So as promised on Monday, today I’m sharing how I’ll be setting my table for Christmas. In the interests of full disclosure, it’s actually going to be a small one this year! While we’re spending time with his whole family on the day, for Christmas dinner, it’ll just be Wayne, his mum and I so the table will only be set for 3 rather than 6! But setting half a table seemed a bit weird so I figured I’d go full hog and share how it would look for more.
I stuck to the palette I’ve used all over this Christmas – white, black and gold – and kept the table quite simple and elegant. I brought out my new side plates and gold candle holders from John Lewis and combined that with a mix of stemware with my vintage tumblers and martini glasses.
I’ve used the same cutlery on my table for years now (I know, you’re probably sick of it by now!). I got a full set for 12 place settings on eBay for about £30 and I take them out every time I want my table to look a bit fancy!
I didn’t change my centrepiece from what you saw on Monday – I just added everything around it to fill in the space. I quite love how regal my stags look, watching over everything. The little sparkly Christmas tree candle I’ve had for a few years now.
I even kept the layering to a minimum (well for me) – I skipped a table cloth and opted for a gold and white runner I got from Zara home a few years back and just layered my plates on white and gold chargers. When I don’t use a lot of colour, I quite like a good mix of patterns. The spotty plates from Zara Home have also been in heavy rotation for years now. It’s such a simple pattern but seem to work with everything.
On the plates themselves, I used a mix of black and white linen napkins rolled into brass napkin holders with a little sparkly Christmas pick. It’s just enough to add a little bit of a festive touch.
I think what I’ve learned over the years about setting a table is making sure to buy good base items in a neutral palette. White just never goes out of style and I’ve loved gold for years now (yes, before it was actually trendy!) and so collecting gilded pieces over the years means most of what I have now ‘matches’ even if the individual pieces aren’t a matching set. I have more colourful pieces too of course but these can easily be combined with anything in my ‘base’ collection so it’s easy to create unique table settings when you’ve got a decent collection to start building from.
Every year I add a few new pieces and it makes the whole table feel fresh and different even if some of the items on my table have shown up in nearly every table setting I’ve ever done!
Okay, I’m going to shut up now and just let the pictures do the talking!
So that’s my Christmas table! Will you be serving up Christmas dinner this year? Or will you be leaving that up to someone else?
Want to see more? Check out previous year’s table settings here: 2013 / 2012 / 2011
Absolutely beautiful!
I have been avidly reading you blog for the last couple of weeks and I have completely fallen in love with your style! I think your use of gold is so effective and everything looks classy and imaginative.
I have even found myself contemplating acquiring some leopard print items for my home, which would be a huge step for me, as I have always avoided it like the plague, believing it to be challenging to make it look right, but you have shown how great it can look.
I’m now off to see if I can create something exciting for my Christmas table.
Thank you for the inspiration!
Claire
Thank you so much Claire, your comment has really brought such a smile to my face!! xxx
Looks as glam puss as you do, as always, fab??
I’ve gone so gold I don’t know where I’m going next! X
Hahaha! Once you go gold, it’s highly addictive ;) Thank you Jane! xxx
Divine. Just divine. I am coveting your tumblers with the gold leaves! I do a Christmas brunch every year instead of a huge dinner. It started when my children were small when grandparents and aunts and uncles wanted to come and see what Santa brought. I have continued the tradition because everyone seems to like it. My table isn’t anywhere near elegant, since I have a huge set of Wachtersbach red Christmas tree dishes. Are you familiar with it. Red, with a simple green and white tree in the middle. I must have every serving piece, mug and plate ever made. It is festive, if not fancy! Merry Christmas, Kimberly!
Thank you Sheran! Those little gold leaf tumblers I’ve had for a few years, they even came with a gorgeous matching pitcher and I got the whole set for £15 at an antiques fair – love them! I had to look up the Wachterbach set but it’s just so cute – you must have a very festive table! :) xxx
Your table setting is so you: elegant, dramatic, fun, and glamorous! x
Jasiminne: Posh, Broke, & Bored
Aww thanks so much Jasiminne! xxx
You have such a knack for creating simple but elegant decor! I love your Christmas table. It’s gorgeous! Kudos!
What a lovely comment! Thank you Debbie! xxx
Gorgeous. I love your tablesetting and I adore your gold flatware. Those plates are so pretty too, beautiful setting.
Thank you Marty, so sweet of you! xx
I first discovered your website a couple of years ago when I googled “gold cutlery” and an image of that very same gorgeous cutlery came up! I still love it just as much. P.s. you are probably way ahead of me bit did you know H&M are currently selling the “bubble jug” with the gold rim for a mere £12.99!!! Mine is on it’s way….
That’s so funny that you discovered me from this cutlery! I guess I don’t feel bad then that I use it so often ;) And I didn’t realise the H&M jug was back in stock – THANK YOU!! xx
Love your gold flatware more than mine. Your table setting is splendid. Love your dishes too!
I’ve never met a set of gold cutlery I didn’t like! LOL! Thanks so much Nadine! xxx
Again, perfect and chic in one sweet package!!!!
Aww cheers Vel! Mwah! xxx
Nice one Kimberly, it looks very swoonworthy, i really do like it, definitely more is more.
i will have a house full on Christmas day (that is if im not working im still not sure yet), If i am have a little tipple for me, And a Merry Christmas to you all xxx
Ha! I think ‘more is more’ should just be my motto! Hope you aren’t having to work and can enjoy the festivities! xxx
Ugh, yes yes yes to all of this! Love the black and gold combo, and I am a sucker for a dark, bold dining room. And killer lighting. This is my first time visiting your blog and I’m so happy I found it! Beautiful style.
So happy you found me Arielle! Thank you so much, you are too sweet :D xxx
What a classy colour palette and I love the mix of glasses and plates. Zara does have some great finds!
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
Thanks so much Suze! Zara is a very dangerous place for me – I always want ALL THE THINGS ;) xxx