Whether your style is minimalist or maximalist, Christmas is the perfect time of year to embrace tablescaping and create a beautiful backdrop for memorable mealtimes around the table.
We chatted to Beth Pickard, Senior Social Media Manager at Talking Tables, to get the lowdown on how to create show-stopping centrepieces for your Christmas celebrations. Sit down, pour yourself a drink, and prepare to be inspired.
Can you tell us a bit about Talking Tables?
At Talking Tables, we design and sell homeware and partyware for tables that are talked about, as well as seasonal decorations and games.
I look after our social media and influencer campaigns to get our amazing products and name out there. We have recently become a B Corp business, so our aim is to help people host in the most eco-friendly and sustainable way.
What are the ingredients for memorable mealtimes?
Mealtimes, especially at Christmas, are all about bringing people together to enjoy each other’s company, so you need people to feel at ease and relaxed.
Sitting around a table with good food, drink and an inviting setting is a great place to start. You can always add some table games and trivia into the tablescape to get the conversation flowing.
What are your tips for creating a beautiful Christmas tablescape?
A good tip to bear in mind when putting together your tablescapes this winter is using staggered heights, which adds intrigue to make the setting appear less formal and uniform. This can be done with dinner candles placed in varying sizes of candle holders.
You can also make use of glass bud vases filled with seasonal flowers and foliage of varying heights, placed at intervals along the centre. Add tea lights or delicate string lights across the length of the table to illuminate the place settings and create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
Has there been an increased interest in tablescaping over the past few years?
Absolutely, especially since the pandemic. I think we all came to value quality time spent with friends and family, and how you don’t need to go out to restaurants and bars to enjoy one another’s company. You can achieve the same inviting, memorable experience at home, with just a few extras added to the table.
Have you noticed any trends that are particularly popular this year?
People are starting to branch out from the classic red, white and green colour scheme. We’ve seen so many people adopting a more out-there bright and vibrant maximalist theme, which we love!
There is of course also a massive uptake in decorating with natural products, such as paper honeycombs or high quality ornaments that will last for years.
Do you have any tips for photographing tablescapes?
Get up high! You can often find the Talking Tables marketing team balancing on top of chairs to get the best bird’s eye view of a tablescape.
How can you extend your seasonal decor around the home?
We’ve got lots of products that are not solely for the festive period. For example our honeycomb decorations work beautifully for all celebrations and they’re eco friendly! Colourful candle holders and bright candles can be used year-round, while delicate string lights make the perfect addition to fireplaces and all and every tablescape.
Head to Talking Tables to discover their extensive range of stylish accessories. And don’t forget to shop our dining furniture to create the complete look. We’d love to see how you style your tables. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram to share your pics.
