Laying a table for a party or a simple gathering of family and friends doesn't have to be an overwhelmingly grand, elaborate thing, it's the small details that can make it personal to you. A flicker of candlelight. A sprig of green cut from the garden. The gentle clink of glass as everyone shuffles in around the plates.
This instalment of Simple Ways to Decorate leans into exactly that: the quiet foundations of a welcoming table, built from pieces you probably already have at home, elevated with a few thoughtful touches.
Over the years I’ve realised that the table doesn’t need to be “finished” or perfect. It just needs to feel lived-in, warm, and ready for people. I won't lie, I'm rather frazzled by the time Christmas finally arrives and sticking to a formula that I know works for me hugely reduces the pressure I feel. So here’s how I approach it.
Start with the basics you use every day
Your everyday plates and glasses do more work than you think. On quieter evenings they’re practical; on a special occassion table they become the backdrop to everything else. I like to keep mine simple — soft whites, gentle shapes, beautifully tactile. This lets the seasonal bits settle in naturally without competing for attention.
Cloth napkins, folded or gathered loosely rather than overly fussed over, add texture straight away. Poised to be swept onto laps as guests sit down. I fully embrace a crumple in life and linen is perfect for this. I love how relaxed and effortless it looks on a table, whether it's a tablecloth, napkin or the tea towel cast aside as you serve up delicious creations.
Layer in nature
A sprig of pine, stolen from the Christmas tree. A gathering of Eucalyptus or a branch cut from the tree outside and placed in an old glass bottle or vase. Edible plate decorations, such as figs, oranges or little pre-dinner sweet treat. These small, customisable touches layer in different textures, play with height and challenge the expected.
You don’t need a formal arrangement. Just gather a handful of things you enjoy looking at and spread them across the table in a way that feels easy.
We have Eucalyptus available in store until just before Christmas day.
Candlelight is everything
Tall Beeswax Dinner Candles, a few tealights, shapes that don’t match — they all work. The glow they create bringsmore atmosphere and magic than any decoration.
I like placing candles at slightly different heights: a couple on a cake stand, one tucked onto a little plate, a short stubby one burning quietly in the corner. Let the wax drip. Let it look used. It’s all part of the charm. Including a scented candle is a great way to set the mood.
You could also add a foraged branch, with candles clipped on, a detail sure to delight your guests.
Introduce something that inspires & excites you
It doesn’t have to be loud, showy or expensive. This year for me it’s our Antique Stars Garland running across the table. It catches the candlelight beautifully and brings a festive feeling without a huge amount of effort. Go for the large for impact, or the mini version is perfect for weaving throughout.
This idea works with almost anything that can be draped, so don't feel restricted, play around and see what feels right for your gathering.
Maybe for you it’s a ribbon, a handwritten place card, or a special glass that only comes out in December. One tiny gesture goes further than an overload of decoration, plus, you still need to leave room for all the wondeful food!
Let the ritual be part of the styling
Pouring the fizz. Lighting the candles. Setting the tone with music. These moments bring life to the table just as much as the objects do.
I always find that once the glasses are filled and the plates are slightly askew, everything loosens up — the table becomes less “set” and more ready. That’s when it really starts to feel right.
SHOP THE GLASS COLLECTION HERE
Keep it simple
A table doesn't have to be a showpiece; it’s a place to gather. The beauty comes from the small details collected over time — the ceramics you’ve found and fallen in love with, mixed and matched, greenery from the garden, candles in holders already laiden with dripped wax from past evenings. The beautiful chaos from a few too many people and plates, a cosy scrum of story telling, shared moments, and the anticipation of pudding.
Choose the things that feel good, that make you happy and allow the magic to unfold naturally.
More inspiration
Our Paper Cut Christmas Tree decorations are back in stock, after selling out really quickly last time. These are such an easy, effective addition to your festive table.