How to style an Instagram-worthy Christmas table setting
Ensure your Christmas dining table decor is picture perfect with these expert tips from the Home Design Stylists at John Lewis & Partners.
Image: John Lewis & Partners, Colour my Christmas Amber Table
Inspired by the trending Instagram hashtag #christmastablesetting, John Lewis & Partners have launched over 200 ‘Colour my Christmas’ complimentary table dressing masterclasses in shops across the UK from the 7th November. These festive masterclasses will teach you how to create a stylish, colourful and instagrammable dining table whatever your style, or budget.
Following the trend for maximalism and colour in our homes this Christmas, it comes as no surprise that the most photographed tables are expected to be colourful and filled with accessories including centrepieces, platters, table runners and even novelty placemats and cutlery bags.
‘Colour my Christmas’ 30 minute masterclasses will be divided into three key themes:
- Amber, a warm and rustic theme for those looking to bring some cosiness to their festive table dressing
- Ruby, a vivid and vibrant theme for those looking to update and refresh their table decorations
- Emerald, for those looking to create the ultimate head turning table this Christmas
We chatted to Homes Design Stylists at John Lewis and Partners, Tony Berardis and Sandra McCall about Christmas tableware trends and how to style a table setting that’s stylish and photogenic.
Talk us through the colour trends for Christmas 2018.
“For Christmas we’ve played with colour. In particular, for table dressing, we’ve highlighted three key shades. Each provides its own unique theme. We suggest: the warm and rustic woodland ‘Amber’, the vivid and vibrant urban ‘Ruby’ and the show stopping tropical ‘Emerald’.” Tony Berardis, Homes Design Stylist, John Lewis & Partners
What pieces, do you think, are essential for show stopping Christmas table decorations?
Image: John Lewis & Partners, Colour my Christmas Emerald Table
“A must have for your Christmas table is a fabulous centrepiece. We suggest one of our candelabras or garlands, combined with a statement runner in a luxurious print.” Tony Berardis, Homes Design Stylist, John Lewis & Partners
What key pieces from the John Lewis & Partners Christmas collection do you think people should be buying?
Image: John Lewis & Partners, Colour my Christmas Amber Table
“Glassware can really make a table complete and we have a wide range of products available. We recommend making colourful statement with our emerald set. Alternatively, you cannot go wrong with our classic gold dip glassware.” Tony Berardis, Homes Design Stylist, John Lewis & Partners
What are your top five tips for styling an Instagram-worthy, colourful Christmas dining table?
Image: John Lewis & Partners, Colour my Christmas Ruby Table
- “Include an inexpensive gift, like a sweet treat or a bauble that doubles as a decoration on each place setting. As well as being a personal gift, it adds a finishing touch to the table”
- “Play with the reflective qualities of your baubles by adding fairy lights and candles. This will really make your table sparkle.”
- “Use a table protector or heat protector underneath your table cloth, to protect your table as well as give an elegant appearance.”
- “Layer textures and add height to the centre of your table to create a focal point, but, remember not to build a barrier between your guests.”
- “Plan ahead make a list of the dishes you plan to serve and make sure you have enough crockery in your theme for the table.”
Tony Berardis, Homes Design Stylist, John Lewis & Partners
What are the key features of the maximalism trend for Christmas dining settings?
Image: John Lewis & Partners, Colour my Christmas Emerald Table
“Begin with a decadent centrepiece. Use this as a starting point to create a story, with an eclectic balance of opulent textures and colourful finishes that are fun, exciting and chic.” Sandra McCall, Homes Design Stylist, John Lewis & Partners
What makes an instagrammable dining table?
Image: John Lewis & Partners, Colour my Christmas Ruby Table
“For John Lewis & Partners, this Christmas is all about colour. In order to wow your guests, we suggest you might decide to add finishing touches of colourful ceramics, table runners and baubles. By Injecting a pop of colour to your table you will instantly make it instagrammable.” Sandra McCall, Homes Design Stylist, John Lewis & Partners
What are your top Christmas dining table style hacks?
“Think symmetrically when you dress your table. In addition, coordinated table treats for your guests and light reflective surfaces are more effective when you add fairy lights and candles.” Sandra McCall, Homes Design Stylist, John Lewis & Partners
‘Colour My Christmas’ masterclasses will be running on a drop-in basis from 7th November. For more information and a full list of branches taking part please visit John Lewis & Partners.
How are you planning to style your dining table for Christmas? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram, tweeting us @goodhomesmag or posting a comment on our Facebook page.