There are so many ideas for Christmas table styling online, it is easy to go down an internet rabbit hole or lust after beautiful imagery on Instagram from stylists, influencers and brands alike.
In reality recreating these looks can be expensive and time consuming, so in my experience the best thing to do is (relax) take away the feeling from the spreads you like. Really look at the images you like and think about what are the main colours you are attracted to, what do you already have at home that you cherish and what are the special things would you like to collect and use again.
I’ve created three styles using vintage tableware combined with decorations I’ve collected over the years to give you some ideas to get you started ahead of the holidays.
MIDNIGHT ELEGANT
Navy blue is a stylish colour for the table, I was inspired by some beautiful William Morris baubles – which are lovely to collect. To get the colour, I dyed a marked tablecloth – you can read about upcycling linens here.
A navy and white combination is delicious for an evening supper with friends and you can use your plain white crockery so the accent pieces do all the work.
The navy shows off the white damask napkins perfectly and sets the scene for some more ornate vintage cutlery. The combination is instantly special. Paired with glass candleholders that pick up the colour and reflect the light, some show stopping servers and a silver plated cruet set.
FESTIVE RED ROSES
Red for Christmas is the classic colour, so instantly festive and cheerful!
To make a red tablecloth and napkin set, I simply dyed some damaged white damask that I already had, if you would like to create a set, you can pick up some damask for projects. The dye covered the rust marks beautifully and the colour brings out the pattern in the damask.
Roses are available year round and make a romantic change from poinsettia. You can add a single one to each plate or use them to make centre pieces. You could also simply put them in a couple of small vases for the table.
Make your table luxurious with some heavy silver plated serving spoons and silver plated cruet set.
WHITE MINIMAL
A white minimal look is instantly made cosy with light, a string of fairly lights or candles and is the perfect back drop for some simple decoration. Here I’ve used baking cutters (previously hung on the tree) and some metal decorations I had in my collection.
Your essential is a white damask tablecloth – you’ll be able to use this year round! Vintage cutlery adds style, you can choose just to have vintage spoons, knives, forks, serving spoons or a set.
Finally clear glass bowls are perfect for spiced nuts, olives and dates and some candleholders add some scandinavian hygge.