Take a seat at my Christmas Table!

I love nothing more than sitting down and planning my Christmas ‘look’. Making lists and creating virtual pinboards, rifling through magazines and scouring for inspiration on Pinterest is what I call a good time! This year, my theme is 100% influenced by my love for the garden! I love being outdoors and spending time in my garden so much that I created a range revolving around it for Chyka Home by Harris Scarfe, a range that includes dinnerware, decorations, tableware, and so much more. So, when it came to creating a fun table for my Christmas celebrations, I had a few pieces to play with…

Let’s start with the tablecloth, shall we? I wanted something a little quirky to set my table apart from all the previous tables I have created. Sure, I could use a beautifully printed cloth that matched perfectly - why not use a length of faux grass to set the scene? This textured length of the grass is heavy but drapes beautifully off the round table and blends in perfectly with the garden surroundings. I love the colour and shape; it just looks so fun! What do you think?

I kept the tableware simple by placing two plates from my Ridge 16-piece set and white Hydrangea range on top of a simple silver charger plate. Layering the two creates interest with their mismatched shapes and brings a nice contrasting pop to the table laden with greenery. For decoration and practicality, I added a napkin, a bonbon, a packet of seeds to push my theme home a little harder, a cute watering tin decoration holding your guests’ names and some festive greenery. Layering these items creates height, and the mix and match of textures - from tin to grass and linen to spiky holly, bring interest and fun to an already celebratory table. Vases filled to the brim with overflowing Ilex Opaca mixed in with foliage from the garden are easily moved to the side come lunchtime but most definitely connect the table to the surrounding garden.

Creative Ideas To Bring The Garden To Your Table

My table may be a little over the top, but I love bringing elements of your garden to your Christmas Table. Here are some ideas to help you achieve a garden-inspired table setting:

Tablecloth and Runner: Choose a tablecloth or runner with a floral or botanical pattern to mimic a garden.
Centrepiece: Create a centrepiece using a rustic wooden box or a vintage watering can filled with fresh flowers or potted plants. Use wildflowers, herbs, or small potted succulents for a natural touch. Consider incorporating natural elements like tree branches, moss, or stones into the table decor.
Place Settings: Use natural materials such as wooden or bamboo plates and linen or cotton napkins for place settings. Tie the napkins with twine or ribbon for an extra touch.
Tableware: Choose floral or garden-themed plates, cups, and bowls. Ceramic or pottery dishes with botanical prints can enhance and reflect the garden vibe.
Utensils: Opt for vintage or rustic utensils to complement the theme. Wooden or bamboo utensils can also add a natural element.
Glassware: Use mason jars or glass vases as drinking glasses. Add a sprig of fresh herbs or a small flower to each glass for a decorative touch.
Candles: Place small candles in lanterns or glass holders. Consider using candles shaped like flowers or those with a floral scent to enhance the garden theme.
Table Decor: Scatter flower petals, small pebbles, or pinecones around the table for added texture. You can also include small terracotta pots with herbs as additional decor.
Herb Garden Favors: Give each guest a small potted herb as a party favour. Place these at each setting or create a mini herb garden as a centrepiece.
Garden Tools as Decor: Incorporate miniature garden tools, such as small shovels or trowels, as part of the decor. You can strategically place them around the table or use them as the centrepiece.

Gardens often provide a communal space where people come together. And at this particular time of the year, it is so much fun to create an area that will draw your family and friends in.

The sight of vibrant flowers, the fragrance of blooming plants, the feel of soil, and the sounds of birds or rustling leaves can positively impact your mood and well-being. Nature has a calming effect on the human mind; at this busy time of year, we all need that calm. A garden's sights, sounds, and scents can induce relaxation, reduce stress, and lower cortisol levels. Watching plants grow, bloom, and bear fruit or seeds can create a profound connection to the cycles of life. This connection can instil a sense of purpose and continuity, reminding you of the interconnectedness of all living things.