Create a simple seasonal display

Fine dining

For a tablescape choose a ‘base’ – either the table itself or tablecloth – and build from there. Using vintage or festive fabric as a table runner will enhance a crisp white tablecloth or plain wooden tabletop, while a darker cloth adds drama. Lend sparkle with special glassware, vintage cutlery, pillar candles and antique candlesticks or a candelabra for height. For a vintage approach, go for pretty mismatched pieces and bring the scheme together with matching napkins, candles and foliage.

Once you’ve added your chosen centrepiece – which could be flowers, evergreens or a garland combined with candles – ensure there’s plenty of room for all the glassware, serving dishes, cutlery and crackers. On a smaller table, a garland or elongated centrepiece may be easier to accommodate, or hang decorations above the table centre from the ceiling or light fitting.

And little finishing touches bring the table decor together. Consider adding a Christmas decoration on each plate or hung on the back of every chair with a ribbon, a napkin secured with twine and a sprig of fir, rosemary or eucalyptus, or a decorative personalised name tag attached to each wine glass.

Sourcebook

• Traditional tableware The Old Cinema is a treasure trove of vintage barware and other dining accessories, while The Vintage List specialises in beautiful handmade vintage-inspired glassware
• Decorative pieces Kernow Furniture stocks a variety of special glassware, ceramics and beautiful things for your Christmas dining table
• Quirky and unique For unusual vintage and recycled pieces, from candlesticks to cutlery, go to RE

Fireside traditions

The fireplace is a focal point of festive decorating, where stockings are hung and mince pies left for Santa.

Garlands of fresh seasonal foliage will always be a classic mantelpiece look, and dried flowers make a beautiful alternative, especially woven with faux foliage such as eucalyptus and interspersed with battery-powered candles – use chicken wire to create a base and thread dried flowers through it. A simple and effective idea is to fill old jars, coloured glass bottles or vases with dried seedheads, grasses and feathers.

For a luxe look, try draping a beautiful swag of fabric, something tactile such as faux fur or sari silk with metallic embroidery (but do check it’s not creating a fire hazard!). Stockings add sumptuousness – look for velvet or chunky-wool versions – and hang alongside crocheted stars, shiny baubles and honeycomb paper balls for a stylish interplay of textures.

Don’t forget the hearth, where clusters of candles and lanterns enhance the glow from a blazing fire – or replace it. Add a rustic basket of logs and you’re ready to get cosy.

Sourcebook

• Candlesticks For grand antique candlesticks for the mantel or hearth, try Fluminalis
• Knitted stockings To source chunky Scandi-style wool stockings, try Dibor
• Log and kindling baskets Hadeda produces a range of baskets handwoven in Ghana