10 things you need for a festive table

PROMOTION

Don’t let all the effort you’ve gone to with the food go to waste by presenting it on a lacklustre table setting this festive season. Entertaining is all about engaging every sense – from smell to sight. Here are the top 10 ingredients you need for the picture-perfect backdrop to your sensational spread.

Quality table linen

Your canvas or base is created by the tablecloth you choose. Most would advise you stick with white, but there’s nothing wrong with choosing one that has a very fine print, textured detail or light or dark solid colour. A red jacquard tablecloth from Woolworths comfortably covers an eight- or 10-seater and drapes beautifully to create a fine foundation for your dining experience.

Dinnerware

Whatever your tastes, a bigger plate is better. Abundance is the theme of the year. We think grey and red contrast very well – the muted tone bringing a touch of elegance to a festive canvas. The Country Road Issa dinner plates at Woolworths are 100% porcelain. Stack a bread plate and even a salad bowl in a lighter shade of grey to reinforce an elegant dining setting.

Serveware

You always need one statement platter or ornate serving dish to create the idea of feasting. If it’s drama you’re after we love a contemporary design Glass Cloche to cover a cake or used as a centrepiece to cover plants or ornaments.

Cutlery

If you’re not fortunate enough to have a set of prized antique cutlery inherited from a relative, never mind. We love contemporary design for summer months and a 24-piece Inova cutlery set, made from top quality stainless steel, will do the trick.

Glassware

The angular silhouette of these Country Road Toast white wine glasses will add a modern feel to your table setting. Get the matching Toast champagne flutes to complete the look.

Centrepiece

A centrepiece creates a focal point for your table. The idea of using a Christmas wreath in the middle of the table adds just the right amount of Christmas flavour without being schmaltzy. Choose a colour that complements your theme.

Candles

Create an intimate feel with these glitter tealight candles dotted about the table.

Table runner

If you’ve opted for a plain tablecloth, a print table runner works magic in table-scaping by adding depth and texture. With the red and grey theme we’ve suggested, this pure cotton blue tonal table runner with hemmed edges will pull your table together.

Table ornaments

Add your personal flair to your table with quirky serving spoons or these gold leaf napkin rings.

Party trick

Everyone loves a little take-home gift as a memento of the evening, whether it’s a mix tape of your favourite Christmas carols or gift-wrapped homemade cookies. Let these luxury celebration crackers do the talking and create an element of surprise for your guests. Tip: the more you “invest” in your crackers, the better the reward.