Styling

Tis The Season To Celebrate: Christmas Table Setting Ideas

With Christmas party season in full swing, the competition for best-dressed dinner table is on. We've put together three Christmas table settings to help you gather ideas and inspiration for this year's festive feast. Modern Greenery Our first look focuses on a traditional Christmas colour - green - but with a modern update. We chose a mixture of dinnerware from Mervyn Gers to set the scene and layered in fairy lights and illuminating decorations to create a cosy atmosphere. The Green Glaze dinnerware is only partially glazed with a glossy, forest green whilst the rest is left as exposed stoneware. We then paired it with the simpler Natural Bronze collection. With a subtle nod to this year's metallic trend, the plates feature a subtle bronze edging that adds a touch of luxury. Characterful crackers from Nancy and Betty's Studio add a fun finishing touch. Contemporary Copper Metallics needn’t feel cold and austere like the winter weather as this contemporary Christmas table setting shows. Whether it’s a candlestick or the finish on a glass, the warmth of copper and rose gold looks beautiful in a low-lit dining room. Dim the chandelier, light some candles and lay out some fairy lights to get the desired effect - a midnight blue tablecloth will help further accentuate the metallic lustres. We wanted the copper accessories to really pop so opted for timeless white dinnerware that can be used all year long. Classic Simplicity This elegant Christmas table setting is all about subtle finishes and embellishments. A minimal palette of white and grey abounds with marble and polished metal accessories providing accents to the table - not to mention a scattering of glass baubles from The Original Winters Tale for good measure. The concrete finish of the candleholders and Cooks tabletop provide a textural contrast to clean bone china tableware while the pearlescent finish of LSA glassware adds that extra bit of sparkle.

In People’s Homes

Get Ready For Guests

It’s finally time to throw open the doors to entertain friends and family again. Whether they’re visiting from near or far, nothing welcomes loved ones in from the cold quite like a house filled with festive cheer, from a tree twinkling with fairy lights to a mantlepiece festooned with lush foliage and a table bedecked with sparkling treasure. When it comes to hosting at Christmas, it’s all about creating comfort and joy, while making guests feel right at home. Here, we round-up the small refreshes and little touches that can make a big difference, from fluffy towels to five-star bedlinen and fold-out sofa-beds. But be warned: nearest and dearest may never want to leave… Christina Lundsteen Paula Cushion, Christina Lundsteen Bolster Pink, Flows Rug Multi by Linie Design, Sheepskin Rug Large Long Wool by Nature’s Collection, Washed Linen Bed Linen Cinnamon by Heal’s, Washed Linen Bed Linen Mustard by Heal’s, Utility Footstool Large Vintage Cognac Leather Lacquered Oak Frame by Fogia, Barba Armchair Karakorum by Fogia, Oswald Sofa Bed by Heal’s, 9602 Floor Lamp by Gubi, Brew Tray by Tom Dixon, Nordic Bistro Mug by Broste Copenhagen, Warm White 480 LED Indoor or Outdoor Micro Lights Copper Cable by Noma, Deko Decorations Dusky Pink Set of 6 by Broste Copenhagen Offer a turn-down service Good times can only be enjoyed after good sleep. Which is why it’s crucial to create a restful space where guests can recharge and reclaim a little shut-eye between festivities. For those who don’t have a spare-room, a sofa-bed can be a smart way to maximise space and accommodate guests, styled-up with cushions by day and folded-out with bedding by night. The smart Oswald, pictured, quickly and easily converts into a king-size bed while featuring hidden storage for stashing away luggage and keeping multi-functional spaces free of clutter. For extra style (and added comfort), swap out old sheets with crisp new bedding in seasonal colours and patterns, and layer with cosy throws in soft and textured materials. Matera Large Corner Sofa by Heal’s, Pearl White Soup Bowl by Costa Nova, The Voice Within 01 Print from Mae Studio by Paper Collective, Christina Lundsteen Abigail Cushion, Christina Lundsteen Carla Cushion, Edinburgh Weavers Circles Cushion, Optical Cushion Ocre by Niki Jones, Sheepskin Rug Large Long Wool by Nature’s Company, Sheepskin Rug Small Long Wool by Nature’s Company Spruce-up the sofa A scattering of new cushions can really freshen up your sofa for visiting friends, adding colour, interest and depth. But think about a wintery palette of warm and toasty tones rather than clichéd shades and motifs for the coolest way to change things up. Here, we’ve layered the Matera sofa with luxurious cushions featuring rich reds, earthy yellows and icy blues that complement the ochre tones of the furniture. With interesting patterns from innovative designers, they provide a conversation-starter over Christmas, too. Round Bud Vase by Heal’s, Waffle Towel Charcoal by Heal’s, Spa Towel White by Heal’s, Ripple Clear Carafe by ferm LIVING, Ripple Smoked Grey Tumbler Glass Set of 4 by ferm LIVINGCreate a ‘spa-throom’ A few easy updates can transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis your guests can retreat to away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Stock-up on quality towels in soothing shades and luxurious textures – our pick are these for all the luxury of a five-star stay – together with high-end soaps for a spot of pampering and a designer diffuser to make the whole room smell wonderful. Everyone will be fighting for the bathroom. Massimo Bobble Vase by Abigail Ahern, Botanicals Winter Spice Brick Candle by Heal’s, Winter Spice Tall Pillar Candle with Botanicals by Heal’s, Pillar Candle by Heal’s, ‘Christmasify’ a corner Even if you’re not going all-out with a tree and all the trimmings, you can still help guests to feel cosy and festive, even in the most compact of spaces. Style up a single corner instead to add a touch of sparkle to a space: a sideboard or a mantlepiece can provide a platform for decorative touches while creating a focal point in any room. Simply add a collection of candles – varying heights create interest – and a statement vase filled with natural foliage foraged from the garden, plus a few tree decorations here and there. A tangle of fairy lights is a nice touch, too, while a smattering of tealights finishes things off. The more corners you can create, the merrier. Gift your guests Create boutique hotel vibes from the comfort of home with a gift or two for guests left at the end of their bed: consider the Bitter Orange & Cassis Dusk Candle for creating a festive scent; the Milk Chocolate Stirrer for making a late-night cup of cocoa; and the Lambswool Hot Water Bottle for popping between the sheets. It’s the details that make a stay, whether at a hotel or in the home of a good friend, so pick something you know they’ll love to make them feel truly special. Three more tips 1 Invest in a coat rack and shoe tidy ahead of the holidays to keep your hallway sleek and streamlined. First impressions count, so ensure your reception makes an entrance, even when you’ve got a full house. 2 Stock-up on games for rainy days during family stays. The collection from Printworks, including Backgammon and Yatzy, is so smart you won’t want to stash it away. 3 Hang a wreath on the front door and festoon it with our decorations. It sounds simple, but it’s the first thing guest will see as they arrive, so give them a sign of things to come with a festive flourish that says: ‘home for Christmas.’

In People’s Homes

Get Merry With Our Warming Mulled Wine Recipe

The quintessential festive tipple, no Christmas party is complete without a warming glass of mulled wine. So to help you get the perfect blend of sugar, citrus and spice, we’ve concocted our own yuletide guide to this classic Christmas cocktail. Ingredients: 2 oranges The peel of one lemon 150 g caster sugar 5 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick (and extra to serve) 1 bay leaf 1 star anise 2 bottles of red wine (Syrah or Malbec) Brandy (optional) The method: To make the syrup, in a large saucepan place the sugar, spices, lemon peel and the peel and juice of one of the oranges. Add a dash of wine, just enough to cover the sugar, place on a mild heat and bring to the boil making sure to stir occasionally. Once the syrup is nice and thick, turn down the heat and add the rest of the wine plus a glug of brandy. Wait until the mulled wine is heated through, taste and add more brandy if preferred. To serve, cut the second orange into rounds and add to each glass as garnish alongside a cinnamon stick (optional). Your choice of vessel really depends on the occasion. While some prefer to keep things sophisticated with a traditional stemmed glass, there’s something so right about serving your mulled wine in a designer mug. We’ve opted for a stemless wine tumbler and carafe to give an informal yet elegant look to Christmas drinks. Tips & tricks: • Put loose spices and ingredients into a muslin cloth and tie to ensure all the flavour is released without the residue. • With so many flavours going on, we recommend using a fruity, full-bodied wine such as Syrah or Malbec to punch through the sugary sweetness. • Alternatively, if you’ve got a bottle of red lying about that you regret buying, now’s the perfect time to get rid of it – mulling will help cover up the taste of cheap plonk and a drop of brandy will ensure your guests are none the wiser. • Try switching brandy with ginger wine for a fiery finish or sloe gin to really bring out those berry flavours. • Don’t forget the longer you heat your mulled wine the more alcohol you’ll burn off. It’s all a matter of how merry you wish to get, so we’ll leave it up to your better judgment.