Christmas Has Arrived!

WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH

IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR

There’s nothing I love more than setting a beautiful table, especially during the holiday season. Christmas is all about joy, connection, and making memories with those you love—and what better way to celebrate than with a table that feels as special as the moments we share?

This year, I was drawn to a peachy palette with touches of green, caramel brown, and a hint of white. With my new Chyka Home collection, aptly titled “Joy,” adorning the table, touches of my favourite festive green can shine throughout. Let me take you through how I brought this vision to life—it’s a mix of classic charm and playful details that made my Christmas table an absolute delight!

The Inspiration: Peach Perfection Meets Fresh Green

My starting point was a gorgeous green-and-white stripe for the tabletop. From placemats to napkins to the layers of Chyka Home ‘Joy’ Dinner plates, the green and white are fresh, timeless, and full of life. Wanting to soften it with a touch of warmth—enter Peach! This colour tied everything together beautifully, especially when paired with a sweet checked napkin, bonbons and beautiful cane decorations that add homeliness to the setting. I used our lovely new green table in the conservatory to further amplify the green tones. It was the perfect backdrop for the entire setting—elevating the space's natural beauty while adding a whimsy touch.

Layering for Impact: Placemats, Plates, and Napkins

Layering is the secret to creating a table that feels luxurious and inviting. I started with green-and-white check Chyka Home placemats to complement the tablecloth's stripe—patterns can work together if they’re in harmony! Then, I added plates in equally strong tones to balance the look and finished with Chyka Home Gingham napkins that brought it all together. Here’s a little tip! Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures. The key is to stay within a complementary colour palette so everything feels cohesive yet full of personality.

When Plans Go Awry: DIY to the Rescue

Now, a little confession: my Christmas crackers didn’t arrive in time. But darling, what’s life without a little improvisation? I purchased plain crackers and wrapped them myself using paper from Zazzle. This fabulous company lets you turn any design into bespoke wrapping paper. The result? Crackers that matched my table perfectly, adding another layer of personalized charm.

Sweet Touches: Christmas Cakes and Festive Décor

Hannah from The Butcher’s Daughter worked her magic yet again, creating individual Christmas cakes in peachy, cream, and jade tones. These little desserts were more than just delicious—they were tiny works of art that tied in perfectly with the table’s colour story.

For decorations, I embraced the peach and green theme with touches of caramel brown for depth. I added wicker elements in two sizes for texture. I even repurposed some lovely little wicker containers from IKEA—proof that you don’t need to splurge to add charm to your table! I scattered some green mini Christmas trees to create layers of visual interest.

And the flowers—oh, the flowers! Coral charm peonies were the perfect choice. Their vibrant yet soft hue added an over-the-top elegance that felt festive and playful.