VIDEO: Easy ways to decorate and set a Christmas table

CHRISTMAS is the one time of year when even the most chic of homes succumbs to tinsel and bling.    

Admittedly, decorations are very much a thing of personal taste — and you may have to endure the tastes of other family members — especially children.

But one aspect the majority of us will agree on is the need for a tree.

It remains the focal point of any Christmas decoration scheme, although there area a few rebels who opt out in favour of swags, garlands and candles, nowadays.

Sometimes the dragging in of a naturaltree, followed by the chore of disposing of it in January, plus cleaning up pine needles in between, can seem like too much work.

Even the thought of climbing into the attic forthe artificial number and unpacking dusty boxes of baubles, can be off-putting.

For me, if I have nothing else, I have to have my natural tree decorated with ornaments and baubles I’ve acquired from relatives and friends.

Some of these have been handmade by children, along with a few surprisingly stylish bargains from euro shops, all of them charting my Christmas history since I first set up home on my own.

Themes are a personal thing, but if there’s a particular trend evident this year — and taking over from traditional red, green and gold schemes — it’s nature.

Gnarled woodland branches gathered from the garden or woods become decorative boughs suspended from the ceiling, laden with hanging baubles over dining tables, sideboards and hall consoles.

Life-like, faux fur woodland creatures sit inside front doors and downy owls perch on high shelves as if they’ve found their way indoors unnoticed.

Nicole McGee, interior designer and co-owner of home interiors shop, Interiosity, opts for a less is more approach: “For people who don’t want a fuss, white trees are more toned down, but still festive.”

She suggests grouping two or three together in different heights and carrying the fuss-free theme through to other decorations.

“Keep the look simple with a garland around the fireplace and with candlelight.”

But if fashion and trend-driven looks are what you want, Nicole says: “There are three or four trends this year. Winter wonderland has woodland creatures like owls and white bears, as well as frosted stems and garlands with faux fur skirts under the Christmas tree.”

But she also sees summer trends like metallics seeping into winter, especially copper.

“It brings warmth into schemes with lanterns, hanging tea light holders and copper baubles rather than the traditional gold,” she says.

“It’s a more modern look and you can use them all year round.”

She also says the traditional look of red and green remain a constant and there’s no question these colours make for a cosy and warm look.

They’re also its antithesis — Scandinavian style with clean white and silver votive lights and simple garlands to match your white tree.

But if there’s one area of decoration where you can make a statement about your taste in more ways than one, it’s on the Christmas dinner table, says Nicole, but she stresses that practicality is paramount.

“Keep the centrepiece low and long, otherwise it will affect the conversation and you’ll feel cut off from half the table. Use a really simple small garland that doesn’t clutter the table. Smaller candle holders in a wreath leave space either side for serving dishes with turkey and all the trimmings.”

She also advocates dispensing with a tablecloth in favour of placemats which certainly makes for a light and uncluttered look.

“Placemats allow you to admire the table which you don’t want to hide if you’ve spent a lot of money on it,” she says.

“They section off each place setting with room for cutlery and glasses as well as plates and glasses.” If you like traditional colours but don’t want to overdo it , she suggests using paler colours in tablewares.

Small tables don’t necessarily dictate a less beautiful display.

“A tall, slim candelabra doesn’t interfere with conversation and you can re-use it as a floor candelabra.”

She also has a particular view on scented candles which are very useful for dispelling cooking smells post-dinner, but might not be welcome during it.

“A scented candle is essential for festive ambience but keep it away from the table; put it in the sitting room or hall for 20 minutes before guests arrive so it doesn’t interfere with food aromas.”

Next week: Fabrics and finishes.