THE TABLE

HAVE FUN WITH CHRISTMAS

The table is your festive season entertaining centrepiece and provides a chance to step outside your comfort zone and layer colour, pattern and texture. Be bold and be brave.

Peacocks and Paisleys’ range of table coverings embodies all that is chic and fresh to make for easy Christmas table glamour (below, right). Try a table runner in a contrasting shade and scour vintage shops for ‘occasion-worthy’ napkin rings. peacocksandpaisleys.com.au

The key to creating a beautiful festive table is to make the styling your own. Perhaps use different coloured, mismatched glassware via influential fashion designer JJ Martin’s eclectic range, La DoubleJ (below,right). ladoublej.com

Alex and Trahanas have just released their range of pretty painted cups. They’re perfect for cool and hot beverages and the colourful hues do all the work for you. Oozing style for memorable occasions, they’re the epitome of fuss-free festivities. alexandtrahanas.com

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Monogrammed linen napkins are impressive. Make your mark on a set of linen napkins or placemats with a monogram that represents your personality, whether ornate and colourful or classic and paired back. Opt for heirloom-worthy pieces that can be used both casually and formally for a lifetime. Anna Lavdaras, stylish founder of lifestyle brand Philé (above), shares her ideas for setting beautifully classic, festive tables: “Buy a variety of initials to keep for each time a treasured guest visits. Alternatively, napkins make for a gorgeously timeless gift (sold as sets of four, place one out for a guest to use and wrap the rest of the set for them to take home).” phile.com.au

SUMMER SUN

Alex and Trahanas’ range of ceramics is synonymous with the sun-filled terraces and seaside trattorias of the Mediterranean in summer.

HELP IS AT HAND

If you are still stuck for ideas for your festive table, style icon India Hicks has recently released An Entertaining Story, offering inspiration and advice for celebrations. Emulate her style with Christmas-themed plates such as these above from Peter’s of Kensington. petersofkensington.com.au

FIND YOUR PLACE

Create decorative place cards for your Christmas table. Buy blank cards, collect together glue and glitter, felt-tips and pastels, and engage in a bit of DIY with the kids, or custom print at the likes of Vistaprint for a more professionallooking product. vistaprint.com.au