With Christmas just around the corner followed very closely by the reigning in of the New Year, the festive season is now in full swing. Our social calendars are getting chockfull with gatherings, parties and festive cheers. Before you say ‘Bah Humbug’ to hosting a dinner party of your own, Founder of Home Cook Love, Ali Wong shares her top 5 simple tips to nailing your festive dinner décor this year.
image via pinterest
1. Of herbs, spices and bush blooms.
I’ve always loved the idea of a rustic traditional Wintry Christmas. Open log fires, the smell of fresh pine, snow, gluhwein and a good ol’ roast with the family. Even though a Winter Wonderland isn’t possible in our sunlit country at this time of the year, you can still achieve that warm rustic feel with a few little touches. Sprigs of herbs tied together with jute string or posies of bush blooms set on a Hessian table runner make for an instant rustic touch. Cinnamon sticks bundled around church candles give the table a lift, and least to say the waft of that heavenly cinnamon scent as the candle burns!
2. Go artisan.
There’s something to be said about serving a lovingly homemade Christmas dinner on beautiful artisan dinnerware. Homemade food and handmade dinnerware go hand in hand, that combination evokes an added sense of warmth, homeliness and appreciation for the effort that has gone into the creation of these visually and tastefully yummy things. Dining should be a multi-sensory experience after all.
3. DIY mini table wreaths.
Festive wreaths are not just meant for hanging on the front door, it’s easy to create mini table wreaths for the table to add that snug and rustic touch. Purchase some twine from the local crafts store, and gather some twigs, gum leaves and nuts from your garden or around the neighbourhood. Twist twine around a bunch of twigs carefully into a circle, carefully so that they don’t snap off. Glue on some gum leaves, add a small sprig of gumnuts and a bow and you have a perfectly charming mini wreath made from everything Mother Nature has to offer with your creativity included.
4. Mason jars.
The humble mason jar has made its way into many beautiful home décor ideas. It’s so simple to turn it into a gorgeous piece of handiwork. Make use of tasteful ribbons, strings, candles, blooms (the list goes on) and the world’s your décor oyster. Arrange your decorated jars in a row or group them in a circle to create a table centrepiece, or set individual jars at each setting for that personal touch.
5. Nail that colour theme.
It’s the simplest way to really personalise and give your tabletop that festive vibe. You can’t go wrong with a clean white and gold theme, dress it up with our rustic tips as above and get ready to fall in love with that warm, homely feeling. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, experiment with darker or more vibrant hues like blacks and reds, or mixing and matching patterns. Pinterest has a mountain of inspiration for the colour matching novices. Find what works best with the colour theme you have going on with the rest of the home, and you’ll be in a sweet spot.
My favourite and best tip is to keep it simple. There’s no need to go out of your way as extravagance can be found in the simplest of ideas. All you need to do is to let your creativity and individual style shine through. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun and enjoy the process as it is Christmas after all. Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
