How to lay the perfect Christmas table

MY favourite part of Christmas decorating is laying the dining table — china and glassware that normally sits forgotten in the back of a cupboard has a seasonal renaissance with a rinse and a buff.

Sat, 13 Dec, 2014 - 00:00

Carol O'Callaghan

For those few days when we’re not under pressure with work and school schedules, we don’t mind using those precious items that wouldn’t withstand the rigours of the dishwasher and need to be cleaned and dried by hand. It’s Christmas after all and if you don’t make an effort now, when will you?

So, while you despair for the rest of your house — the decorating of which has been taken out of your hands so it now resembles Santa’s grotto with tinsel, glitter and baubles in traditional red, green and gold — make sure you claim the dining table as your own.

Interior trends change with the seasons and every year there’s a new look. This year it’s toned down and simplified but by no means minimalist. Simply put: fancy is out, elegant is in.

Sometimes Christmas is the only opportunity we have to get out our linen table cloths too, but this year the look dispenses with cloths altogether which, happily, means less laundry and concentrated wine stain removal.

The preference is for table runners which also give you the chance to show off your lovely table surface. Napkins should match or be in plain white, if the runner is elaborate in colour or design.

Placemats are essential for practical reasons if you don’t have a cloth and need to protect the table from hot plates. But they also help, along with the runner, to soften up the bare table top.

White wares are the in-look for the season and will be useful all year round, not only for everyday use, but to work with any other special occasion or seasonal themes.

Clear glasses without fashionable tints really are the way to go when it comes to serving wine. There’s something a tad off-putting about sipping that claret you’ve saved all year for, from a purple goblet. Some traditions are best preserved and clear wine glasses is one of them, but if you must have coloured glass confine them to water tumblers.

Candles are essential to complete the atmosphere, but avoid scented versions even if they’re organic, essential oil-based lovelies, as they’ll interfere with the aroma of roast turkey and the rest of the groaning table offerings. Keep them plain. White tapers speak of Christmas but if you feel their height will interfere with conversation across the table, lower level tea lights are easy to dot around the table in between bowls of roast potatoes and gravy boats.

Laying the table is actually a very relaxing thing to do, although Carson the butler from Downton Abbey would have you think differently, measuring place-settings with a ruler.

Do it a few days earlier if you have a dedicated dining room or, if not, get everything you need in one place so you’re ready to go while the Brussels sprouts are in the pot.

Bear in mind the table has a value beyond the decorative: fabulous styling will detract from the culinary offerings of less accomplished cooks as will, of course, generous helpings of pre-dinner drinks.

* We’re back on January 6 with colour inspiration for New Year decorating projects.

Extra little touches for your Christmas table

THE vogue for all-white plates and clear wine glasses is not for everyone, so feel free to mix a splash of colour to reflect your personal taste.

For a touch of luxury try the tinted Mixology highball tumblers by Waterford Crystal (€280 for four at Kilkenny)

Intersperse your white dinner plates with colourful side plates — the Abode Collection features rural animals in their natural habitat (€30 set of four at Designist)