We eat with our eyes as well as our stomachs. So, make this Christmas bigger and better than ever with a beautifully decorated festive table. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a feast for the whole family, there are plenty of ways to personalise your Christmas dining table.
We’ve compiled some of our best Christmas table designs to help inspire you, from statement centrepieces to thoughtful place settings. So, read on to discover how to style your table for Christmas the Heal’s way.
Scandinavian Christmas Table
Minimalist, neutral and classic, a Scandinavian Christmas table design will bring a new level of warmth to your home. For the tablecloth, opt for a natural material like linen or cotton in neutral cream, ecru or beige colours.
Illuminate the table with candlesticks in similar hues and varying heights, or weave fairy lights throughout the table. The centrepiece should be relaxed and informal, made using natural materials. We’ve chosen to use fruit and candles, but you could use sprigs of pine or eucalyptus too.
You can bring depth to the table design by introducing metallic splashes throughout. We’ve brought in elements of gold through the baubles and cutlery, but you could achieve the same look using napkins, candlestick holders or platters.
Don’t worry, you can still achieve this look if your existing crockery is a different shade to white or cream. You could pick accessories in the same colour as your plates but in a different shade. For example, navy blue plates with a grey-blue tablecloth.
Or, you could simply let your plates that stand out from the natural design, it will still look great. If you do choose to invest in new dinnerware, then natural colours and organic shapes will bring you a Scandinavian aesthetic all year long.
Opulent Christmas Table Setting
For a more intimate, cosy Christmas table design, how about taking inspiration from this opulent set up? With plenty of texture, different materials and glistening glass, this Christmas table is perfect for hosting.
To achieve this Christmas look, accessories are key. Think statement tall candlesticks, plum-hued napkins and timeless Georg Jensen silverware. Using seasonal thistles as foliage lends a unique touch to this table-scape. Plus, the flowers tie in perfectly with the splashes of purple throughout the design.
The addition of dainty fairy lights will bring an added sparkle to the table. Plus, they reflect beautifully off glass and silver, making sure the whole table glitters.
You could even arrange individually wrapped chocolate throughout the table for guests to nibble on, just like we’ve done here. There are plenty of coloured wrappers around so you can find chocolates that look and taste great. The best thing about this design is that it’s versatile and you don’t need to buy everything new.
Is purple not really your colour? Then not to worry, switch it out for navy, red or green hues. Already got a house full of gold accessories? Then swap the silver for gold. Everything down to the cutlery can be chosen based on your tastes and used time and time again, not just at Christmas.
Welcome the outside in
This timeless table scheme is perfect for all winter long, not just Christmas Day. It’s warm and inviting but is versatile enough that each decoration can be used time and time again. It’s relatively easy to recreate this look at home. You don’t need to invest in any new table linen, this relaxed aesthetic encourages you to serve directly on your table.
Of course, you can use placemats or a tablecloth if you prefer to protect the wood. You may already have some minimalist white dinnerware in your cupboards and they’re perfect for this Christmas table setting. Then you can inject colour with serving plates or bowls as well as candles.
In this design, the sculptural Georg Jensen candlesticks create an elegant centrepiece in the middle of the table. Plus, they tie in beautifully with the coordinating pitcher. Draping sheepskin throws or cushions on your chairs will make the space feel even more inviting. Plus, it’s that little more festive.
For many people, crackers can make or break a Christmas table scheme. They aren’t always as chic as your design, and it can be tricky to find the perfect colour. The great thing about this table scheme is that you could choose any colour cracker and it will still look great.
We went for dark green here, but you could pick red, blue or even eco-friendly kraft. Prioritising plastic-free crackers made using recyclable materials is a great choice for the planet and your natural Christmas table set up.
Make it Metallic Christmas Table
Go big or go home, right? We think so. This Christmas table inspiration shines brighter than the Star of Bethlehem. Bringing in accents of gold wherever possible, you can really transform your home into a festive beacon. We love the metallic gold fans suspended from the ceiling in this look. They really make a statement even from afar and are perfect for larger rooms. The gold then follows the table design through to the cutlery, candlestick holder and glassware.
Bringing in splashes of red lends a more traditional note to this table design, as well as a touch of opulence. Plus, the natural tones of the candles make sure the table design doesn’t become too garish.
If gold and red aren’t your colours, then this look could also be achieved using silver accessories. Or you could transform it completely using a kaleidoscope of metallic colours. The world’s your oyster.
We also love gifting playful baubles and decorations as favours on our Christmas table settings. Simply place a charming bauble on each place setting for your guests to take home and decorate their own trees with. If you love your decorations too much to give away, then you can still use them to decorate your table.
For more table inspiration, check out our carefully curated Christmas collection.
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Tips & advice
There’s nothing quite like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree that’s adorned with heaps of lights. However, there are many pitfalls that can happen when you’re decorating the Christmas tree. From blown fuses and tangled cables to not having a long enough string of fairy lights.
That means it can be tricky if you don’t know how to put lights on a Christmas tree. Luckily you only have to do it once a year, and this year we’re here to help. Read on to discover the best three ways to put lights on your Christmas tree.
Top tip: Always put your fairy lights on before you start decorating your Christmas tree with baubles. It’s much easier this way and means you can position your decorations according to where the lights are.
How to arrange your fairy lights vertically on the Christmas Tree
There are lots of merits to hanging your Christmas lights vertically. First of all, it’s surprisingly easy to hang them and take them down. Secondly, you have more freedom with where you position the lights as they don’t need to be supported by branches.
Finally, fairy lights are more visible when you hang them vertically, making for a brighter Christmas tree.
It’s surprisingly easy to hang your Christmas lights vertically, here’s how:
Plug in your lights to make sure they’re working and are close enough to where you’re putting the tree. If you have a big tree and need more than one set of lights, plug them all in.
Find the end of the first string of fairy lights, that’s the end without the plug.
Secure it to a branch at the bottom of your tree and then position it vertically until it reaches the top.
Loop the lights round a branch and pull the lights back to the bottom of the tree, creating a U shape.
Repeat until your tree is covered in lights.
How to put your fairy lights on the Christmas Tree horizontally from bottom to top
This is the way most people put lights on their Christmas tree. That’s because hanging your lights horizontally from bottom to top is fairly simple and perfect for more natural aesthetics. If this is your first time putting lights on the Christmas tree, this is by far the easiest way.
One reason why it’s a little easier is because you can plug the lights in first. That means you can see what the tree will look like as you’re arranging the lights. Plus, if you have some remaining once you reach the top, you can simply wind them back down.
Here’s how to arrange your Christmas lights starting from the bottom:
Gather all your fairy lights together and make sure they’re working. If you have a large tree, then you may be using more than one set. This step is crucial; there’s nothing worse than decorating your whole tree to find the lights aren’t working. You can leave them plugged in as you decorate.
Move your tree away from any walls so you can move round it with ease. Don’t worry, you can put it back in position once you’re done.
Start at the bottom of the tree and simply wrap the lights around the tree until you reach the top.
If you are using more than one set of Christmas lights, alternate directions with the second set. This will make them look more organic.
Continue until your tree is sparkling all over.
How to hang your Christmas tree lights from top to bottom
It’s also possible to hang your lights horizontally from top to bottom. Although it’s not the most conventional method, many people reckon this is a really convenient way to hang Christmas lights. That’s because if you run out of lights then you can simply add more to the bottom, rather than the top.
Plug in all the fairy lights that you’re using to make sure there aren’t any bulbs that need replacing. Unplug them once you’ve made sure they’re all in working order.
Move your Christmas tree away from the wall, giving you space to walk around it.
Start at the top and work your lights over and under the branches as you circle around the tree.
Make sure to add depth to the design by placing some of the lights on the inner branches too.
If you like your tree to be fully saturated with lights, a second set of lights should do the trick. Start at the top again but work your way the opposite way down the tree for a natural look.
Excited to get decorating your own tree? Head over to our Christmas shop to stock up on decorations and Christmas tree lights.
A stylish living room isn’t complete without some carefully chosen and arranged cushions on the sofa. No matter the space, the right cushions really can transform a room. Sure, your dream sofa may have been delivered and the armchair you picked out looks great, but it still needs cushions.
There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule on how to arrange cushions on a sofa. However, the 2-1-2 arrangement is very popular. That’s a large cushion in each corner, a slightly smaller cushion next to them and topped off with one cushion in the centre of the sofa. Arranging your sofa cushions like this will automatically make it feel more thought through.
Quantity makes a big different to the overall look of your sofa. Too many cushions and your living room could look cluttered, and they may even make the sofa less comfy. As a general rule, we reckon a two- or three-seater sofa needs a maximum of three cushions.
If your sofa’s larger then you can get away with more. Think six or more on a large corner sofa. If you’re stuck for ideas, take some inspiration from our five styling tips. We’ll show you how to choose and arrange cushions on a sofa to suit your space perfectly.
How to arrange cushions so they don’t feel too formal
Sometimes, a set of perfectly arranged cushions on the sofa can seem a little formal. If that isn’t your style, then there are ways to make them feel a little more casual. One way of arranging cushions on your sofa so they look relaxed is to group them to one side. Placing cushions symmetrically on a sofa using the 2-1-2 rule can lead to a more formal arrangement. Positioning two cushions to one side will automatically feel more relaxed.
Another way is to have an odd number of cushions. So, instead of four or six cushions, you have three or five. That’s because even numbers can feel more formal. In fact, in many cultures, odd numbers are used to make homes feel more relaxing. Take Japan for example. In Japan, traditional items like bowls or plates are sold in sets of five. We suggest positioning two cushions on one side and the third cushion on the opposite side of the sofa.
If you want to add more formality to your living room, then an even number of cushions will do the trick.
Cushions that add colour to a sofa
If your living room décor is relatively muted, then you’d be forgiven for wanting to add a splash of colour. Luckily, cushions are a great way of adding colour without breaking the bank. Using cushions, you can completely rejuvenate your sofa without reupholstering it or investing in a new one. And the best part? You can switch up your cushions throughout the year. That could mean bright yellows and blue in summer, and deep red textured cushions during winter.
When choosing colourful cushions, we recommend picking out complementary colours. In our example, you’ll see we’ve used hues of yellow that harmonise beautifully with a splash of blue. By keeping the colours within the same spectrum, the cushion scheme looks well thought through. Another way to choose your cushions is to make sure their patterns or shapes work together, even if the colours are different. We reckon mixing and matching patterns looks more visually striking than completely matching cushions.
How to style cushions on a red sofa
When it comes to styling a red sofa, we’ll always have a soft spot for cobalt blue cushions. You might think a red sofa is bold enough on its own, but in reality it’s a great base for blue. We love how bright cobalt is paired with tonal reds in this look for a splash of extra colour.
If you have a more traditional dark red sofa, then deeper colours like navy or royal blue are a strong choice. Together, these colours will make your living room feel more classical. Of course, the fabric and shape of your cushion will also influence the final look. To enhance a sofa’s more traditional design, then we suggest cushions with rich textures like velvet or jacquard fabrics.
If your aesthetic is a little more neutral, then a red sofa with cushions can also fit your home. We suggest opting for rust-hued upholstery and using cushions in the same tone. That means using different shades of reds, warm neutrals and natural materials.
How to make your sofa look more comfortable
Whether you have a sleek Scandinavian sofa or a modernist Italian design, adding an extra touch of comfort is always a good thing. To really get the relaxed feel, it’s important to forget all the rules you’ve been told about cushions. No, they don’t need to be perfectly plumped. No, they don’t have to be positioned at a perfect 45-degree angle. And no, they don’t need to match your sofa.
To feel relaxed and inviting, a sofa shouldn’t be pristinely arranged. We suggest arranging your cushions in a ‘haphazard’ order and definitely don’t over plump them. Choosing colours that are different to your sofa will also bring a little more fun to the space. Pair yellow cushions with deep blue sofas or green and rust hues with your grey sofa. To really tie them into your space, you could even colour coordinate your cushions with your room. Pull a colour from your favourite accessory, print or throw to create a cohesive yet comfortable décor.
We love the minimalist way this sofa has been styled, without going over the top. Just one cushion brings life and comfort to the modern sofa. Not to mention the throw. Drape a throw casually over the sofa’s arm or backrest and voila, your sofa’s automatically got added comfort kudos.
How to style cushions on a grey sofa
If you already have a grey sofa, then congratulations, you have the perfect blank canvas. Grey sofas are great because they can be restyled in countless ways just by switching up the cushions. Plus, its neutral colour means your sofa will go with almost every colour of the rainbow.
To create a serene, calming living room then we suggest choosing cushions in similar shades. Think creams, greys and white. Mix and match across the shades and choose natural fabrics like linen or fur for that spa-like feel. We love the way this sofa has been styled to feel relaxing and refined using tonal colours.
If you want to bring a little more colour into your room, then take inspiration from your space. Got a lamp you love with a fuchsia shade? Then bring in elements of pink into your cushion scheme. Have a print hanging nearby with touches of green? Then use that to inspire your cushion choices. When it comes to grey sofas, you can choose any colour cushion you like.
Interested? Shop cushions now.
Nowhere in the house brings as much warmth and pleasure as a cosy living room. It’s the place you get together as a family, entertain guests and unwind in front of your favourite film. So, it goes without saying that you want your living space to be as comfortable and inviting as possible.
With winter nipping at our toes as early as October, a snug living room is high on the priority list. After all, the cold is best enjoyed from the warmth of your home. With that in mind, here are our top five ways to create a cosy living room in time for winter.
Cosy Living Room Furniture in Modern Homes
The idea of marble floors, concrete walls and slick wooden storage don’t scream comfortable. However, with some clever styling you can easily create a cosy living room in your modern home. To create a cosy living space in large, open-plan home, we suggest creating pockets of activity.
That could be placing a sofa with ottomans in front of the TV or armchairs to form a reading nook. You could even create a workspace with a desk and a chair, or a music area with a instruments and stools. This instantly adds character and personalises the space, while also creating the illusion of several smaller rooms in one.
In this cosy living room idea, we’ve used a rug to highlight the living room space. This adds a little more texture underfoot but also identifies the area as the lounge. If you’re creating a cosy living room on a budget, then this is a great way to save some pennies.
Add a plush sofa with rich velvet upholstery and wooden accents to make it feel even more relaxing. Plus, accessories like cushions, dimmable lighting and sheepskin upholstery will add a Scandinavian cosiness to your living room.
Lighting for Cosy Living Rooms
When creating a cosy atmosphere in your living room, finding the right lighting is crucial. That’s because lighting plays a big part in creating a room’s mood. From the bulbs to the shades to where your lights are positioned, every detail counts.
Subdued, low lighting tends to convey more warmth than bright, ceiling lighting, making it perfect for a cosy living room. Warm, natural light bulbs, ethereal lamps and cleverly placed spotlights are key to creating this ambience.
See how the Michael Anastassiades lamp in our cosy living room idea casts a warm glow in the space? That’s what your lighting should achieve. Remember, even lamps made from cooler materials like concrete or marble can warm up a room, with the right bulb.
Candles are another good option for making a room look cosy. They create a gentle, flickering light that lends a sense of intimacy to your living room. Place them on a mantelpiece, a side table or a decorative tray. Choose candle holders made from materials that enhance the warmth, like ceramics and wood.
Why Texture Matters in a Living Room
Layers and textures give your living room depth and warmth. Anything from sheepskin to bouclé will make your room feel more inviting. Mixing and matching different textures together will also make your space feel cosier whilst still looking stylish.
The best part is, if you aren’t in the market for a new sofa or armchair then you can still achieve this look. All it takes is some clever styling. Throw together an assortment of playful, mismatched cushions and drape sumptuous throws over your armchairs and sofas.
A rug will also make your living room feel cosy, especially if you have tile or hardwood floors. In particular, thick pile rugs will add a little extra comfort. If your space is long and skinny, then we suggest a rectangular rug. If it’s a wider room, then a circular or square rug would be our go to.
Dark Walls in a Cosy Home
Whilst bright white looks great in many homes, some rooms are screaming out for dark walls to create a cosy living room. And we don’t mean a single dark feature wall, we’re talking all four walls painted a dark shade.
Dark greens, blues and greys are all popular choices when it comes to dark walls. Take a look at your space, style and existing furniture to decide exactly which hue to choose. Plus, properly consider if dark walls are your cup of tea before getting the paint roller out.
It’d be hard to repaint your walls light again after, so dark walls aren’t for the faint hearted. But painting your living room walls dark shouldn’t mean sacrificing colour. We love the way this cosy living room idea creates contrasts with the fuchsia sofa.
In a dark space with green walls, black fireplace and wooden floors, the pink sofa makes the room pop. Plus, the sumptuous velvet upholstery is a sure-fire way to feel cosy. Additional accessories like lighting, vases and flowers will also add some much-needed colour to your living room.
Use of Space in a Living Room
When we think of cosiness, we normally think of small rooms filled with comfy objects and soft lighting. However, you can still make a larger room look cosy with a few tricks. You could try building seating around a focal point, like a fireplace or window to visually reduce the room’s size.
Clever optical illusions with tall living room furniture can also make the space feel smaller. Bookcases and standing shelves work well, as they take up space and give the impression of a smaller room. Too much empty space can make a room feel cold.
So, we suggest styling your living room with some of your favourite ornaments and objects to create a homely feel. Layer your shelves and tables with ceramic or glass vases and other decorative items like small sculptures and lacquered trays. To maximise visual impact, arrange them in a refined, natural way, rather than completely symmetrical.
With these simple tips and some attention to detail, your living room will be cosy and comfy this winter. Snuggle under a blanket on your sofa or curl up with a good book and a cuppa in your armchair. You deserve it.
Shop Living Room Furniture.
Whilst there’s nothing quite like live flower arrangements to brighten the home, artificial flowers are a fantastic alternative. Low maintenance, cost-effective and elegant, faux flowers and foliage provide the perfect finishing touch to your décor.
From seasonally-suitable arrangements to uplifting blooms, there’s something to impress even the most enthusiastic botanist. But how to style them in the home? Well, it’s easier than you think. To help you create a beautiful bouquet, we’re sharing our top tips for styling faux flowers in the home. You’ll never have to worry about killing your botanicals again.
Arrange a bouquet of artificial flowers
Real flowers and their stems are often far from perfect. So avoid symmetrically arranging your artificial blooms. Instead, try to place each stem as you would with fresh flowers.
Experiment with bending the stems to create a natural look that softly bows over the side of the vase. And always style each one individually before adding to an arrangement. This will help to make your bouquet look far more realistic.
Choose the right vase
Using the correct shape vase will make a real difference to the look and feel of your fake blooms. Choose the correct vase to complement both your interior decor and the flower arrangement itself.
From tall, slender shapes to voluptuous open-neck designs, there’s a vase to suit every taste. And always remember the general florist rule. The length of each flower should be no more than two times the height of the vase.
Keep your artificial flowers simple
The key trick with artificial flower arrangements is to keep it simple. Try to stick to one or two colours with fresh greenery for added texture. This will bring an elegant, relaxing feel to a room without being too overbearing.
From single stems to bespoke bouquets, stick to a sole theme or colour scheme. You could also incorporate your faux blooms into real floral displays for added versatility.
Add greenery
A wonderful way to add texture and depth to a floral arrangement is foliage. Greenery works to partner and enhance most faux blooms. And it’s often these fillers that complete the look by adding interest and shape.
So why not experiment with different types to find the one that’s right for your home. You could try a spray of artificial eucalyptus with wintery whites or purple-hued botanicals for an impactful finish.
Change it up
Faux blooms are malleable, so don’t be afraid to ditch the vase and experiment. Get creative by intertwining stems around the frame of your headboard or favourite framed artwork.
Artificial flowers and plants have endless possibilities. They also really come into their own in less frequently used areas. Try putting a bunch of stems on the bedside table or adding a small potted plant to the bathroom.
Complement your decor
Try choosing varieties of fake blooms that complement the room’s décor. Think voluptuous hydrangeas in the bedroom, welcoming blush mimosas in the hallway and dramatic plum peonies in the dining room.
And without the cost of buying fresh flowers each week, every room in the house can benefit. Why not try lush green sprays in the bathroom or gorgeous garden roses in the kitchen.
Care for your artificial flowers
Faux flowers are far less maintenance than their live counterparts. But they still need some TLC from time to time. If your flowers become dusty, just use a quick blast of the hairdryer on a low setting to keep them looking fresh.
If you prefer a more thorough clean however, take a damp cloth and gently clean each stem. To keep them looking beautiful for longer, try to display them away from too much direct sunlight or moisture.
Discover more artificial flowers and foliage here.
Corner sofas are increasingly popular thanks to their size and the cosy corners they offer. However, with so many options available, how is anyone to choose? Well, to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite corner sofa living room ideas.
Premium corner sofa living room ideas
This corner sofa is part of our Eton collection. With beautifully plump cushions, chrome legs and a modern silhouette, we reckon it’s perfect for contemporary homes. If you’re lucky enough to have a large living space, position the sofa away from the walls in the centre of the room.
Plus, for a truly modern look, try positioning a statement floor lamp over the corner sofa. Not only will this provide a valuable source of light, but it’ll make the sofa the centrepiece of the room.
Curved corner sofas
If you’re looking for something a little different in your living room, opt for an out-there corner sofa. Think gentle curves, modular seating and colourful upholstery. In a space like the converted barn in this shot, the Luna Sofa adds and extra flourish of modernity. Alongside the glass windows, ethereal lamp shades, coffee table and wood burner, the refurbished space looks incredibly contemporary.
Stand-out corner sofa
Like the saying says, go big or go home. This Matera Corner Sofa with vibrant rust-red upholstery sure went big. It has space for all the family and a timeless silhouette that won’t go out of style any time soon. Whilst it looks great in this modern home, it will look equally impressive in more traditional spaces as an added touch of modernity.
Designer corner sofa living room ideas
If you’re searching for bold corner sofa living room ideas, look no further than the Togo Corner Sofa. This design icon is popular in homes across the world and has been for over forty years. The best thing? It’s modular. So, you can switch up the sizes, colour and configuration depending on your room. If yellow isn’t quite your colour, no fear, there are plenty of other options available. If you’re after something slightly more subtle, perhaps opt for some textural grey or cream upholstery.
Modern chaise sofa
If you’re somewhat short on space but still want the comfort of a corner sofa, perhaps consider a chaise sofa. Instead of curving around the corner, a chaise sofa features an integrated ottoman so you can still put your feet up.
Often, they’re left or right facing, but the Brunel Sofa in this shot is adjustable. The footrest can be moved from left to right according to your space.
Velvet corner sofa living room ideas
If you’re looking for something that strikes the right balance between a chaise and a corner sofa, consider our Cumulus Sofa. This spacious sofa has space for all the family without being too overbearing.
Blue velvet upholstery adds an extra touch of luxury to the design. However, other upholstery options are available if velvet doesn’t suit your tastes or needs. Not keen on this design? There are plenty others available so have a shop around.
Traditional corner sofa living room ideas
If your space and tastes are slightly more traditional, that doesn’t mean a corner sofa is out of reach. This Tailor Sofa looks right at home in more classic homes without being too dated. Its sumptuous cushions and elegant silhouette mean it looks and feels incredibly comfortable. Plus, it’s spacious enough to offer room for all the family.
Like what you see? Shop corner sofas at Heal’s.
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