Create the perfect Christmas table

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Create the perfect Christmas table The turkey’s in the oven and the trimmings are almost cooked, but there’s one thing to do before you can eat, drink and be merry. Set the table. Here’s three different colour schemes if you need some last-minute inspiration for that perfect place setting… WHITE WONDER White and silver is a classic pairing and the colour scheme can be a calm counterpoint to a busy dinner table laden with food. “Glamour’s the watchword for this year’s successful table – white linen, sparkling silver or gilded cutlery, polished glass, and add to the magic with a sprinkle of silver table scatter,” says Alison Cork, interiors specialist and founder of online home decor company, Within. “Mirrored table mats and coasters reflect the light, and you could label each with a guest’s name using a glass paint pen.” You don’t have to go to too much effort - you can keep it simple. Alison adds: “Tie a large silver bow and a pretty gift label, with a name written on it, to each chair. “Make a setting extra special for children by adding a tiny boxed gift, which can be opened at the end of the meal.” You can also bring the outdoors in with festive greenery – head to the Garden Centre and pick up strands of ivy for a centrepiece, or place tiny vases filled with fir tree cuttings for each table setting. BLACK MAGIC Make a glamorous statement by contrasting bold black with glittering gold and ramp up the magical effect with twinkling candlelight. A black table runner – a length of velvet would work well – is the perfect starting place while gold crackers and stars add a real Midas touch to proceedings. “A festive table is a focal point and is the perfect place to indulge in drama and rich contrast,” says festive buying manager Lorraine Pryce. “Black and gold dinnerware and glassware, set against a candlelit backdrop, will create an impression of theatrical glamour. Oversized gold star decorations hung near or over the table, together with bowls of gold-dusted baubles and candles, will continue the theme and ramp up the luxury feel.” INTO THE RED Let’s face it, red is about as festive as it gets. “This is such a workable look, because the basics are either red or white crockery and a plain table cloth, or a large white sheet. Then you can glam it up as much as you like,” says Craig Roman, home and garden styling expert at Dobbies Garden Centres. “You can add a red runner and tie large red bows, or small red stockings, on the backs of chairs, or really go festive by gift-wrapping the table and the table mats in red wrapping paper.” Use a plain red tablecloth for the table and get festive with the mats and settings. Roman adds: “If you prefer a fresh outdoor look and have a natural Christmas tree, trim any spare foliage from the bottom and lay it along the centre of the table, interspersed with holly and berries. For a centrepiece, have a bowl of pomegranates and dried rose hips, which can look lovely. Entwine the focal point with a string of battery operated LED lights. “Crackers always decorate a table,” Roman adds, “and make them personal by popping a tiny fragrance sample inside each.” Read the original story at: Create the perfect Christmas table