Before you reach for the linens, ask yourself how you want the evening to feel:

• Intimate and glowing?
  
• Crisp and wintry?
  
• Joyfully over the top?
  

Once you’ve decided on a mood, your tablescape naturally begins to take shape. An intimate dinners call for brass candlesticks and playful place cards; a fresher palette pairs beautifully with white linens, green foliage, and simple ceramics. Themes date quickly. Moods last all season.

The secret to a beautiful table is depth - not just colour, but texture. Think linen tablecloths, velvet ribbons tied around cutlery, sprigs of eucalyptus tucked into napkins, and candles of varying heights. 

Layers create richness, and richness feels festive. Even a minimalist table becomes instantly elevated with something tactile.

Glassware is one of the easiest ways to add elegance to your table - and yes, we’re biased, but we’re also right.

Etched wine glasses bring a soft sparkle to the table, catching candlelight with every clink. Champagne coupes add a touch of glamour (particularly our oval coupe, which positively thrives in low lighting), while tumblers offer structure and balance. Mixing glass styles can feel wonderfully intentional - a little curated, a little effortless.

Festive styling doesn’t have to rely on glitter or elaborate centrepieces. Often, the most beautiful details are simple: sprigs of pine, bowls of clementines, clusters of winter berries, or a scattering of eucalyptus. These touches add colour, fragrance, and a sense of seasonality without overwhelming the table. 

Nothing transforms a table like candlelight. Mix tall taper candles with low tealights to create layers of glow. Cluster them in odd numbers for a more organic feel, and avoid scented candles during dinner - nobody wants their roast potatoes competing with “Winter Berry Dream”.

Place cards don’t have to be formal - written tags, sprigs of herbs, or tied ribbons work beautifully. A handwritten note at each setting feels intimate - it’s these little details that make your guests feel thought of.

A festive tablescape doesn’t end with the plates. Consider a mini bar setup or drinks tray that echoes the table - a well-dressed drinks station sends a clear message: the evening will not be dry.

Guests remember how the evening felt, not whether each napkin was folded at the exact same angle. Allow a bit of movement, a touch of whimsy, and the inevitable candle that burns slightly faster than the others.

The best tables whisper “pull up a chair” rather than “please don’t touch anything”.