The guests are coming! The guests are coming!
- Picky & Fancy
- Nov 25, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 13, 2024
Don’t panic, just plan. We’ve got you!
Hosting a Christmas dinner? Here's some tablescape ideas to keep it festive and fabulous.
Your table should reflect warmth, not pressure.
Looking for an easy way to add a festive touch?
A simple bowl of mandarins or oranges. Yes, really. The vibrant pop of orange against wintery whites or rich greens immediately exudes cheer. With their sunny colour and holiday scent, these little citrus gems are natural ornaments. Add a sprig of rosemary or a few pinecones, and boom... your table is festive, fragrant, and refreshingly uncomplicated.
Kick off cocktail
Signature cocktails sound cute until you’re stuck muddling mint for 25 people.
Solution: wine, sparkling water, and one easy, big-batch cocktail like a spiced apple sangria.
Bonus points if you serve it in a fancy glass pitcher.
Cinnamon Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
Ingredients
1 bottle red wine
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup orange juice
4 cinnamon sticks
2 apples (if you're picky, Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisps would work really well)
1 orange
1/2 cup brandy (or so!)
Method
Let’s keep this simple.
Grab some apples, slice up an orange and toss everything into a big pitcher. Seriously, go big - this is not the time for a dainty container.
Throw in a few cinnamon sticks, pour in a good splash of brandy (don’t be shy), the whole bottle of wine (yes, all of it), some orange juice, and a generous glug of apple cider. Give it a quick stir to get everything mingling.
Here’s the secret sauce: let it chill in the fridge for at least three hours. Longer is even better—the flavours need time to mix and get all cozy.
When it’s time to serve, if you’ve got time and you're feeling fancy, rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar. It's effortlessly chic and undeniably clever. Suddenly, you’re the legend who brought the sparkle. No fuss, all flavour, and endless party cred. Cheers to you!
Stemmed hobnail goblet glasses 
Hobnail Glass Sangria Pitcher 
Hobnail cocktail glasses
Tablescape colour palettes
Keep it deliberate. Give one of these three effortlessly cool looks a try...
Whichever you choose, string up some fairy lights around the room, add a few candles, and boom - instant atmosphere!
Tip: Eucalyptus or cedar branches are your new best friends. They’re budget-friendly, smell incredible, and magically make it look like you’ve got it all together.
1. A funky mix of tartans, paisley, and bright florals!
Neutral, gold, greenery—so Scandi!
Handcuffs off colour? Go for it!
Look #1
Tartan, paisley & floral
A bold and eclectic combo of patterns makes a statement: classic tartans, intricate and joyful paisley designs bursting with colour & energy. The mix creates a dynamic & visually captivating tablescape that blends traditional charm with a modern creative feel.
Our handy picks to help you get the look...
Paisley tablecloth 
Boho Plaid holiday tablecloth 
Paisley napkins & tablecloth 
Pearl handled silverware 
Plaid cotton napkins 
Spode Christmas Tree Dinner plates 
Tartan china side plates 
Red floral dinnerware Set 
Tartan dinner plate 
Amber crystal wine glasses 
Red Ceramic soup bowls 
Amber goblets
Look #2
Neutral, gold, & greenery
Neutral tones, warm gold, natural fabrics, and lush greenery create a serene yet chic vibe.
The gold adds elegance, greenery brings freshness, and the textures of natural fabrics tie it all together with timeless charm.
Our handy picks to help you get the look...
Linen Tablecloth 
Natural Linen Napkins 
Forest shine runner 
Ribbed Champagne Glasses 
Constellation Pierced Ceramic Candleholders 
Seagrass placemats 
Honeycomb paper Xmas tree 
Set of 3 wood candle holders 
Gold vintage ribbed glass tealight holders 
Handmade stoneware dinner plates 
Matte Gold cutlery 
Globe string lights
Look #3
Handcuffs off Colour? Go for it!
Bright pops of colour bring all-out joy and energy to this table scape.
Vibrant hues & cheerful details create a look that’s bursting with happiness - perfect for celebrations full of life & laughter!
Our handy picks to help you get the look...
Linen pom pom edged tablecloth 
William Morris & Co placemats 
Cotton napkins 
Colourful wine glasses 
Ribbed Martini / Champagne glasses 
Colourful coupe glasses 
Pink & Gold cutlery 
Handmade reactive ceramic plate set 
Green ceramic dinnerware 
Vintage blue wine goblets 
Retro Gold flatware 
Ceramic dinnerware set 
Cobalt highball glass 
Footed fruit bowl 
Set of 3 Green glass candlestick holders 
Vintage colourful ornaments 
Red twisted taper candles 
Red taper candles
Remember, above all, your table should reflect warmth, not pressure.
Tip: Looking for another way to add a festive touch?
A simple bowl of mandarins or oranges. Yes, really. The vibrant pop of orange against wintery whites or rich greens immediately exudes cheer. With their sunny colour and holiday scent, these little citrus gems are natural ornaments. Add a sprig of rosemary or a few pinecones, and boom... your table is festive, fragrant, and refreshingly uncomplicated.
We wish you a holiday season filled with family, friends and a big dash of cheer!
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Oh, that title immediately took me back to a chaotic but wonderful weekend a few years ago when my entire extended family descended upon our little house for a surprise anniversary party for my parents. I swear, for about 48 hours straight, our home was a symphony of clattering dishes, boisterous laughter, and the occasional frantic search for a misplaced charger or a clean towel. We had people sleeping on couches, air mattresses in the living room, and even a brave soul who set up a cot in the garage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_of_skill The kitchen was a constant whirlwind of activity, and I distinctly remember discovering a small mountain of dirty teacups I'd completely forgotten about when I finally tidied up on…