SERVE NATURE WITH AN AUSSIE TWIST
(fishing line works well).
Select a palette of two to three colours – gold and orange are a classic combination, Anna points out.
“I’ve included miniature Christingles (oranges spiked with cloves).”
■ Step 2 – The centrepiece: “Lay a line of eucalyptus stems the length of the table and intersperse with gold, copper or bronze baubles, which will reflect candlelight.
“These shades look incredible together and eucalyptus has a relaxing aroma,” says Anna.
“Bring the effect to life with pomegranates, artichokes, oranges and walnuts – I’ve spray-painted some of them gold too.
“A selection of candlesticks (marble or metallic) of different heights creates atmospheric lighting.”
Enhance with interesting texture, she suggests, such as a linen tablecloth and napkins, and creamy white hand-thrown pottery contrasting with sleek china dinnerware. Halo gold, silver & iridescent bauble, £4; Neal (set of three) glitter baubles, £12; Judson decanter, £25; Marsden marble candle holder, £25; Vienna (set of six) wine glasses, £28; Elzora chalk white 12-piece dinner set, £75, Habitat
Decorate on the dark side
“Black isn’t normally a colour that people think to decorate with at Christmas, but this is a really different dramatic scheme, with a cool, contemporary vibe,” says Anna. Copper abstract candle holder (left), £13, Green Forest Tea Light Holder, £10.50 (below left), The Contemporary Home
“This really suits pared-back Scandi-style decor, which is so on-trend, and I love the idea of dressing the table to match the room’s decor. Ramp up the drama and go really moody with all-black Frosted Eucalyptus Mix Wreath, currently reduced from £45 to £22.50, Cox & Cox dinnerware, or keep that lovely sharp contrast of monochrome.
“For me, this is a winning combination of playful and quirky.”
■ Step 1 – The centre piece: “Black’s a great base to accentuate colour and texture, and I’ve layered gold and pine on the top,” she explains. “Layer fir tree branches down the middle of the table, which will fill the room with a pine scent, and entwine with battery-operated fairy lights.
“Pine fronds and pom-poms give warmth to this look, and stop it being too stark,” Anna adds.
■ Step 2 – Bespoke a place setting: Baubles and gift tags, with every guest’s name written on each, conjure really personal place settings and make a lovely gift and souvenir of the meal for each person to take away.
Create a fiesta feast
“If you love colour, this one’s for you,” says Anna. “I’ve used a traditionally seasonal palette of red and gold as a base but then thrown in a ‘fiesta’ vibe with over-the-top patterned baubles, sequins and glitter. Lots of glitter!”
■ Step 1 – The centrepiece: “Any foliage will work – maybe a mix of eucalyptus stems and dark green ivy – with lots of fairy twinkling lights,” says Anna. “For added zing, weave in strands of red and gold ribbon or glitter string.
“Plunder your bauble collection