Before starting with today’s post I just wanted to say thank you to those of you who have reached out to me since reading my last blog post, I was really touched by your lovely comments. I’m pleased that it comforted people to know that you are not alone and often we are in the same boat facing similar challenges. Anyway on with today’s festive table inspiration post. As the John Lewis advert was aired for the first time last week (I LOVE it, but how about you? Prefer it to last years one? Although I must say that Marks & Spencer’s have exceeded themselves this year with their Mrs Claus advert, I would be hard pushed to pick a favourite!) it’s safe to say that the holidays are coming! Sorry to all you scrooges out there but I love Christmas! Not in a crazy put my tree up in October kind of way but in the healthy ‘normal’ amount that you should. I just adore the run up to it, it really is such a magical time of year. All the pretty lights, mulled wine, snuggling on the sofa watching festive movies visiting Christmas craft fairs, it’s just the best!

For those of you who may be hosting a festive dinner party this year or actually hosting Christmas day itself this gorgeous festive shoot might give you some ideas for your own table decor, particularly if you are a lover of pink!

Linens

Start by thinking about your table linens, a runner can instantly set the scene. A sequin runner if your wanting to have a glitzy table setting or a chevron design like the one pictured above would be good if you’re wanting a more modern look. Alternatively you could opt for a more organic paired back look and choose to not have a runner, letting the bare wood speak for itself, the choice is yours.

Lighting

Adds the perfect ambience and coloured candles are fab if your wanted to create a modern and fun atmosphere. The pink candles add vibrant pops of colour against the grey runner and whichever colour candles you choose to have you can co-ordinate these with other details on your table such as your crackers to bring the whole look together. Other lighting ideas you may want to include could be tea lights either grouped or dotted along the table. Silver and gold mercury would compliment a sequin table runner if your wanting a more glitzy look. Fairy lights displayed in bottles or mason jars create rustic cosy feel too.

Table Centres

Invest in a festive table centre, if you opt for gorgeous seasonal ingredients such as seasonal foliages, berries, dried fruits, cinnamon sticks etc. then it will last for weeks so you can reuse it throughout the festive season not just for your dinner party. You could opt to have one main long arrangement or two or three smaller arrangements which can be spread along the table in amongst your tea lights etc. A festive wreath will welcome your guests when they arrive & could even include elements from your festive table centres too if you wanted your decor to compliment one another. You could opt to include candles within your centre pieces as the ones featured and you can include other trimmings such as velvet ribbon to bring in those luxe touches.

Place Names

A dinner party wouldn’t be the same without place names to really add to the occasion. These silver mercury ones were purchased from Heavenly Homes & Gardens and really compliment the chevron grey runner. Another idea for a more woodland inspired table is pine cone place names, like these ones I found via pinterest or gold sprayed leaves with each persons name written on, polka dot bride has this step by step guide if you wanted to have a go at creating these. Alternatively for a more simple and understated idea you could place a single spruce of foliage (I would suggest something seasonal such as rosemary or pine) and tie each persons name to it with a luggage label. I love all of these ideas so it would just depend on what type of style I wanted my festive table decor to have.

Other Details 

No festive table would be complete without crackers, these contemporary designs go perfectly with the fun and chic table setting. Other favourites that I have my eye on this year are these Spruce Gold Foil Tree crackers from M&S and these Reindeer crackers spotted on the Idyll Home website.

I hope this has given you some festive table inspiration for this year. Are you thinking glitz and glamour or natural and organic? Whatever you decide enjoy getting creative and entertaining your guests! More of our festive designs can be found on our special occasions page, If you would like to order your festive table centre drop us an email: hello@joannetruby.co.uk and let’s get creating! There are also a few spaces left on our Christmas wreath master class if you would like the idea of creating your own master piece this year, all the details can be found here.

Image Credits: Claire Graham