Sunday Times E-Edition

Festive settings

Delight in bright this Christmas with festive decor that combines pretty pops of colour with natural elements

STYLING & TEXT: TARA SLOGGETT, PHOTOGRAPHS: WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX

LIGHTEN UP

Christmas is the perfect time to be inventive and crafty and to find new ways to entertain in your space, no matter how big or small.

A festive table brimming with colour and texture looks inviting beneath an eye-catching “light fitting” made by hand from dried branches, while a charming balloon “tree” is a fun alternative to regular Christmas greenery. Now all that’s needed are the guests!

TAKE IT EASY

For an easy-going twist on the traditional tree, let your ideas float freely ...

We suspended a faux leafy garland from a helium-filled balloon to make an alternative “tree” that’s sure to be a conversation piece. Make a simple statement with one or float several around the dining table to create the feel of a magical forest.

Don’t overlook branches that have been trimmed during pruning or left behind by a seasonal storm. Simply prop the dried branch upright in a corner, swathe it in fairy lights for instant appeal or, to create a dramatic effect suspend it over your diningroom table. Hang your favourite Christmas decorations from it and for a personal touch add messages to friends and family for them to discover and read during the festivities.

Electrified with vintage bulbs, your seasonal decoration can become a year-round statement.

DINE ON

Every festive table should be so inviting that guests are eager to sit down and fill your home with chatter, laughter and cheer.

To avoid a look that feels too precious or “done”, drape your table with natural linen in muted pinks and greens. Blend the energising power of all things green with the welcome softness of pink for a chic and contemporary colour combo.

Play with textures: deep-pilevelvet chairs in a rich jewel green combined with a table “runner” made from layering up pine tree branches with delicate flowers, all on a base of beautiful raw linen, creates an effortless decorative feel that is easy to put together.

Floral touches can be dried or fresh favourites displayed in pretty bowls or bottles filled with water so they last through the holidays.

Add a bold contrast to the softer elements using chunky black candle holders — and don’t forget a splash of bling, easily provided by bright gold-toned cutlery.

Each place setting here is a blend of mismatched crockery. Pull out every item of china, ceramics and serveware you’ve collected and enjoy spending time planning a unique setting for each guest.Top the individual plates with treasures from nature to keep things homespun, then add special Christmas decorations and tealight candles for sparkle.

FAST & FABULOUS

If you don’t have the space for a tree or want to do something completely different, here are a few quick and easy festive décor suggestions.

Hang fragrant pine cuttings from string or ribbon to add a special feature to a plain wall above a mantelpiece or over your bed. Keep it as simple as nature intended or add a few hanging baubles for extra Christmas spirit.

Fill a vase with festive branches. If they threaten to be top heavy, add some stones at the bottom of the vase to prevent it from tipping over. Or choose faux branches of greenery and fill up the interior of the vase with fir cones for an added decorative touch.

Bring your colour palette through to your gift-wrapping picks. Use a combination of gold, white and pink papers and ribbons, then tuck in a few pieces of festive foliage as a finishing detail.

GOOD TO GATHER

This time of year is all about togetherness and taking time to relax with loved ones. So whether your exchange of gifts happens before a Christmas breakfast, after a celebratory lunch or in the evening, consider the space you’ll use for this special time.

Will some want to pull up a chair while others chill on a fluffy rug? Get the setting just so, then watch the faces of your loved ones light up — and don’t forget to photograph it all!

FESTIVE FINISH

It’s the details that complete a space and make everyone feel festive, so ensure you create as many celebratory trimmings as you can among the everyday elements in your home.

Dress up the stair rail or other minimalist features with garlands made from faux pine-inspired greenery — they are easier to wrangle and less expensive than the real thing. Twisted securely into place they offer the added bonus that you won’t be picking up pine needles for days.

Giant paper decorations always add impact, whether hanging from the ceiling, perched on the stairs or adding a celebratory feel to a windowsill. Plus, they fold down neatly so can be safely stored until next Christmas.

Lifestyle

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2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

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