and a cluster of paper decorations that match the ones used on our tree.
So there you have it: a beautiful Christmas table with dried foliage and grasses. I hope it’s given you a bit of inspiration, and if you’re looking for more ideas you’ll find my previous years’ tables here, here and here. I’ve now tucked my vase arrangements and napkins away in a cupboard, but they’ll be coming out again on Christmas Eve and I can’t wait…
All photography by Abi Dare
]]>“ The holiday season is my favorite time to bring cheer into my home with inviting and cozy decorations. Whether you leave a tree up from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, or you just spruce up your space on Christmas, use these tips to decorate a warm and festive Christmas table for your holiday meal this year.
An inviting and show-stopping Christmas table design doesn’t have to take hours or cost a lot. With these simple tips, you can build a beautiful indoor scene easily and without spending much. After all, the most important thing about creating this beautiful space is to spend time in it with the people you love.
I like to build my table outwards from a centerpiece. That way, I can use one grounding item to dictate the other colors and textures I’ll include in the table. For the holidays, I like to bring a bit of the season into the room. Even in winter, when leaves and flowers might not be super green or colorful where you live, there are plenty of beautiful items to find in nature.
Take a walk in the woods or visit your local flower shop (I always head to Selva Floral in Portland) to put together a natural centerpiece. For a festive angle, add green and red items like soft mosses and bright berries. And don’t be afraid to go big! Give the height and width to your centerpiece to create a sense of generosity on the table.
One of my favorite ways to set the table on Christmas is with wrapped gifts. They don’t have to be fancy or large, but the simple act of wrapping a personalized present for a loved one at her place around the table is a warm way to invite them to sit. This is an especially nice gesture if you’re gathering for Christmas breakfast over slices of freshly baked Cranberry Coffee Cake.
Whether you’re dressing up your space for a family breakfast in pajamas or a formal dinner, the holidays are an excellent time to incorporate a beautiful table setting into your traditions. From simple to extravagant, creating a space that’s thoughtful and beautiful can add an extra touch of joy and help make memories that last forever.