Have yourself a cosy little Christmas…

Have yourself a cosy little Christmas…

We recently caught up with the team at Fable & Willow to get expert advice on creating the perfect festive setting, regardless of the size or type of property you may live in.

While many of us tend to focus on the bigger features at Christmas, such as putting up the tree (artificial or real), stringing up rows of lights and piling up the presents, it’s the smaller details that make all the difference.

“Paying attention to those smaller details is extremely important because they can instantly add that magical personal touch. Plus, they evoke extra special memories of Christmases gone by that cannot be replicated, but can be fondly remembered and added to,” Emma explains.

“All of those little bits and pieces that we keep and treasure and unpack and remember every year can collectively create a really welcoming and heart-warming atmosphere. For example, we always have three trees in our home –  there’s one that’s been inspired by a Victorian Christmas (we’ve made all of own decorations for that tree); the second is full of our children’s decorations, and the third, matches our latest theme, which is always the most polished-looking.

“Once all three trees are up and decorated, the end result as you walk from room-to-room is really impressive. Unless you want everything to be matchy-matchy, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, I’d say that going for a more eclectic approach really is the best way to reflect your personality and create something you truly love and feel proud of.”

Festive tablescaping

Christmas trees and decorations aside, the festive dinner table is always a focal point that everybody gathers around and comments on come Christmas Day. The thought of creating a dining set-up that gives off the festive wow factor may be overwhelming however, it is perfectly possible, with a bit of creative flair and a little layering know-how.

“Layering is the best-kept secret to creating a stunning Christmas table. Your table may be small and round or long and grand, either way, taking a layered approach to decorating it will make it pop from every angle.”

“Start by deciding on your festive colour scheme, for example, berry red, crisp white and sparkly gold, and then make sure that everything you put on your table stays within this colour palette. Next, choose your linen, position your plates (you can layer them up too) and dress the middle of your table with a fresh or faux foliage centrepiece.

“All the while, think about those extra little touches you can add to tie everything together and create a more impressive end result. It could be as simple as adding napkins, runners, placemats and coasters and dotting or trailing a neat row of lights along the middle.”

Fables   top 5 tips for creating the perfect festive tablescape:

1. Stick to three colours – ideally two shades + a metallic colour to ground everything.

2. Layer your plates – for example, a white plate followed by a coloured plate and then a patterned or a geometric-shaped plate on top.

3. Use candle holders – to bring the metallic element into your design, as well as bring  all of the colours together.

4. Add a centrepiece – for added impact and to create a main focal point for your table.

5. Light up your creation – with candles, tealights or solar-powered lights that are really popular these days and can easily be moved to your fireplace or coffee table for that delicate ambient lighting touch.

*Bonus tip: Work in multiples of three or five. For example, three plates, five tealights and three sprigs of mistletoe.*

Outdoor touch

Emma is a huge fan of foraging around outdoors for branches, leaves, berries and flowers for her next project. Not only do these ‘props’ from Mother Nature bring a rustic feel to everything, they are highly affordable and make the beautiful scents we all know, love and enjoy at Christmas come to life too.

“Scents are everything at Christmas-time. In addition to lighting festive candles and diffusers, nothing quite beats the smell of dried oranges, cloves, cinnamon sticks and pine needles wafting through your home,” Emma says.

“Forage around in your garden or take your secateurs on your next walk – there’s almost-always something everywhere you look. Once you’ve gathered all of your foliage, get some wire from a garden centre and some Oasis foam and create garlands for your fireplace, banister or doorway or a beautiful big table display.

“It’s all about having fun, finding a style you love and then replicating it. And if you’re struggling for inspiration, most shops, such as Dunelm and John Lewis, will be able to provide you with plenty of food for thought.”

Fables   favourite foraging finds:

1. Hydrangea.

2. Eucalyptus.

3. Holly.

4. Wild berries.

5. Ivy.

6. Larkspur.

 Perfect pairing

Foliage is essentially the festive gift that keeps on giving. Not only can it be used to create eye-catching table decorations full of plenty of texture, colour and seasonal scents, it can be used to make the best festive first impression.

“You’ve always got to go to town on your front door. It’s the first thing everybody sees when they come to your house and sets the scene for what’s inside,” Emma says.

 “All you need is a nice big wreath, a gorgeous garland draped around your front door or porch and a couple of potted olive trees decorated with a sprinkling of fairy lights.

“Christmas comes round once each year, which means we have one chance to go big or go home and transform our homes into magical wonderlands that make everyone feel cosy and happy throughout the festive season.”