In our quest to discover what makes the perfect Christmas table decorations, BHG consulted with Giselle Watts, Head Stylist at Sugar Blossom Events, a professional service that specializes in styling up locations for events. “Fresh flowers and greenery runners are a favourite Christmas table decoration of mine,” says Giselle. “Natives and dried flowers are a seasonal trend right now. Ad added bonus is that natives tend to last a lot longer and retain their character as they dry, giving you extended use of the flowers throughout the Christmas season.”
When it comes to choosing Christmas table decorations, and decorations in general, it’s important to decide on a colour theme early and stick to it. This year, decide if you want to go with a traditional red and green palette, something contemporary like rose gold, or something a little different such as all-gold, blue, or lilac.
If going for a metallic colour palette, Giselle suggests spraying some foliage leaves with your metal of choice. “If you are going to include gold, rose gold or even silver into your Christmas table decorations, a beautiful trend is to spray foliage in a metallic paint for a gorgeous addition.”
Giselle suggests incorporating edible or mini potted favours into your place settings to make guests feel extra special. “This is a great little gift for your guests that will last and be used beyond the festive season. Try potted rosemary, mini olive trees or even succulent terrariums. Finish them with ribbon or twine to match your chosen colour palette.”
When it comes to creating an atmosphere, Giselle says you can’t go past candles for a warm ambience. “Create a festive glow along the table using candles or LED wire lights – these look amazing woven through foliage table runners.”
Grazing tables are a new dining trend that has surged in popularity this year. Since this trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, Giselle suggests incorporating a grazing table into your Christmas table decorations.
5 tips for Christmas table decorations from a professional stylist
1. Start with choosing your colour palette.
Keep it simple, choose one main feature colour, then two more subtle tones to complement it.
2. Incorporate a variety of textures to add depth and visual impact.
Try to include timber finishes, textured linen or delicate muslin cloth for napkins and runners, and some metallic or reflective finishes to add some glamor to your table.
3. Build up layers.
It’s a simple way to bring a bit of ‘wow factor’. Do this through a textured table cloth or runner, charger plates in a contrasting finish, dinner & entrée plates, napkin coupled with styled place cards or elements from your centerpiece.
4. Personalise place settings with hand written name cards.
Attach the place card to a sprig of greenery or a flower from your centerpiece, ornaments or even a baked or home-made treat. It’s the attention to detail in the design of the place settings that gives the greatest impact.
5. Consider placement of platters and the way you display your food.
If food is the main feature on your Christmas table try building up a raised platform for your platters to be displayed by using wooden planks in a finish to suit your theme.
