The Ultimate Christmas Table
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR
An outdoor festive table is a must in the Australian Summer
There is something relaxing about outdoor entertaining. It offers the ability to linger longer, drag your chair into the sun or shade, and is much more open to chair hopping than a more formalised indoor sit-down celebration. Because when the sun is shining, a breeze is in the air, and the garden is blooming - why not move your lunch to the great outdoors?
In true Chyka fashion, I am keeping my Christmas this year all green. Well, all shades of green! From the gradient of green created by baubles cascading down the tree to the place cards, we explore my favourite shade in all its festive glory. Mixing an assortment of new products from my Chyka Home range for Harris Scarfe and items from my own collections. Have you thought about your Christmas table setting as yet? What theme are you working with this year?
When styling a table, don’t get fixated on having everything NEW! Our collections make a festive table fabulous and original; a particular set of glasses, grandma’s cutlery or a family heirloom will add a personal touch. I’ve started this table with a bright layer of apple green seersucker fabric by the metre from Spotlight that I have draped as a makeshift tablecloth. You may have to layer it a few times on the table to get the look you desire but believe me, your wallet will thank you for it! This is one of my favourite hacks! If you need a free-flowing tablecloth without the price tag - head to your nearest fabric store and pick up a few metres.
I’ve delved into my Chyka Home collection from Harris Scarfe to create this festive table, mixing and matching the old products with the new. I especially love the contrast of crisp white plates on top of the bright green Sunday plates; it changes the mood of the table, making it light, fun and energetic. A fresh napkin, a basic cracker and a delicious place card make this fun table inviting whilst letting the hero of the table - the garland - shine ever so brightly! Now can I have a quick word about this garland…I am in love with it! It is versatile and can be hung, draped, wrapped - you name it, it does it! I have laid it across the length of the table and added some bauble bling here and there for sparkle. What do you think?
I LOVE ric rac!
It is the cutest trim and has been fun to decorate this year. It's simple, fun, a little retro and is more commonly seen as trimming on clothes, but this year I am taking it to the table and spreading its joy under the tree. This flat braid woven to form zigzags has been used in darning and sewing since the mid-1800s! It was a preferred trim for fancy handwork in the late 19th and early 20th century, a sought-after component of crocheted lace designs. From lace gowns to prairie pinafores, it's a trim that's weathered the test of time.
I had to bring this ribbon to my festive decor this year to match back with the Ric Rac Collection; it's such a simple but effective trim. So much so that I have made my own Ric Rac Christmas Cracker Template for you all to use! Print out the cracker template below to make your own because who doesn't love a freebie in the festive season?
M A T E R I A L S
Decorative paper
Ribbon and tags
Craft knife
Double-sided tape
Sweets and cellophane bags
S T E P S
Print your template out on A4 white paper
Open out and fold along the top and lower fold lines.
Place double-sided tape along the edge of one length of the paper,
shape it into a bonbon with the ends overlapping and stick it firmly in place.
Tie the ends with a string or ribbon and attach a tag.
Fill with sweets previously packaged and sealed in cellophane bags.
