An expert guide to dressing the Christmas table

If there’s one time in the year when you can really go to town with tablescaping, Christmas is surely it. It's all part of the tradition and excitement that stretches from Christmas Eve dinner to New Year's Eve, with the mighty Christmas Day dinner itself in between. What you put on the table should match what you’ll be serving and set the scene for sharing a special moment.

Whether you’re hosting a big group or arranging a smaller, more intimate feast, there are easy ways to impress. Mixing and matching tableware is fun for place settings – just keep to a common theme to create a rhythm in the mix up of plates and glasses.

A loose central garland of foliage can look wonderful on a long table and will still leave room for the sprouts and gravy boat, while baubles and decorations with simple paper tags make great place settings that guests can take away as keepsakes.

‘I love nature for a Christmas table and always have greenery and berries with lots and lots of candles,’ says designer Fiona Leahy. ‘And then there’s that whimsical side too – the baubles, crackers and snow globes. I love it all.’

So whether you want colourful glamour or prefer the more relaxed cottage or Scandi look, we have beautiful ideas that will make sitting down to dinner with those you love even more special this Christmas. Cheers.