It’s the season for festive gatherings and you’ve got your menu lined up, your guest list finalised and taken care of the tipples to serve. But beyond food and drinks, the decor you choose for your Christmas party matters too. We’re not talking about the perfunctory Christmas tree, but a festive table setting that’s not just classy, but cosy to boot.
Who better to turn to than interior experts Crate & Barrel. The store at Orchard Gateway is not just chock-full of gorgeous household knickknacks but also eye-catching dining displays meant to inspire shoppers.
We sit down for a chat with Jill St John Jeremiah, one of the store’s visual merchandisers and get her to dish out a few tips so you too can recreate that perfect setting.
We sit down for a chat with Jill St John Jeremiah, one of the store’s visual merchandisers and get her to dish out a few tips so you too can recreate that perfect setting.
1 Let There Be (Proper) Light
When it comes to the mood, lighting is everything. “The tall candles are nice but you can also add tealights if you’re worried about the height,” says Jill. This means, your dining room’s main lights should either be switched off, or dimmed to create a sense of cosiness.
2 Watch Your Height
Centre pieces are arguably the one eye-catching ornament that can set the mood, but it’s vital to not get something that blocks your dinner guests’ view. “You’ll be having conversations with your guests so avoid getting something too high,” says Jill.
When it comes to the mood, lighting is everything. “The tall candles are nice but you can also add tealights if you’re worried about the height,” says Jill. This means, your dining room’s main lights should either be switched off, or dimmed to create a sense of cosiness.
2 Watch Your Height
Centre pieces are arguably the one eye-catching ornament that can set the mood, but it’s vital to not get something that blocks your dinner guests’ view. “You’ll be having conversations with your guests so avoid getting something too high,” says Jill.
3 Set Your Tone: Luxurious or Rustic
Ideally, the setting should match the food so if it’s top-of-the line (read: posh) dishes like oysters and foie gras that you’re serving, luxe up the décor. “You can have the gold and silver accents – even the leaf garland can be gold,” says Jill. If you’re serving up rustic fare – think homey dishes like shepherd’s pie, go for wooden accents. Pine cones are an easy way to meld Christmas with your theme but be creative, says Jill. “You can even use a wooden serving board as show plate.”
4 Feel the fabric
“Linens actually play a big part,” says Jill. “Imagine how it would look like without the fabrics, the entire display would feel flat.” Your choice of linen depends on the setting you wish to convey, but a safe choice to go with could always be thematic colours: red or green. If it’s a rustic feel, go for a rough fabric like burlap. If it’s a luxurious theme, go for thin materials coloured gold or silver for a stunning finish.
Ideally, the setting should match the food so if it’s top-of-the line (read: posh) dishes like oysters and foie gras that you’re serving, luxe up the décor. “You can have the gold and silver accents – even the leaf garland can be gold,” says Jill. If you’re serving up rustic fare – think homey dishes like shepherd’s pie, go for wooden accents. Pine cones are an easy way to meld Christmas with your theme but be creative, says Jill. “You can even use a wooden serving board as show plate.”
4 Feel the fabric
“Linens actually play a big part,” says Jill. “Imagine how it would look like without the fabrics, the entire display would feel flat.” Your choice of linen depends on the setting you wish to convey, but a safe choice to go with could always be thematic colours: red or green. If it’s a rustic feel, go for a rough fabric like burlap. If it’s a luxurious theme, go for thin materials coloured gold or silver for a stunning finish.
Note the texture on the red table linen here. Image credit: Crate and Barrel
5 Broke? Here’s A Tip
Contrary to popular belief, decorating doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. “You don’t always have to buy new decorations for every occasion – just re-use the plates or linen you already have and maybe add one Christmas detail,” says Jill. This could come in the form of a napkin ring the shape of a fir tree, baking your own gingerbread cookies or something as simple as red candles.
Contrary to popular belief, decorating doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. “You don’t always have to buy new decorations for every occasion – just re-use the plates or linen you already have and maybe add one Christmas detail,” says Jill. This could come in the form of a napkin ring the shape of a fir tree, baking your own gingerbread cookies or something as simple as red candles.
