Be my guest: festive table setting ideas from Indigo Living

A heartwarming, festive meal is about more than what’s on your menu – treat your loved to a Christmas feast that’s a visual triumph as much as a culinary one. Alexandra Terry, visual merchandising manager and stylist at furniture brand Indigo Living, shares her styling secrets:

What is the key to creating a classy table setting for Christmas?
Choose a colour combination that you are drawn to that will fit within your interior. To ensure an elegant table setting which is easy to set up, I believe that you should focus on one key colour, then add a silver or gold accent. For example, red with gold can create a classic and traditional table top setting; plum and gold give you a bright, rich and luxe mood; white and silver emit a contemporary, festive vibe.

Meanwhile, the focus should always be the centerpiece. One of the most efficient yet impactful ways is to display your items in a pyramid style – place your tallest ornament in the center of the table and have the shorter pieces on either side. You can gradually work your way down to the shortest ornament like a tea light.

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How do you choose a centerpiece?
Your centerpiece is a mix of multiple creative elements that tell your personal Christmas story. I love decorating with battery-operated lights, berry garlands, and dry nuts, and sometimes even fake snow. Candle holders and candles are also ideal as they come in various heights, creating a balanced flow throughout your table.

What other accessories do you usually incorporate?
Table runners are perfect for Christmas! I like placing one under the centerpiece as it easily links all your ornaments together. Another creative way to use them is as placements widthways across the table instead of using individual placemats. Make sure your runner is wide enough to cover the plates, drinkware and cutlery.

What about flowers?
For Christmas, I suggest using magnolias, poinsettias or berries. Don’t be afraid to mix in some greens like eucalyptus and pine branches. You can also throw in some pinecones and dry moss.

Anything a host shouldn’t do when setting a table?
Don’t overcrowd or clutter! Simple is always elegant, stylish and sophisticated.

Give us a theme idea for a styling beginner.
Reindeers are always a winner; it’s a beautiful, effective and simple theme. For this, I would recommend a white and nickel-coloured scheme. To make it warmer, add natural elements like pinecones and pine garlands. This also creates texture to your setting and contrasts with matt and glossy items.

How will you set your own table this year?
Christmas is all about family! We will set up a large table for around 15 people with a red tablecloth and a copper runner with a plethora of candle holders – it’s my ultimate indulgence! This year’s centerpiece will incorporate battery-operated lights and a mix of garlands and votives. Overall, I enjoy a traditional colour theme with a splash of contemporary elements.

For additional inspiration, here are Alexandra’s picks from Indigo Living for a perfect Christmas table setting: