and amongst the vases, to sit around a raised serving dish, or cake stand.
table mat then a white dinner plate, topped with a glass bowl or white bowl with gold rim detail.
“This is perfect for elevating dishes to display your delicious festive feasts, and while the food is being prepared, you can add some elegant glass baubles as a placeholder for a jewelled Christmas moment,” says Hoppen. To add dimension, she says to layer in some metallic decorations such as low-level silver tealights.“The reflections in the finish will create more depth and tie in beautifully with silver cutlery. “Use white porcelain dinnerware and delicate glassware to keep it simple and create a classy and luxurious feel.” She continues.“For finishing touches, tie a bow with white velvet ribbon around stemware to elevate the overall look and dining experience, adding to the special occasion.”
“I would then opt for either black or gold sets of cutlery, simple stemmed glassware and a smoked glass water tumbler to complete this opulent setting.” Hoppen says you can tie in this whole look by adding the effortless touch of a chunky knot-tied natural linen napkin to lay upon your plates.
To take it one step further, add an elegant handwritten place card in gold decoration positioned just above the plates.
Embrace the outdoors
Joseph says this simply means “bringing the outdoors in!”
“I see this as embracing natural winter light and woodland elements in the house.”
Black & Gold
Black and gold can bring a real elegance to the Christmas table, notes Hoppen.To achieve this look, she says to start by laying a black tablecloth over your table. “I then recommend placing fir foliage down the centre of the table as the base, with a fine wire gold garland or fairy lights intertwined for that twinkle element. “This is a great foundation for any tablescaping theme, and you can even add in sprigs of pussy willow for a velvety indulgent touch.”
Even at a time where it may be bleak outside, she says bringing the outside inside will guarantee character.
“Go and pull together pinecones or even foraged foliage for your table,” encourages Joseph.“For a festive fairy tale, don’t be afraid to clash patterns.” You can embrace woodland in unexpected ways too, she suggests, through motifs on napkins – or even seat pads combined with raffia straw elements for a modern finish. Pairing handmade textiles with freshly pulled pinecones or foraged berries for a frosty woodland feel is also on-trend this year, adds Joseph.
When it comes to the dinnerware, she says to build up layers using a combination of looks.
“I love matt ceramic and you can mix black and white pieces in one stack, starting with your black base plate or round
“Matching these with contemporary finishes creates a charming classical Christmas look.”
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 61
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease