How to dress your table for the festive season
The festive season is upon us, and as we prepare for this year’s well-deserved Christmas feast, Gemma Martinez de Ana, the founder and creative director of the homeware company Bonadea, shares her tips for setting the perfect tablescape to create a memorable spread for our loved ones.
Your inspiration
For Christmas, it’s nice to create a tablescape that reflects you and the way you entertain. Your dining-room should feel warm and inviting, and be the perfect place for a party. Use your room’s interior-design features – wallpaper, paint colour and textures – as the base, and weave in additional features and decoration through your tablescape.
Choose a theme
You needn’t be constricted by a theme, but it’s advisable to have a sense of direction as this will help create a more polished and focused tablescape. Whether it’s sleek and structured or more free-flowing and organic, having a sense of direction will help when it comes to timings and organising your materials.
Lighting is key…
…but so is keeping in mind the size of your table and number of guests. I love candlelight, but so often a table is over-dressed and begins to feel overwhelming or worse still, you can’t see your neighbour. Don’t forget about your guests at the ends of the table either, and ensure the central display is just as beautiful from all angles.
Layering
As the saying goes, more is more – and Christmas is certainly the time to live by this mantra. Layering is a quick and effective way to add interest and depth to the table. Be as bold and maximalist as you like – or if this scares you, then try a more reserved approach. It’s about finding out what suits you and reflects your style. Layering needn’t be just for decorative elements either, I recommend a charger – or service – plate. It’s a great way to elevate the table and echo your layered look. If you’re planning for a more informal look then a well-chosen place-mat is essential.
Mix and match
Don’t be afraid to go for a statement piece of cutlery or glassware. Colourful crystal and hand-painted pieces are an effective way to elevate the table design while providing a pop of colour and a sense of whimsy. Introducing odd sets is also a great way to inject personality to your table. A good tip is to scout out your local antique shop and fair for unusual cutlery – usually inexpensive – that can add a sense of drama. For me, glassware and cutlery are what transport the table.
Patterns and colours
Stick to a maximum of two patterns and alternate them. With colour, you can be a bit more flexible and go to three. Depending on your dining or kitchen table, you may want to use a tablecloth. Whether you choose a patterned or plain one, they’re a great way to add texture and interest.
Making new memories
Christmas is a time when we often remember those who are no longer around the table. Why not build on this sentiment and add a personal piece that belonged to that person into your new tablescape. Perhaps it’s a candlestick you inherited or a set of china that has been passed down. Now is the time to incorporate these items and create new memories.
Lay the table on Christmas Eve
It’s a well-versed approach for a good reason: make sure you take the time to lay the table on Christmas Eve. For many, this has become a bit of a ritual, and I love this sentiment. It’s a peaceful time of creativity: a time to reflect, listen to some music and take stock of the next day.
The trimmings
Christmas is the perfect opportunity to go all-out. Use everything you have. Each place-setting should be an experience for the individual: small sprigs of foliage, individual flower posies, statement napkins rings and, of course, place-cards to add a personal touch to every place.
One rule
My only rule is to lay out each table place out correctly, especially the cutlery. It’s worth taking the time to learn this skill. Apart from that, be as creative as you like. And don’t forget the crackers!
The Bonadea boutique will open in Pimlico early next year. For more information, visit www.bonadea.com.
