The Christmas Table

During a time when it feels like everything is changing, people are really embracing the normalcy of their favourite traditions, like decorating the Christmas tree, and of course my favourite – the Christmas table. Once a year, a table becomes something special and personal which I do out of love for my close family. With so much love and passion for planning this table, planning starts at least a month in advance as every year simply has to be better than the last!  

Nobody has the money to go big this year, but you can still take your Christmas table to the next level and add that element of surprise when your family sits down for the feast. With some creative ideas and a bit of decorating flair, your Christmas table can become your Christmas style statement that will ignite that Christmas spirit with everybody you hold dear.  

My Old Favourite: The Eucalyptus Centrepiece 

What I like about Eucalyptus is that it’s one of the most inexpensive leaves you can buy. Since it keeps well, you can take a trip to your flower market a few days before Christmas and your leaves will still look great on the day. Those soft leaves create beautiful runners and can play a crucial part in a well-designed table.  Pair it with rustic vases, rose gold or copper-hued dinnerware to add to that celebratory vibe.  

Chalky Black Décor and Neutrals 

Why don’t you change your colour scheme to more neutral colours this year? Leave the shiny red décor in the box and use neutral looking whites, linen, chalky black, dark wood or even navy. Personalise your name tags and paint your Christmas décor with black chalk paint to add your own personal touch. Use a big piece of linen as an oversized table cloth that drapes all the way to the floor. Go for handmade bowls or paint your “so last year” underplates with black chalk paint. Add a touch of green with some rosemary-shaped wreaths to compliment the organic look.  

Mix and Match  

20 Years ago, the rule of thumb was to buy only white plates because if one breaks it can easily be replaced with another white plate. Never do that! Make your own rules.  

Start buying plates of any colour, pattern, shape or finish. Mix them all (with the white plates) to create your own unique colour scheme. And if one breaks buy another colour plate! Coloured glasses and big fynbos like white king proteas and bright yellow pincushions will add to this boho-chic look. Keep your tablecloth a bit more neutral, like a simple white or dark grey or more neutral patterns.  

Oversized and Patterned 

The best Christmas decor is the kind that matches your existing colour scheme. Step outside your comfort zone and swap your boring white table cloth for a big floral show stopper. Digital printing has become a huge trend in South Africa, and there are décor companies that offer various bold designs, images and patterns to choose from. Colours can be altered to fit with your existing décor.  

It can be incredibly intimidating to incorporate such a bold statement into your décor, but the most important design rule to remember is to try and match the hues of a few colours on the table. If your décor, like vases, glassware etc lean towards a pastel blue and green then go for a bold floral design that has pastel blue and green in it. Add a few classic gold elements and bring in brighter hues with a simple floral centrepiece. 

By Yvette Lamusse