The festive table
One of our favourite parts of the festive season is gathering with friends and family to share a feast. Celebrate the occasion with a festive table setting that matches the meal.
A festive table setting should be joyful and fun, with an extra bit of glamour. Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist, we’ve brought together some top tips to help you create a show-stopping festive table that is sure to wow your guests.
Just like in your winter wardrobe, layers are key for a festive table. We recommend beginning with the centre of the table and working outwards – layering up tablecloths, table-mats, dinnerware, glasses, and accessories as you go.
Create a centrepiece
If you’d like your festive table to have a real impact, it’s always worth beginning with a centrepiece. Take your favourite festive greenery and lay it down the centre of the table for low-level impact or fill a vase with branches and add some decorations for an eye-catching display.
Don’t forget to consider heights and scale in the centre of your table – keeping vases and candlesticks low will allow the conversation to flow uninterrupted, as your guests won’t be straining to see each other over the top of your centrepiece.
Lay the table
Our top tip when choosing festive dinnerware - invest in plates, bowls, and cutlery which you could use all year round. Whatever dinnerware you choose, stacking different colours, textures and patterns will create interest and make your festive table feel special. Set the tone with a muted palette or go all out with colour, the choice is yours.
If you’re a colour lover, the Serax Feast collection, designed in collaboration with top chef Yotam Ottolenghi could be the perfect choice. Meant to be used every day as well as on special occasions, the Feast collection features a whimsical range of colours, from vibrant aqua blues to deep navy, from mustard yellow to soft pink, and cream to black. It’s easy to create a party atmosphere by simply layering a few of these colourful designs.
If you’re more of a minimalist, the understated Nordic Sand tableware collection from Broste Copenhagen might take your interest. Featuring a beautiful off-white, glazed ceramic finish, this textured collection of dinnerware would be a great addition to a Scandinavian inspired tablescape.
Raise a glass
No festive celebration is complete without a tipple or two. Whatever your drink of choice, a beautiful glass will make it feel suitably special. From ridged champagne saucers to delicate wine glasses with a pop of colour, choose elegant glassware that will make the perfect accessory for your festive table.
Looking for somewhere to keep your bubbles cool? Why not take inspiration from ferm LIVING and repurpose a plant pot or vase into a champagne cooler, just like they’ve done with their sculptural Shell Pot.
If you’re a design lover looking for cocktail inspiration, we’ve got you covered with our very own, design inspired cocktail recipes. Created in collaboration with award-winning Sheffield bar Public, these festive tipples are inspired by Italy, the UK, Scandinavia and the Mid-Century, all themes and styles that frequently get referenced across cocktail culture and furniture design alike – the perfect drinks to serve at a festive gathering (if we do say so ourselves). Cheers!
The finishing touches
It’s the little things that make us smile so elevate your festive table with the perfect finishing touches – think candles, lighting, decorations, and personalised moments.
Get the lighting right and create an intimate feeling with a collection of candles. The Arcs candleholders from HAY come in a range of bold colours that look great when mixed or matched. If you’re not a fan of flames, then portable lighting offers a modern alternative to a candlelit glow. One or two portable table lamps arranged in the centre of a dining table is a great way to create an easy ambience.
We hope you found a little inspiration in our festive table setting guide. Find your perfect match and discover our full collection of tableware here. If you need a little help selecting a style that’s right for you, or if you have any questions about any of the designs featured, please feel free to contact our team via email, over the phone on 0114 243 3000 or on Live Chat.
Are you proud of a festive table setting you’ve created at home? We would love to see! Share your styling with us over Instagram @nest_co_uk.
