The prettiest Christmas tables are rarely the most expensive ones. A bit of greenery from the garden, the candles from the back of the drawer and the crockery you already own will do more than a trolley of shop-bought decorations.
Start with a runner of greenery
A line of mixed foliage down the centre of the table is the single most effective trick. Lay sprigs of ivy, conifer and a little holly straight onto the cloth, weaving them loosely so they look gathered rather than arranged.
Light it with candles
Nothing makes a table feel festive like candlelight. Gather odd candles together rather than buying a matching set, and group them at different heights.
- Stand pillar candles safely among the greenery, well clear of it.
- Pop tealights into jam jars for a soft glow.
- Keep flames away from anything that can catch.
Use what you have
Mismatched plates, a jug of bare twigs spray-painted or left natural, napkins tied with a sprig of rosemary and a luggage label for a name place all look considered without costing anything. A few pine cones and some orange slices dried in a low oven add scent and colour.
Keep it practical
Remember people have to eat around all this. Keep the centre low enough to see across, leave room for serving dishes, and have somewhere to put the decorations when the food arrives. A table that looks lovely but cannot hold the gravy boat has missed the point.