Create A Dream Dining Room For Christmas

When it comes to Christmas, festive dining is a big part of the day. Christmas dinner is an experience to savour and enjoy with loved ones, setting the scene is all part of hosting the big day. With presents neatly wrapped under the tree, Christmas lights twinkling and the table ready all that’s left to do is wait for the arrival of your guests.

A Welcome Party
As your family and friends arrive, set the tone for the day by offering them a glass of bubbly or some mulled wine on arrival. Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere by having a few scented candles dotted around and of course some festive music playing in the background. Have a designated place for nibbles and canapés so your guests can help themselves and you can focus on lunch preparations.

Feeding people throughout the day is not always an easy task so be sure to keep stocked up with plenty of Christmas snacks, chocolates and mince pies. Then at least you’ll have food in even if there happens to be a faux pas with Christmas dinner. And it’s not just the snacks you’ll need to have; it might be worth ensuring you have extra plates, serving dishes and glassware just in case you need any extra.

The Art of Tablescaping

People are spending more time at home that ever before and styling our homes has become part of our lives. Christmas is the ideal time to really make your décor stand out. Dressing the table ready for guests on Christmas Day is the perfect way to show off your interior creativity.

Firstly, consider the table, a large extendable dining table will hopefully allow plenty of room for serving dishes, plates and cutlery as well as room for festive decorations.
Consider tablecloths, runners, place mats and napkins. If you have a smaller dining table, you may want to keep the décor simple with just a few baubles or a Christmassy candle.

There’s been a huge focus on Christmas crafting over the years, so creating your own table decorations is the perfect way to show off your handy work. Be it handmade Christmas crackers or beautifully written name places you can really show off your artistic flair. If you’re short on time, then simple touches like ribbon tied napkins can still look thoughtful and effective.

A Dark & Dramatic Dining Table
If you’re a fan of bold styling you can really have some fun with a dark colour scheme and make the most of deep reds and greens. Introduce luxurious textures to the space with faux fur rugs, elegant place mats and velvet dining chairs. If you’re feeling extra creative try hanging some foliage above the table, this would work brilliantly with a long dining table and is great for dramatic effect.

You may prefer to take the drama down a notch and dress your table in something more traditional with festive greens and creams or tartan printed fabrics. For a rustic look add a few sprigs of holly or a wreath to decorate the table.

A Pretty Pastel Tablescape
If traditional Christmas colours are not really your thing, then try pastel tones to create a lighter look. Pale pinks and neutrals don’t have to be overly girly, try adding a few metallic details for a chic and modern twist. Gold candle holders, place mats and sparkly trinkets will elevate the dining room.

For something more retro, mix vintage crockery with tea lights and vases of dried flowers to create a relaxed dining atmosphere. Make it festive by decorating your dining space with vases filled with pastel baubles or twinkly lights. Add some greenery to your table with a faux garland or pick your own foliage from the garden and get creative.

Finishing Touches
Your Christmas dining décor doesn’t have to stop at the table. Complete your dining room with a stylish sideboard with added foliage, lights or even a mini-Christmas tree. Display your cocktail collection with a drinks trolley; this must have piece of furniture has made a come back and over the last few years and is perfect for the dining room during the festive period.

The main thing is to have fun being creative when decorating and enjoy the day. Shop Laura James home.