How to Style a Festive Table: Simple Tips to Elevate Your Celebration
Styling a festive table can be simple and effortless. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a dinner party, or celebrating a special occasion, your table setting can elevate the occasion with a few thoughtful and considered choices.
Here’s how to bring it all together:
Photography: Lynden Foss
1. Start with a Neutral Base
A neutral tablecloth helps simplify the scene and allows the styling details to stand out more effectively.
Tip: If you don’t have a large tablecloth, use a painter’s dropcloth. I have used them on so many different occasions. They are large, textural and are handy for many different applications.
2. Incorporate Foraged Finds
Foliage is one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring life to your table. Foraged branches, eucalyptus, olive stems, or even sprigs of rosemary can create an organic, elegant centerpiece.
Consider this:
Scatter greenery down the center as a runner alternative.
Add small bundles of leaves or herbs atop napkins for a personalised touch.
Mix natural textures, like wood or linen, for balance.
3. Layer with Personal Touches
To make your table feel personal and special, include details that hold meaning or add a touch of personality. This could be heirloom tableware, vintage glasses, or handmade ceramic plates.
Don’t be afraid to mix old and new — modern cutlery paired with vintage pieces can create beautiful contrast.
Styling Tip: Add cloth napkins folded simply, or tied with twine and a sprig of greenery for a simple yet effective finishing touch. You can also get creative and use the Japanese art of “Furoshiki”, a fabric gift wrapping tradition that dates back more than 100 years. Simply, use a square of fabric to wrap small gifts or add a decorative element to your table.
4. Play with Height and Candlelight
Candlelight is the magic ingredient for any festive table. Use candlesticks or tealights to introduce soft, ambient light that creates warmth and intimacy. I prefer to use beeswax candles because they provide a subtle, sweet fragrance without overpowering the meal, or competing with the delicious food aromas.
Choose varying candle heights for a layered look.
Stick to neutral candles for a timeless feel, or use deeper hues for a seasonal look.
Quick Styling Trick: Avoid overly tall centerpieces that block sightlines — guests should be able to connect across the table.
5. Add a Subtle Sparkle
For a touch of festivity, incorporate subtle shimmering accents. This could be gold or brass cutlery, brass candlesticks, or glassware with gold details. Remember, a little sparkle goes a long way — keep it refined and cohesive.
Final Thought: Less is More
When styling a festive table, simplicity often leads to the most beautiful results. Focus on creating an atmosphere where guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and celebrated. Sometimes, a handful of thoughtful details can make all the difference – see below for some ideas to get started.
Ideas To Try:
Personal handwritten cards or notes.
Homemade Christmas Crackers or Bon Bons with personalised notes inside.
Small foraged bundles of greenery tied with twine as place settings.
Mini jars of homemade jam, honey, or infused olive oil as thoughtful take-home gifts.
A single bloom or sprig of herbs placed on each plate for a natural touch.
Handwritten name tags on textured cards, paper or leaves for a personal feel.
Vintage or mismatched glassware for character and charm.
Small candles or tealights at each place setting for added warmth.
Fabric-wrapped favours using the Furoshiki technique for an eco-friendly touch.
Seasonal fruit, like cherries, pomegranates, or figs, placed at each setting for a festive and edible detail.
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