How we create fab festive tablescapes: Three seasoned stylists share their secrets

There’s something about laying the Christmas dining table that makes us want to eat, drink and be merry — and show off our artistic skills

Fri, 21 Nov, 2025 - 07:15

Carol O’Callaghan

Whether you’re a seasoned host with multiple elegant dinner parties and stylish languid lunches under your belt, there’s something about laying the Christmas dining table that we impose extra-high standards on ourselves.

The stylist

Julie Nolan, stylist at Meadows & Byrne, is hosting Christmas dinner for the first time and is expecting a table of twelve, so no pressure there.

As a skilled and confident interiors stylist, she knows her way around a tablescape, having created many in-store, but she sees a good 'scape as having extra value for the Christmas dinner experience. “No one is going to mind if you have a crispy turkey if you have a beautiful table,” she says. “People feast with their eyes, so when they sit down to a fabulous tablescape with the candles lit, how could the meal be anything else but fabulous? People just really appreciate that you’ve cooked for them.”

A neutral tablescape of whites and creams is accented by gold and silver and a touch of green. Picture: Meadows & Byrne

On the practical side, her advice to a novice is to plan ahead and not to be overwhelmed trying to do everything solo-handed. “Three weeks before check, you have enough plates and they’re not chipped, and enough glasses and cutlery,” she says. “Then on Christmas Eve, set the table and close the door. Have breakfast under the tree and make a new tradition. You’re going to be chaotic on Christmas Day, so accept help when it’s offered. If someone wants to make the ham or the potatoes, let them.”

It’s easy to think that people working in the biz have it all sorted when it comes to tablescaping, but not everyone has the perfect dining table. “I’m planning on using a tablecloth as I’m putting two tables together, so no one will know what’s underneath,” she says. “My tablescape will be quite traditional as I’m having the in-laws, so some red, gold and green. I love bows, so I’ll use red velvet ribbons with simple white serving ware, not to distract, and real napkins are the final touch.”

Mixing contemporary and vintage tablewares adds visual interest as does the addition of dried flowers. Picture: Interiosity

It’s going to be an intimate gathering on Christmas Day for Interiosity owner Nicole Reid and her husband and young daughters. “There’s just the four of us on Christmas Day with the in-laws coming on Christmas Eve and my family on St Stephen's Day,” she says. “I tend to not rush Christmas dinner so we can have a break between courses and really enjoy them.” All of this will happen at her round table with a mix of contemporary and vintage wares and dried and fresh foliage.

“I love my table and I like to be able to see it, so I’ll use a mix of runners and placemats, and it’s the one time of year I bring out the cloth napkins.

“I’ve been a huge fan of beautiful dried flowers since the summer. They’re sustainable and have longevity and don’t need tweaking. I’ll add dried flower napkin rings on a linen napkin like a boutonnière, with a simple velvet ribbon, different-height candles and good quality glassware. My dinner plates are always white with vintage glass dessert plates. I’m leaning into pinks but mixing them with the flowers and eucalyptus, silvery green.”

The place-name card writer

Something we might not consider is adding place-name cards, or menus for that matter.

Laura Cauchon O’Neill, owner of Calligraphy by Laura & Co, has been penning both for events and some famous names like Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpel, Jo Malone and La Bougie. She’ll be making them for her own table this Christmas when she hosts a party of six. “Menus are important if you have international guests so they know what’s in the dishes,” says Laura.

Menus add an extra element to a tablescape, create conversation and explain the dishes for international guests. Picture: Calligraphy by Laura & Co

As she’s Venezuelan, married to an Irish man, Laura’s used to a mix, especially as she likes to include some of the traditional Christmas dishes from home.

This third-generation calligrapher ensures her artistic skills show on her tablescape. “I like to create a mood board,” she says. “I want my tablescape to be beautiful but not too staged that people are afraid to touch it.

“I like heritage, tradition and craftsmanship with more moody tones like deep red, green and browns, with handwritten placemats and menus. My finishing touches are candles, flowers and greenery with pine and eucalyptus. I use different-sized candles and warm lights for warm conversation. I use linen napkins with velvet and fabric placemats. No tablecloth, just nice cloth placemats for softness.”