A perfectly prepared dining table is certain to set the tone as families unite to celebrate dinner on Christmas Day.
As time fast elapses towards the festive celebrations and hopes remain that families can gather on December 25, Athlone Advertiser readers can commence their in house decorative dining preparations.
For a classic look, crisp and natural table linens and napkins are a real must and a simple dark or light linen table cloth makes for the perfect starting point.
Then consider your centrepiece. A mix of candlesticks and tea lights along the table centre help to create soft and evocative festive lighting.
When it comes place setting, beautiful plates, elegant cutlery that has a reassuring heft, sparkling wine glasses and linen napkins that are a joy to unfurl, are the essence of the perfect Christmas dining table.
Using plates, bowls and chargers in the same colour and style, gives a look that feels well planned and considered, but not everybody wants to follow the classic Christmas route, some prefer a more pared-back festive table.
Solid timber dining tables are a good starting point as they help create a woodland atmosphere and complemented with crisp and natural table linens and napkins set an ambient a relaxing in house tone.
Here, placemats work better than table cloths as they keep texture to a minimum and are good options when you want to keep things crisp.
Pillar candles stood on candlesticks will produce soft pools of flickering light.
Now add a touch of green, take garlands of greenery real and life-like, and place them along the table’s centre weaving your greenery between candles and place settings. Formal wine glasses can sit happily with glass tumblers for a more relaxed look.
Whatever your table style, think about wrapping a little gift as part of each place setting as a way to bring real warmth and thoughtfulness as they make a lovely alternative to doing crackers.
Now all that’s left is to sit down and create beautiful festive memories together.
