It almost that time of year, shops have started to fill there shelves with shiny baubles and pretty christmas trinkets. So much to choose from… should you go with the traditional “all white’ theming or bright reds and greens. If you are clueless when it comes to styling I am here to help with your Christmas styling and take one thing off ‘your plate’. Some easy tips and tricks to style a beautiful christmas tables for your family and friends.
Pick a colour scheme and keep to one ‘highlight’ colour like the ‘pink’ tones in this image.
Whether you are planning a Christmas luncheon or dinner I am here to help breakdown some styling tips for creating a beautiful and simple table setting.
Add special touches for each guest - here I used iced christmas tree fondant biscuits with the guests names on them instead of the usual name cards.
Tips for styling your perfect “Christmas Table”
Set your table - Christmas is a time to put some effort into your entertaining! Pull out that good China there is no point keeping it hidden.
Layer your dishes when setting your plates starting with your dinner plate and side plates.
Crockery and cutlery should compliment your look you can even scour op shops for some vintage type cutlery to go with your look and feel
Fabric napkins are a great way to finish your place setting. Use a pretty napkin ring, tassel or ribbon. You can even tie your napkins in a knot. A simple sprig of rosemary on each place setting can be a fresh touch.
Glassware, mix and match your glassware - add a wine and drinking glass to your table setting.
Christmas crackers are the perfect frivolous touch to your table, kids and adults love them! You can even make your own christmas crackers and personalise each one with a more meaningful gift.
Flowers and foliage make a table setting! Without spending a fortune you can dress your table with flowers, leaves and branches. Australia offers foliage we can pick off in our gardens with a can of snow spray these can be transformed into the perfect Christmas flowers
Use fruits and berries to add into your decorations. Cherries which are seasonal at Christmas placed in pretty bowls across your table can add a splash of colour to your table design.
Ambient lighting - candles and fairy lights are a must for completing your table setting.
Present your food in a way that enhances your styling - a sprig of rosemary or thyme tied with some christmas ribbon and placed next to your turkey or ham. Little touches to add ‘spice’ to your table.
This table uses pretty hues of pinks offset by a green garland - image source / pinterest
Christmas puddings and sweet treats
Grazing style buffets are a fabulous way of bringing your guests together and creating endless food options. I created a small dessert station for the christmas ‘pud’ complete with flowers, fake snow… I added in christmas wreaths and cherries. Use ‘risers’ (boxes for heights) and cake stands to complete this look.
Its beginning to look a lot like christmas!
Have you ever wondered how to create a gorgeous a christmas centrepiece as per the image. I created this one for a client who wanted whites, greens and a touch of silver. I added in height with some lovely candlesticks, white candles and silver mini christmas trees. You can buy similar ones at dollar stores and spray paint to the colour of your choice. Pick foliage and flowers that have a christmas feel and layer up bunches from the bottom of your table. To help you create this full look buy a few blocks of oasis (soak overnight) and start by feeding in your foliage into your blocks of oasis. Lastly use a flower such as a white hydrangea or white rose to protrude out of your arrangement to make a dramatic statement.
ice- cream in a can?
Such a simple idea could be the talking point of your christmas lunch or dinner. Wash out your old tin canes and make sure the rims are not sharp (you can sand them down beforehand) Serve your pudding or ice cream with some frozen berries and sprig of lavender of thyme. For a christmas touch you could use some mint and cherries as your topping.
Christmas grazing the perfect entertaining option for friends and family
Grazing tables are such fun and feed large crowds without a fuss! Create a feast with bowls and dishes of your favourite anti-pasta, cheeses, breads, nuts and fruit. Add slices of ham and turkey for more substantial nibbles. You can substitute flowers for mini christmas trees use snow spray on them to create an authentic white christmas feel.
Anti-pasta grazing station
My approach to styling food is to have lots of delicious flavours as well as a well styled table. After all we eat with our eyes and love is in the detail when it comes to entertaining. Use greenery with your food dishes its an inexpensive way to dress up any dish.
I hope this blog has given you some inspiration when it comes to styling a gorgeous christmas table.
I would love to guide you with your christmas conondurms so feel free to shoot me an email with any of your styling or entertaining questions.
Contact Yael hello@sydneyfoodstylist.com.au