If you’re searching for on-trend Christmas décor ideas from the experts, then look no further than our in-house interior team who design our show homes to perfection.
Our head of interiors Alysha Alli has rounded up some of the top Christmas decorating trends and has put together some inspiration for four different table scapes to provide a backdrop to your festive fayre.
What is table scaping?
Table scaping is a term used by designers to create a beautiful, cohesive style when dressing a dining table. Alysha explains:
“It involves thinking about the theme for your table scape and choosing key items that work well together and create a unified overall look. I love creating table scapes that enhance the room, while being uncomplicated; after all, a dining table is primarily a place to enjoy wonderful food and drink. By combining complementary fabrics, place settings, dinnerware, glassware, cutlery, and just a small number of accessories, you can really wow your guests this Christmas."
Christmas table scape ideas
Classic Christmas table scape
For a modern take on classical Christmas décor, pair sumptuous fabrics like green velvet with rich comforting textures such as linens and bobbly boucle. Layering these is a great way to achieve a luxurious feel.
Mix with contemporary finishes in your tableware like mineral effects, concrete and metallics explains Alysha. “I love combining the detailed, imperfect yet smooth finishes of concrete and marble with dulled metallics to create an up-to-date and understated classical look. Traditional colours like forest greens and primary reds can be used stylishly together in layered fabrics.
“You can even combine retro tartans with garlands of foliage, holly and crisp white snowflake designs to bring a sense of nostalgia.”
Botanical table scape
“While dried botanicals are featuring in wreaths and tree decorations this year, they also look wonderfully festive on your dining table,” says Alysha. “Blend these with accessories with open constructions, such as interlaced woven stars and other natural fibres, to produce an organic look that is right on trend.
“Intricate handcrafted woven raffia and dried grasses look fabulous when combined with tassels and macramé, for a look with a boho edge,” says Alysha. “Lightweight accessories which feature wood with laser cut patterns are also really stylish. This effect looks great in tabletop LED lighting and candle holders, as the cut-out sections allow warm light to shine through and create a cosy ambience.”
Glamorous table scape
For those searching for a touch of grandeur or a more glamourous look, the trend for eye-catching and ornate designs will be one to incorporate. “A lavish look can be created by combining detailed patterns with on-trend metallics. Repeating scallops, diamonds and geometrics look wonderfully stylish when subtly incorporated into your table settings. Ornate designs also feature in ceramics, with painted finishes providing handcrafted interest,” Alysha says.
“Table dressings with statement stripes really stand out from the crowd and combined with colourful accessories like nutcracker candles in a vivid array of tones, they are sure to create a celebratory mood that will leave a smile on everyone’s faces. Glassware with hand painted colourful details adds the perfect finishing touch.”
Add luxe touches of gold, silver and bronze through accessories, chains, embossing, foil or gold leaf effects to complete your next-level glam look.
How to create your own Christmas table scape
Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to express your personal taste through your seasonal décor as Alysha adds: “It’s a real time for celebration, so why shouldn’t that come through in the use of joyful and whimsical decorations that give your home a fresh look for a few weeks?”
“It feels particularly important this year to have fun with Christmas décor, given it’s been a tough 12 months for many. There are trends to suit every taste and we hope we’ve inspired you as to the new looks available and how to create a statement table scape to really impress your family and friends.”
Our top tips for table scaping
Read on for some top tips from Helen, Redrow interior designer, on how to create the perfect Christmas table scape.
1. Choose hand-crafted for a personal touch
Hand-crafted decorations, like pinecones or natural wood coasters, can be recycled from the outside while adding a sense of warmth and depth to your table. You can even opt for handwoven textiles mixed with these natural elements for a softer, cosier ambience.
Craft your own accessories to add a personal touch and create memories that will be uniquely cherished this Christmas. Opt for handmade crackers with unique gifts for each guest as a keepsake to guarantee an unforgettable Christmas.
2. Build your table outwards
The key to building your Christmas table is to layer with style. Start with your base first, whether that be a runner or tablecloth, then work outwards adding in foliage along your table.
Add candles between each place for a cosy feel but ensure these are kept belong the eyeline to encourage conversations to flow. Add napkins next to each place setting, instead of on top of. Roll these into a brushed antique metallic napkin ring for a touch of glamour.
3. Involve the family
Head outside with family to forage for berries and other items to infuse that winter character into your tablescape, add pops of bright red berries alongside rich warm tones of oranges and brown.
Spend an afternoon putting it together as a family; Layer candles amongst your foraged berries and leaves for a glamourous look.
4. Embrace the outdoors
Even when it may be bleak outside, bringing the outside inside will guarantee to add character. Go and pull together pinecones or even foraged foliage for your table.
Stick to two or three colours for a nostalgic touch and look to add non-tree greenery like dried flowers. Combine with raffia straw elements for your own winter wonderland. You can embrace woodland in unexpected ways – through motifs on napkins or even seat pads for a modern boho finish.
5. Woodland wonders
Mushroom or brown earthy tones will be a key trend this year. With whimsical charm, the mushroom theme is a must-have for your tablescape, adding a little bit of fantasy whilst also remaining very earthy and grounded.
For example, you could bring together small mushroom candle holders for tealights or even have a mushroom shaped vase to hold your table flowers! Not only this, but you can bring the tone of light grey and brown to your tablescape for a luxurious feel that is bound to impress guests!
