6 tablescaping ideas for festive gatherings

The festive season is well and truly upon us. There are decorations in the streets, carols in the stores and Christmas films on television. For those of us who revel in being a jolly host to gatherings of friends and family during the holidays, a well-laid table that oozes style and energy is an aspiration. Fortunately, composing a beautiful tablescape for your next dinner party is easy, all you need is a little inspiration and guidance.

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A tonal selection of ceramics is a quick and easy way to win over hearts and minds. Here, plum and burnt orange hues make up the dominant palette, but the inclusion of stripes, transparent glass and napery in similar shades ensures the spread feels polished rather than matchy-matchy.

Lean into a less-is-more approach by pairing plates with an interesting pattern with barely-there glassware, neutral napery and tactile napkin rings. Extra points for a minimal foliage centrepiece. 

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Pare back your place settings to nothing but the essentials with simple rustic cutlery, linen napkins and a pop of colour by way of a statement plate that ties into your table runner or floral centrepiece.

Shake off the hold ‘classic’ and ‘neutral’ tableware may have on your conscience and instead opt for pastel-glazed dinnerware, glass goblets in youthful hues and heavy tumblers in teals, aqua or blues. Pair with pink, lavender or peach napery and brass or rose gold cutlery.

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Take your style cues from classic artwork and draw upon the colours within the frame to dress your table. Despite its restrained composition, this tablescape builds depth, interest and contrast via clever use of texture and pattern. A striped tablecloth in sage sets the scene, a centrepiece made from green fruit forms a focal point while coloured glassware and dinnerware punctuate the scene. Burgundy napery is the perfect accent colour to create contrast.

Is there anything more opulent than stone? Decorate with marble or travertine candlesticks and ensure your dinnerware matches – just in a slightly lighter tone. Add a little weight to your table with richly-hued glassware, berries for an edible centrepiece and top it all off with a framed artwork to preside over the whole affair.

Find more decorating advice on ArchiPro.