Homes - Christmas Tricks

12 Christmas Tricks

from the pros

Christmas is time to make the effort and transform your home and your dining room into a warm, cosy and spectacular scene. Accessories are key to creating a particular look on your Christmas dining table. Whether you use candles, flowers or home-made decorations, this is the time to get creative.

Cool Colours

Setting a colour theme is essential to tie a table’s decorations together. You can never go wrong with traditional reds and greens, simple whites and slick metallics.

“CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS ON THE DINING TABLE. I ALWAYS INCLUDE CANDLES, LINEN TABLECLOTHS AND NAPKINS, SILVERWARE, CRYSTAL, GOOD CHINA AND CHRISTMAS CRACKERS (OF COURSE!).”

Adrienne Chinn, interior designer. Great Glasses

Great company, great wine… This is the time to get out the fancy glassware for a cheery toast. Go modern or dig out the family crystal if you’re lucky enough to have some!

Perfect Plates

Using special tableware is a classic way to bring a festive look to your table. To keep things simple, choose contemporary versatile white quality bone china or go vintage.

Lovely Linens

Sparkling white damask or linen tablecloths like those from the White Company are eternal classics. As a blank canvas there isn’t anything better. White is the perfect backdrop for any colour you choose to set as your theme.

Classic or contemporary cutlery

CUTLERY IS ESSENTIAL FOR A FESTIVE TABLE DRESSING. BLEND MODERN AND TRADITIONAL WITH SLEEK PIECES SUCH AS THE ‘CACCIA’, BRINGING CLASSIC ITALIAN DESIGN AND STYLE TO THE TABLE.”

Nifty Napkin Rings

Usually discarded on today’s dining tables, Christmas is their time to shine. Try classic silver rings or go for fun novelty. Or make your own with ribbon or raffia.

Matteo Alessi, managing director, Alessi.

Cool Candles

Pick up colourful candles from Ikea where silver and red candles are available, or simply use an array of tea lights in Christmas themed holders. To create more of an atmosphere, scented candles are a good trick. For a Christmassy feel, try the Nutcracker from the Algarve Candle Company.

“LIGHTS AND CANDLES ARE IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY IN THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO AND AROUND CHRISTMAS, AS THEY BRING WARMTH AND BRIGHTNESS INTO HOMES DURING A PERIOD WHERE MOST HOURS OF THE DAY ARE DARK.”

Emma Carson, senior interior designer, IKEA.

Cracking crackers

Crackers are a vital part of Christmas! Even if the gifts aren’t always treasured, they are an integral part of the show!

“ALWAYS HAVE ORGANIC TEXTURES INCORPORATED IN YOUR TABLE SETTINGS BY USING SEASONAL FLOWERS.”

Kelly Hoppen, interior designer.

Fresh Flowers

Remember, a huge centrepiece might look great but isn’t terribly practical and could block the view! Make your own using seasonal holly sprigs or the ever-popular mistletoe. If you are sticking to a colour theme, simply spray paint some of your key pieces. Silver ivy always works. Don’t forget to include a Poinsettia in your decoration, it’s the traditional Christmas plant you can’t do without.

Decorations

Creating place name holders is easy and a unique way to really make your mark on your dining room table. A chance to get creative, any personal touch is appreciated. Try simply using a flower laid across a napkin with a name tag attached to it, or if you are a whiz in the kitchen, bake a Christmas cupcake or mince pies with each person’s name on top.

Use colour-coordinated Christmas tree decorations, or think out of the box by using sweets, children’s toys or glass charms that will twinkle in the candlelight. Other popular options are mesh butterflies, wooden figurines or garlands of greenery and berries across the centre of the table or hung above.

Go Fruity

Oranges and apples are a great seasonal way to decorate a table without breaking the bank. For a more complex arrangement, slice lemons and oranges and drop into a vase with a few sprigs: a minimal and arty result. For a hassle-free dash of colour, simply fill over-sized bowls with clementines or nuts to the brim.

“NO SPACE ON THE DINING TABLE FOR A CENTRE PIECE? SIMPLY HANG DECORATIONS ABOVE THE TABLE USING INVISIBLE FISHING WIRE.”