With Christmas fast approaching, we caught up with renowned interior designer Alison Cork for tips on how to create the ultimate, show-stopping table display this December. After all, Alison is quite the expert when it comes to festive décor and has wowed us again this year with her fabulous collection of trees, lights and home accessories, all fit for your own personal winter wonderland.
Alison’s Christmas table
“Next to the tree, the Christmas table is probably the most important symbol of Christmas and all it represents for us – family, friends, coming together, sharing and laughter. For me, a successful Christmas table is one that draws gasps from my guests, a table that is a delight to the eye and which adds to the drama and magic of a festive meal.
I think every table needs a centrepiece and this is where you start, so to speak. I love to use candles (non-scented), real or LED, to draw the eye to the table centre, so something like my Metal Flower Candle Holders, or perhaps my Gold Pre-Lit Beaded Garlands wound round into a wreath with candles placed in the middle. Alternatively, you could use a different light source such as my Mercury Glass Tree decorations to illuminate the centre of the table, or just use something with a bit of sparkle to reflect the light, such as my Beaded Glitter Velvet Cones.
A successful table shouldn’t be too cluttered, so keep the main decoration in the middle or along the centre of the table. Something simple but effective is to lay down some greenery along the centre of the table and then wind round some lights, such as my Pre-Lit Jewel Light Strand, or Pre-Lit Glitter Fern Leaf Glitter Garland. Perhaps add in some pinecones or glass baubles to add sparkle and interest.
Use underplates to give your table a sense of luxury and layering – gold underplates with plain white plates on top look stunning. Have two or three glasses per person if you can, of differing heights, for water, white and red wine – this creates a rich and opulent feel to the table. Another lovely idea is to spray walnuts silver or gold and to use them as place name holders, as they have a natural crack in the shell which can hold the name cards in place.
Finally, think about the edges of the table, perhaps using something like my Set of Four Flower Clips or Set of Four Peacock Feather Clips to add real drama to the tablecloth by clipping them on at its four corners.
Remember, the festive table is your chance to shine, so get creative and have fun!”
Alison
Thanks for the great tips Alison, we can’t wait to put them into practice… and may even have to start setting up early! For more inspiration and a closer look at Alison’s fabulous home range, you can unwrap her whole collection here. Keep your eyes peeled too for our Today’s Special Value offer (TSV) next Monday, November 2nd, which just so happens to be Alison’s beautiful Pre-Lit Glitter Branch Tree! Available in two sizes and a choice of three colours, it’s sure to be a stand-out piece alongside your festive table.
