A Christmas Table That Sparkles
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
PHOTOS: LISA ATKINSON
As an avid collector of one too many things…
…I was inspired to incorporate my crystal and cut glass collection into my Christmas styling this year after I spotted a gorgeous set of cut glass wine glasses at Harris Scarfe. The sparkling glass and crystal sit amongst the lush greens of the fir and gardenias, surrounded by cheerful silver baubles creating a really strong Christmas look - and one that didn’t break the bank.
2020 has been a year we have missed out on so much - spending special occasions with our family, celebrating traditions we have always taken for granted and so much more. So as we head into a season, I wanted to go into my collection - one that features pieces handed down from family, pieces I have picked up on our travels and pieces that have been gifted by friends. This year, my Christmas table is laden with memories, items that remind me of family and friends that cannot be replaced. So when styling your table this year - think about the pieces you have in your home - the ones that represent family, friends and good times - and bring them onto that table, give them a little Christmas twist and start celebrating.
This Christmas is the year to…
Bring out all the good china, what are you waiting for? This is the day for it to shine.
Saving that special celebratory bottle of something? Pop that cork!
Grandmas tablecloth isn't too precious to use, layer it up with flowers and decorations for a festive tabletop.
Make a real effort with Christmas traditions, decorate the tree together, wrap the gifts together - you get the drift!
Shop local as much as you can to support the community around you
Celebrate with music! Christmas songs are the fastest way to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
I love this glamorous table for both its sparkle, and it's simplicity. It has the perfect combination of collected pieces, grown fo the garden foliage and simple, everyday items that bring it all together. I've included cut glass, op shopped items and crystal bowls, glasses, plates and stands, layering them on top and beside each other, creating a line down the centre off the table. Give them a good wipe down before you start layering up your dining table - this will give them maximum shine!
I've turned crystal glasses into candlesticks, upturned bowls to create cloches, used small jugs to along the way to fill with my gardenias and surrounded them all with simple, glittering baubles. Flip those underused sherry glasses, use them as candle holders or vases. There are no rules and layering it together in interesting combinations is what makes it really fun! For tableware, I have kept it simple with classic white china, cut glass stemware that blends in with my crystal perfectly, silver cutlery and white linen napery with mismatched silver decorations for some extra sparkle.
What I love most is the lush greenery that brings this table to life. I have collected posies of Gardenias from my garden, branches of fir trees and bay leaf to fill it out. I love that this style of decorating can be created by anyone, using any greenery you can get your hands on. From vines to rosemary, mixing the green with the crystal creates a beautiful, classic look, add in a few sparkly baubles = just gorgeous!
3 Understated Christmas Tables I know you'll love!
Celebrating Christmas with House & Garden It was so much fun doing this shoot where I really got to spread my decorative wings and work to a more stylised theme: the colour green! Using one colour, and not deviating from it, can be such a strong design statement, especially on an occasion that is usually so full of colour.
My Blue & White Outdoor Christmas Table I always pick a theme and colour palette to start. For this outdoor Christmas table setting, I wanted to create a simple, lady-like classic setting with the colour theme being baby blue and white. I wanted it to be crisp, fresh and elegant. So as you can see, simplicity and elegance are key for this table setting. Surround yourself with friends, inhale the gorgeous smelling candles and flowers and have yourself a perfect Christmas lunch.
An Understated Christmas Table When I sat down to work out where I was going to have a relaxed Christmas lunch, I knew the outdoors was the perfect spot. Christmas in Australia is often an outdoor affair with the sun shining and delicious seafood on display, and seeing as I am home this year - I am going to make the most of it.
To recreate this classic look simply head to Harris Scarfe for their selection of products like Bon Bons , Textured ornaments, 4pk Shimmer Napkin Set in Silver, Garden Dinner plates, Cutlery Set & Wine Glasses.