HOW TO DRESS A FESTIVE TABLE
With the festive season just around the corner, our thoughts turn to magical evenings ahead celebrating with loved ones, family, and friends – for many of us, for the first time in a while! Following a rather dispiriting Christmastime last year, we have all the more reason to make this winter one to remember! For those of you hosting, read on; it’s time to polish up the cutlery, bring out the china plates, and brush up on our top tips on how to dress your festive table for a truly unforgettable yuletide celebration…
"Consider the shape of your table and how you will be serving dinner before deciding on what floral designs and decoration to have."
Consider Your Space
When recommending the best floral designs for a dining table the first details we ask our clients for are the size and shape of the table and (crucially) how dinner will be served.
Typically, a rectangular table is best suited to long, narrow designs – such as a floral runner. On the other hand, a round table typically lends itself to a statement, single design or a grouping of smaller bottles and bud vases in the middle.
In the same manner, a plated service will allow for space in the centre of the table, whereas sharing platters generally call for smaller, movable elements. Consider the shape of your table and how you will be serving dinner before deciding on what floral designs and decoration to have.
We recommend:
The McQueens Flowers Table Runner Sets are ideal for long, narrow tables, or for those with limited space, with a variety of floral-filled bottles, bud vases, and candlelight that can be arranged in a row or around serving places. Room to spare? Combine with a Table Centrepiece for maximum impact.
Pick a Theme
Will you be going all out sparkle and glamour, classic yuletide reds and greens – or something altogether more contemporary? Whatever your theme, pick one and go all out! A simple way to achieve a beautifully balanced look is to dress your table as you would decorate a cake – create a neutral base with your table cloth, add a layer of complimentary plates, napkins and cutlery – and top with complimentary or contrasting flowers and candles for a final festive flourish!
We recommend:
Why stop at the table? Set the scene at the door with a show-stopping creations from the McQueens Flowers Wreath Shop. Handmade to order, all of our designs are available with gorgeous, matching bouquets, floral runners and centrepieces.
Layer up
For a truly fabulous festive table, it’s the little extra touches that will make all the difference. Start with the must-haves, the plates, cutlery, glassware, and florals – and layer up from there. Consider charger plates, napkin rings, place cards, small nicknacks and decorative touches to set the scene.
We recommend:
Scour the garden, forests, or your local fruit and vegetable market for décor inspiration – bay leaves, holly, mistletoe, winter fruits and nuts are ideal for adding that extra je ne sais quoi to a festive table setting. Want to add some extra sparkle? Spray paint pinecones and foliage with metallic paint for a classic look with a decedent twist.
"For a truly fabulous festive table, it’s the little extra touches that will make all the difference."
Lighting
Trust us when we say, the enemy of ambience is a bright, white light. Opt for warm lightbulbs over cool, hit the dimmer switch, and aim for multiple light sources over one overhead lamp. And the pièce de resistance, heaps of sparkling candlelight – the more the merrier – for a truly celebratory setting.
We recommend:
Combine tall and low candlelight along the middle or in the centre of the table to create an undulating glow. Evenly position tall, tapered candlesticks alongside glass votives housing glittering tea-lights. Metallic candlesticks, vases and tea-light holders will further reflect the light – effectively doubling the light source for extra warmth and festive ambience.
For more festive inspiration take a look at our four, beautifully designed festive collections. Designed by our Christmas experts with celebrations in mind, each set contains a matching wreath, bouquet, table centrepiece and beautifully curated table runner collection (complete with candlelight) ideal for creating the perfect festive table setting.