An expert guide to dressing the Christmas table

If there’s one time in the year when you can really go to town with tablescaping, Christmas is surely it. It's all part of the tradition and excitement that stretches from Christmas Eve dinner to New Year's Eve, with the mighty Christmas Day dinner itself in between. What you put on the table should match what you’ll be serving and set the scene for sharing a special moment.

Whether you’re hosting a big group or arranging a smaller, more intimate feast, there are easy ways to impress. Mixing and matching tableware is fun for place settings – just keep to a common theme to create a rhythm in the mix up of plates and glasses. One of the trends we are well are truly behind is bringing your tree decor to the table; baubles to make a statement in a big bowl or along the centrepiece of the table.

We’re also going big on foliage this season in store, with brand new foliage stations full of faux flowers, picks, sprays and accessories like vases and bows. 

Don't underestimate the power of lighting and scent, either. Low lighting, made possible with candles, lamps and floor lights, can do everything for the mood and the atmosphere, especially during dark winter nights when cosiness is on the agenda. And for scent, natural foliage will of course have an impact, but a space really can't go amiss with a festive scented candle or several – so get a few on your wishlist, stat.