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.

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.