It’s definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas… I’ve been part of a very exciting little project that I’m very happy to finally reveal the results of! Super lovely blogger pal Teri of The Lovely Drawer and West Elm invited 11 uber-talented bloggers (12 including Teri) to get into the festive spirit and each style up our own Christmas table tops.
Each beautifully snapped and styled table is being posted throughout the first 12 days of Christmas over on The Lovely Drawer as well as West Elm’s blog Front + Main to give you a sneak peek into how we all do Christmas and share some ideas on how to celebrate this festive season. And I’m day 6! You can see some of the others, so far, here and follow along on Instagram with the hashtag #kindredspirits.
For my table styling I went for a bit of a forest theme, with lots of soft, muted colours, foraged greenery and natural materials. When we celebrate the festive season it’s quite a relaxed, informal affair, it’s really just about gathering with loved ones, enjoying good food, good conversation and a few laughs. Traditionally at home we gather lots of holly and ivy from the nearby woods to rustle up a centrepiece for the Christmas table and hang on picture frames.
As a take on this, I created height with various sized vessels filled with softly scented eucalyptus and other leaves, and scattered these charming bottle brush trees in the middle of the table. A touch of sparkle is added with some shimmering tea light holders, which really come to life when lit up. Little accents of greenery, tucked into linen napkins or adorning brown paper wrapped presents and personalised name tags complete the look (you can see more on my natural table decorations using dried apples here).
I wanted the table to look slightly spontaneous, without the formality of placemats or tablecloths, but I also wanted it to look tranquil and just a little bit romantic. I used this modern take on a Christmas wreath on the wall, it’s soft woollen pom-poms brought to life with some beaded stars for just a hint of glitter and shine. It gives a focal point and sets the colour scheme for the rest of the table; I think it’s got a bit of a Scandi christmas look about it don’t you think?
To contrast the soft blonde colours of the wreath, bottle brushes and linen napkins, I’ve set the table with these perfectly-on-trend dark charcoal Scape plates and bronze cutlery for a little extra Christmas bling (although to be honest who wouldn’t want to use them all year round!). Each place has a brown paper name tag, and hopefully a little present waiting to be opened too…
This year, I will be spending Christmas at home with my parents and family, doing what we do every year! There’ll be carols in a local village on Christmas Eve and overstuffed stockings on Christmas morning. We’ll all wear Christmas jumpers (even Percy the golden cocker spaniel) and we’ll work up for our lunch with a muddy dog walk. Christmas dinner with all the trimmings will be served, and perhaps a glass of champagne in these coupe glasses too?
So that’s how I’ll be spending Christmas. I hope it’s given you some inspiration to have a relaxed, nature-inspired Christmas; to bring a warm, cosy atmosphere, full of softly glowing candlelight to your home; and to, most importantly, share a wonderful festive time with your loved ones…
How will you be spending Christmas this year? And I would love to hear, how do you decorate your table? Are you a little bit of a forager like me?
Images and styling: cate st hill, West Elm kindly gifted the products for the purposes of this post, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Products used: wreath – stars – bottle brush trees – plates – cutlery – napkins – coupe glasses
