GATHER AROUND

Words: Leila Petersen | Images: Ricardo Simal

Presents are purchased, outfits are picked, the house prepped, and now it’s time to plan the setting for everyone’s most adored tradition; feasting. It’s also where we gather with friends and family to share stories and raise our glasses to the year that was.

The table settings you pull out year after year become the backdrop for memories, so it’s worth putting in some thought in creating a wonderful dining experience for your joyful get-togethers.

While traditional trimmings and a tree adorned with shimmering lights lay the foundations for a stylish take on a festive table, there are a few things you can do to elevate your tabletop with unique settings that spread delight.

Here are 5 ways to welcome the festive feeling to your table:

A sophisticated spread deserves an equally chic setting. Inject personality and flair into your festive tabletop with carefully curated glassware, serveware, and decorations.

Don’t feel restricted by sticking to traditional colour palettes - anything that evokes feelings of jubilance and celebration will tick all the boxes. Playful prints, brightly-coloured serveware, textured crockery, opulent cutlery, and metallic trays; will all bring your festive feast to life, especially in al fresco settings.

When it comes to decorative touches, don’t feel as though you have to reinvent the wheel entirely, elevate your table setting with seasonal fruit and festive treats for a positively joyful tablescape filled with colour.

STYLE TIP:

Create height and focal points on your table by incorporating unique tableware shapes, such as carafes, cake stands, platters, and serving bowls, using the tallest items in the center of the table.

However you're choosing to celebrate this year, one thing’s for sure… drinks will be required. Create an elegant at-home bar setup from which to serve your classic cocktails or cool brews and make happy hour even more special!

A bar cart is the perfect stylish solution to show off your favourite spirits in style. Compact, mobile and able to add flair to any area, serving up your festive drinks from a chic bar cart is sure to impress.

The best part? You can add your own personal touches and spice up your cart easily with flowers, delicate glass breakers, shakers, jiggers, glassware and modern wine accessories.

STYLE TIP:

Elevate your bar cart with gold-trimmed glassware that gives festive drinks that extra sparkle.

From fresh-cut flowers to seasonal fruits, embrace the beauty that nature brings to the table. With so many colours derived from these natural elements, it’s a fabulous way to tie in all the accent colours that may already be present around the table, from textiles to stoneware.

When it comes to flowers, cut them at different heights and different lengths for an unfussy and organic look, then weave in some greenery for a beautiful organic arrangement. Or for a unique statement scatter them around the table along with multi-coloured fruit for that extra flair of freshness.

STYLE TIP:

Instead of traditional vases experiment with items that can be used for unconventional centrepieces. Think jugs, glasses, and unique ceramics.

Lighting plays a key role in setting the scene for any party. Simple candlelight is the perfect way to make a festive soirée more intimate and heartfelt. While tealights and votives are cute, taper candles bring a charming and elegant mood to your holiday feats.

Allow your candles to create more of a spark with a statement-making candle holder. From artful attractive vessels to glass and metallic finishes, an eye-catching candle holder brings something extra special to a table.

When it comes to eating and drinking, scent is essential. Opting for scented candles is a great way to create ambience and enhance your guests' experience. The key is not to use overpowering fragrances, it should be delicate and add to the mood not dominate it.

A sparkling and uplifting fragrance, probably from the fresh and fruity family are great for joyous occasions.

STYLE TIP:

Lean into mixing and matching candle holders and candles together. It’s fun and keeps your table interesting.

There's something about the holiday season that just screams sparkle and shine, and adding gold accents will instantly add an element of luxury to your table.

Luckily, a little goes a long way, and just a few additions do the trick. Think of your cutlery as adornments by opting for sleek gold sets. While you’re at it, why not serve up your drinks on striking gold trays? Gold napkin rings, metallic chargers, and crockery and glassware with gilded finishes will all bring an element of opulence to your dining experience.

STYLE TIP:

Allow your gold accents to shine by opting for a clean and minimal white tablecloth.