At Christmas, the feasting table becomes the central gathering place for many, and family and friends gather around it. However, when decorating the home, we often pay attention only to the Christmas tree, sprinkling the table with very little. An interior designer shares tips on how to decorate a festive table in style this year, without spending a lot of money.
This year, the most noticeable trend is to bring northern nature into the premises and focus on creativity and sustainability, creating a unique, magical festive mood with a touch of modern style, explains Dariuss Rimkus, head of the Interior Design Department at IKEA.
An interior designer recommends that when purchasing new interior items, you should take into account how these items will fit with the existing ones and with the overall interior of the home – the color of the walls and floor, curtains and furniture. The same principle should be taken into account in the table setting so that it matches the rest of the home.
He says that using similar or the same shades for strings of lights, table and tree decorations and home decorations will create a harmonious holiday mood, as the decorative elements will complement each other. For example, Christmas tree decorations and strings of LED lights can also be placed on the table together with a string of green plants so that the Christmas tree and the table are in coordinated colors. Similar decorations throughout the home create a unified and harmonious impression.
Decorate in several layers
The main elements of the festive table decoration are textiles, dishes and decorations. D. Rimkus reminds that textiles are not only tablecloths, but also napkins, table runners and coasters, which make the overall impression cozier. The festive atmosphere can be brightened by layering plates, trays, coasters and napkins.
“The basic rule that must be observed – the tablecloth must contrast with the coasters, coasters with plates, or the plates must be in different colors. For example, you can place a natural material tray and plates in a bright, contrasting color, such as blue, at each place. If the dishes are white, you can complement the setting with a new set in a different color and then put the plates from the largest to the smallest. The composition is finished with a napkin or some decoration.»
Re-use and give a second wind
You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a festive atmosphere. «In order to create a cordial, warm atmosphere, you don’t need to buy all the Christmas decorations again. Complement the existing with a few new elements, such as matching placemats, napkins and candles, which cost only a few euros. First, review what’s already at home and refresh your existing tableware with a couple of new accents. It can save money and create a different impression on every holiday.”
If the dishes at home are white, bowls or smaller plates in a darker tone will enliven the table setting. A table cloth or table mats in the traditional juicy red tone can also become a unifying element – it will create a rich contrast, making even the old plates look like new.
The designer encourages mixing traditional style decorations with modern ones. For example, retro-style glasses can be combined with modern cutlery and plates. However, so that everything does not look too motley, the table also needs something unifying. It can be the same decoration on each plate, the same table mats, napkins or the like.
Decorating the table in a small home
For those who do not like a lot of decorations or have little space on the table, the designer recommends placing Christmas elements on one central tray. “You can put a holiday-themed table mat on it, a string of lights, candles or LED decorations and twigs of evergreen trees and shrubs.
On the other hand, for those who wonder how to find a place on the table for both decorations and food, the designer recommends using a kitchen trolley. They can be useful for plates and items that are not needed throughout the evening, say a teapot, cups, dessert. It can save space and the table will not look too crowded.
A personal touch
How to make the festive table really inviting and make your guests smile? Make the decorations yourself! Fold the napkin like a Christmas tree and add a small decorative bouquet and name card to each napkin so that guests know they are truly welcome.
/Photo: IKEA publicity photo/
2024-12-17 08:14:00