I adore Christmas. I love the fact that the family gets together to tell stories about the past year and disclose their wishes for the next 365 days. It’s a day of celebration in which everything has to be special. An essential secret to making everything different is how you decorate your table. This year I’m hosting at home and these are the ideas I’ve got in store.
In my book, elegance and decoration are to found in the chapter on Minimalism. Small, simple elements–nothing to do with baroque clutter. I will propose a simple yet stylish Christmas table. You surely know the saying less is more. That’s what we’re going for here.
STARTING WITH THE TABLECLOTH
Let’s go step by step though the process of setting the table. It is a long table and I will use a light colored tablecloth, preferably something in an earthy tone to enhance the warmth of the scenario and the moment. It will be canvas on which I’ll dab out this little work of art.
The first brush stroke comes with a decorative charger plate or under plate. Natural elements are always welcome in Christmas decorations and you won’t be missing them at our table, especially considering that we are celebrating these holidays in the Tuscan countryside.
The dishes of course will be among the best I have at home, and always in tune with the colors on the table. Here too I will go with light colors. It will be up to the napkins and other decorative elements to stand out. And of course the food on the dishes when served.
The dishes of course will be among the best I have at home, and always in tune with the colors on the table. Here too I will go with light colors. It will be up to the napkins and other decorative elements to stand out. And of course the food on the dishes when served.
Of course we must use the best cutlery and glassware. In my case I like them to have an ancient, rural touch, which fits perfectly with the natural elements and light colors without ceasing to be modern and sophisticated.
MINIMALISM AND NATURE ON THE CHRISTMAS TABLE
The center of the table is another key point of the decoration. There is a wide array of options here. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll stick to minimalism and nature.
But what do we place here? It’s got to be subtle, no overloading the table. We can combine a small number of different elements. I’ll use some star-shaped white figures and some natural dry pine cones. They combine brilliantly with the earth colored tablecloth.
And also with the green branches (usually from fir trees) that I will place along the center. Another option would be candles, if you want something even cozier. I recommend making them the same color as the napkins.
A trick I resort to when entertaining at home is putting a few cinnamon sticks on the table, because they give a special, natural scent to the environment and add the Christmas touch that I am so fond of.
Now of course we all like to enjoy the magic of Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Beautiful decoration makes these dates much more special, but always remember that the most important thing is being in great company.
P.S.: Some other day I’ll talk about tricks for serving your dishes.
