This Christmas, the art of setting a table is undergoing a joyful revolution. Moving away from rigid rules and matching dinner services, the focus is now on creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that brings people together. The modern art of tablescaping, championed by experts like broadcaster and Glassette co-founder Laura Jackson, is all about playful creativity over formality.
The New Rules: Playfulness Over Perfection
The primary goal is to make guests feel welcomed and cosy, not to impress them with flawless etiquette. Jackson advises forgetting about which way the knife should point or whether the cutlery matches perfectly. "I think it's nicer when the table feels relaxed rather than overly formal or fussy," she says. The key is to approach the task playfully, not as a chore with strict instructions. This shift means the pressure is off the host, allowing the special feeling of the evening to begin long before the first course is served.
This philosophy is particularly resonant during the festive season, where gatherings are fundamentally about togetherness. A beautifully laid table acts as the centrepiece for creating lasting memories, slowing down time, and encouraging conversation. It's not about a grand, exhausting production, but about thoughtful touches that signal delight in your company.
Creating a Warm, Festive Mood
For a winter celebration, Jackson prioritises a "thoughtful, warm and homely" mood. This is achieved through dimmed lights, an abundance of candles, and soft textures in table linens. The traditional Christmas palette offers a perfect starting point. Our styled table features pops of classic red through taper candles, water glasses, crimson calla lilies, and even decorative piles of radishes and figs.
However, the trick is to avoid a generic, department-store look. Personalise the aesthetic with unexpected elements, such as using aubergines peeled into stripes instead of candy canes, or piling spiral citrus peels on the table for a pretty, fragrant touch. Forage sprigs of foliage or silvery twigs from the garden to use as sturdy, long-lasting decoration, and borrow a few small baubles from the tree to add sparkle under candlelight.
Practical Magic for Real-Life Hosting
Jackson's advice is grounded in practicality. Keep centrepiece decorations low so guests can see each other across the table. Tall, slim candles add glamour without obstruction. If you're nervous about open flames, small rechargeable LED lights offer a safe alternative and instant ambiance. Don't be afraid to seat people close together for a more sociable atmosphere; place settings can help everyone feel welcome at a crowded table.
Embrace imperfection and involve others. Delegate napkin-folding to younger helpers using online tutorials, or get them to press butter into silicone moulds for festive shapes. Use a tablecloth for instant drama and to unify makeshift table extensions. Most importantly, remember you are a host, not a waiter—leave space for dishes to be passed and let people serve themselves.
Ultimately, the time invested should be enjoyable. "Some of my favourite tables have come together in 10 minutes. It's not about perfection," Jackson concludes. When the meal is over, what remains are the stories, the laughter, and the feeling of connection. That is the true feast; everything else, as they say, is just gravy.
