For many, the majority of Christmas Day is spent in one place: around the dining table. It is where memories are made, quips are shared, and where we tend to remember pieces of our fondest Christmases spent with family and friends.
Which is why decorating the dining table should not only be a time for dusting off your most prized and precious tableware, but about the joy of creating a beautiful space for everyone to gather around, while having fun doing so.
In keeping with our mission to bring you inspiring stories and ideas that can be adapted to your own living environments, Design Dispatch presents the second part of its Christmas editorial – a splendid tablescape to inspire your own.
Shot on location at Camilleri Paris Mode, itself a treasure trove of luxury home décor and eclectic tableware, the foundation of our set-up began with a hand-loomed linen table-cloth, where its neutral colour and subtle pattern served as an elegant blank canvas for everything else on the table to shine.
A must for filling that space in the middle and for setting the tone of the table is a floral centrepiece. Created by Il-Qronfla, our centrepiece features deep festive colours using a mix of fresh foliage, including pine, fir and tulips, accentuated by dried whole oranges and decorative red sprigs.
Sharing her personal styling tips, interior designer and stylist Enrica DeGabriele says “My goal for a festive lunch or dinner table is to make it feel warm and inviting. You can’t go wrong with a natural centrepiece bursting with seasonal elements such as oranges, cinnamon, pine cones and branches.”
“Hiding foiled chocolates in the centrepiece or near it can be a fun way to involve your guests for a post lunch treat. It doesn’t have to be too ornate for it to be effective and warm.”
Complementing the colour scheme is a dining set by Portuguese porcelain manufacturer, Vista Alegre, called The Meaning. Available in red, green and blue, it’s a perfect set for creating a harmonious mix-and-match effect.
“I love mixing dinnerware to give the table a more eclectic feel,” says Enrica. “This can be achieved by using different coloured plates that blend well together, or a different water glass for each alternate guest.
Add a warm layer to the arrangement, such as these Mario Cioni crystal tumblers in rich amber. “At this time of year, I look for a toned-down version or red and green – I find an amber colour mixed with bottle or forest green to be understated and less obvious.”
At Christmas time, no food item presented at table tends to go to waste – even if guests are well satiated. Fruits, cheeses and pâtés added to the table for decorative purposes will soon be too tempting to resist.
Consider adding pomegranates and grapes, artisanal cheeses wrapped in cloth, condiments in jars and the accompanying crockery to the table setting – a feast for the eyes, and for your tastebuds throughout the day. Bon appétit!
Venue, furniture, tableware, décor & fine foods: Camilleri Paris Mode | Centrepiece, foliage & dried fruits: Il-Qronfla | Styling: Enrica deGabriele | Photography: Tonio Lombardi
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