How to Style Your Table for the Festive Season — Christmas, New Year and Every Drinks Party In Between

The festive season is when the table really comes into its own. Whether you’re hosting Christmas lunch, a slow Boxing Day gathering or New Year’s drinks, the setting you create shapes the atmosphere. Our approach is simple: rustic textures, well-crafted ceramic tableware, glassware that brings a subtle sense of occasion, seasonal foliage, warm lighting and a hint of gold for the 2025 party season — statement pieces that bring the table together in a relaxed, inviting way.

“Start with what you love, add a few simple seasonal touches, and keep things stress-free — less is more. Choose a few pieces that make you happy, and most importantly, pour yourself a drink.”
Kara Seddon, Co-owner Seddon and Davison

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Start with a Simple Foundation

A calm base sets the tone for the whole table. If your dining table has a natural wood grain or rustic finish, keep it visible. Add a simple linen runner, a few placemats or a light layer of greenery — just enough to give structure without covering what makes your table special. If you prefer using a tablecloth, linen always looks relaxed but refined.

For our festive table setting, we’ve used Gold Woven Beaded Placemats with matching coasters. They bring in seasonal warmth and texture while keeping the overall look centred, simple and elegant.

Layering the Tableware

This year, we’ve styled the table using a pairing we return to again and again:

• Livia Collection – Matt Black Dinner Plate (Also available in Champagne and Mauve Rose tones)
• Mallorca Sand Beige Pasta Bowl — pictured, and also a perfect match with the Eivissa Collection

The contrast between the matt black and the soft neutral bowl adds depth and keeps the setting modern yet understated. A folded linen napkin sits neatly on top — we love our Dark Olive Linen Napkins for a richer palette, or the Christmas Tree Paper Napkins and Walnut Leaf Paper Napkins for relaxed gatherings.

Festive Glassware That Sets the Tone

Glassware plays a big role in setting the tone of the table, and this season we’re choosing pieces with a little extra character.

• Smoked Red Wine Glass — (pictured) A sophisticated glass that still lets the colour of the wine shine through.
  
• Amber Teardrop Champagne Flutes and Wine Glasses — new in. Generous in size and perfect for celebrations.
• Etta Wine Glasses and Champagne Flutes - The swirl, ribbed design catches the candlelight beautifully and adds a refined detail to your festive table setting.

Dips, Nibbles and the Extra Touches

Small bowls and shared dishes make the festive table feel abundant without clutter. Mix materials and shapes for a relaxed, modern rustic look.

Our seasonal favourites:

• Camille Large Serving Bowl - works perfectly with the Mallorca Sand Beige and Livia Champagne Tableware.
• Milani Stoneware Bowls in Green or Natural
  
• Milla Reactive Glaze Bowls - (with or without stand)
• Riviera Range of Plates - Beautifully glazed leaf shape designs made in Portugal - Hydrangea Plate in Tomate or Laurel Leaf Small Plate in Verte. 
  
• Jannike Petal Ceramic Bowls in Amber - Set of 2 - Unique petal shaped 

Perfect for festive nibbles: nuts, olives, dips, miniature desserts, chutneys or chocolates.

Cheeseboards and Cheese Knife Sets

No festive gathering is complete without a good cheeseboard.

We’re styling with:

• Tours Wooden Tapas Board — Leaf or Flower Carving
  
• Lisamai Acacia Wood Cheese Knives or the Horn and Stainless Steel Cheese Knife Set complete the set.

These pieces make the cheeseboard feel like an event and a place that guests naturally want to gather around.

Keep the Centrepiece Low and Relaxed - Let Candlelight do the Work

A festive table works best when conversation flows easily. Keep the centrepiece low so nothing feels overcrowded. Candlelight is what gives a festive table its atmosphere — soft, warming and effortlessly elegant. We offer traditional candles in a range of beautiful shades, and our Real-Wax LED candles give the same warm glow while providing a safer option for busy homes.

Simple ideas for styling include:

Create a grounded focal point by grouping LED or pillar candles on the Acacia Wood Trays (round or rectangular versions available). You could try the Filula Oblong Votive with short pillar candles in colours that match your scheme, and for a festive touch, add a couple of the Mirabel Gold Mistletoe & Berries Candlestick or Tulip Glass Tealight Holder with Gold Rim, Vosse Antique Gold Votive - Large or Small.

Winter foliage in a rustic jug or vase - a Cafe au Lait Dahlia or evergreen sprig in a small rustic vase, such as the Assaga Cream Vases, Ayana Brown Melange Vase or Wyatt Jug, Brown, Stoneware, which has flecks of gold, amber tones.

Bowls of citrus, nuts and winter fruits - try the Antique Gold Coral Bowl for a showstopping central piece, the Brown Ombre Shell Effect Bowl or serving bowls, plates or dishes from the Milani range in a warming green. 

This makes the table feel pulled together but never staged.

From Christmas to New Year — without starting again

A Christmas table can move easily into New Year with just a few simple changes. Stay with gold tones but add something reflective — the Golden Crane Tray and matching Coaster Set catch candlelight beautifully.

As it’s time for cocktails, bring out glassware that feels a little special: the Smoked Cocktail Glass or the Gold Martini Glass work perfectly for New Year celebrations.

Christmas styling naturally sits lower and feels more intimate. For New Year, a little height changes the mood — taller candlesticks such as the Alice Light Gold Candlestick or Icarus Cream Candlesticks, or even a raised bowl, give the table a more evening-ready look. The Ota Sand and Light Brown Plate on Stand is perfect for adding a LED Candle display, making a festive centrepiece out of baubles or bringing out a show stopping desert.

Why a Well-Styled Table Matters

A thoughtful table isn’t about being perfect — it’s about setting the scene for the moments that matter: slow meals, laughter, late-night conversations, the little pauses in between.

Whether you’re hosting Christmas Day, serving nibbles for friends, or ringing in the New Year, the right layers of tableware, candles, glassware and a calm base make every gathering feel special.

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