Creating a festive space
Linda Dlamini of Sandton writes
This year, Christmas lunch is being held at our home – for the first time! We’re expecting 10 to 12 guests and while we have ample table space, chairs and dinnerware, our colour scheme is very neutral (there’s lots of white). I want the lunch table and surrounding area to be festive, but not tacky. Any ideas on how we can do this without breaking the bank?
Laura Matzner of Muto Interior Design replies Try these simple but stylish ideas: • Use brown paper or unprinted newspaper to cover the tabletop and spruce it up with delicate white paper doilies or personalised paper place mats. A runner made with black and white family photos will create an engaging focal point. You could also use printed newspaper. • Decide on a basic colour scheme, even if it means adding just one or two colours to your neutral space. This will create a clean, coherent look. For a soft touch, pair white crockery with gentle greens and greys. For a bold look, try black and white with a pop of dramatic colour: for example, red paper stars and serviettes will pair well with a newspaper print tablecloth. Add some silver in the form of crockery or vases if you fancy a bit of bling. • Garden flowers and herbs are a great way to introduce colour to a table. Add them to small vases or glasses, or use a mini wreath to bind a knife and fork at each setting. • Crockery doesn’t have to match – but use napkins in the same colour to create cohesion. • Plain or colour paper cut-outs can be strung up with string or fishing gut across the room as bunting. • Create cosy nooks in the dining room or outside with a table for dessert or drinks; if space permits, arrange a few chairs around these tables. Introduce colour with a bright tablecloth or vase filled with flowers. • Don’t forget the Christmas tree! An affordable cone-shaped wire tree can be sophisticated if you add decorations to match your palette; play with white, off-white, grey, dark grey and a splash of green. Add interesting second-hand finds or personal trinkets.
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