Some seasonal tablescaping tips…

Christmas provides a wonderful opportunity to be creative with your table, but don’t panic if you have nothing newly bought. The first thing to do is explore what you already have at home

★ Choose a colour scheme rst, or a few key colours for your table. Then decide whether to go with oral arrangements or just add foliage as your centrepiece. Foliage always adds a statement, and you can simply run to the garden for last-minute emergencies, as winter greens are perfect scattered along the centre of the table.

★ Set the table the day before you entertain so it’s one job that’s done in advance. I like to start with a tablecloth, as this creates a lovely base layer for the table. If a tablecloth is not for you, a runner creates a fabulous statement along the centre of the table. You can then add depth to this with placemats and charger plates.

★ Don’t over-style your table. Just add the plates you need for your rst course on each place setting. Tapered candles are great for adding height to your table, along with tealights in little votives.

★ I love to use place names and menus at Christmas. For place names, use foliage or fruit if you don’t want to use paper – pomegranates and a gold Sharpie are all you need.

★ Do a simple fold with your napkins or pop them into a napkin ring. If you don’t have napkin rings, tie some Christmas ribbon and pop a sprig of eucalyptus on top. If you are eating late in the day, have lots of candles to add sparkle and glamour.

★ And don’t forget your Christmas crackers. We all need that family picture with paper hats.

★ Serve a glass of bubbles as soon as guests arrive and put on a cheerful but relaxed playlist, as well as low lighting. I just use lamps in the room I am hosting in, and lots of candlelight to add sparkle and atmosphere.

★ Preparation is key. I recommend having everything ready before your guests arrive. Set the table the day before or morning of. Light the candles as soon as guests are due to sit for dinner and not while they are sitting. A cold starter is always handy, as this can be made in advance and just served. Make sure you have lots of sparkling and still water on hand and delegate the job of water and wine pouring to someone. Make sure you know about any special dietary requirements, so there are no surprises.

★ Never have your orals too high, so you can see your guests across the table. The same applies for candles. Keep tea lights low and taper candles tall and slim and not in big vessels. I always test every seat to make sure I can see the guest opposite where someone is sitting. Also, leave your scented candles o the dinner table. I always have one in the hall and bathroom but avoid other scents, apart from food, near the table until the meal is nished.

Let The Designed Table inspire you to set the scene for a magical Christmas feast or festive gathering, see the collection at thedesignedtable.com. Follow The Designed Table on Instagram @thedesignedtable