It’s official, Christmas is right around the corner. And even though festivities are set to look rather different this year, we’re finding magic in moments big and small – like laying a table to enjoy with those nearest now, and fine-tuning your presentation to share with others later.
Admittedly, we’ve never been one for the expected, so when we asked Susanna Hawkins of @shnordic and Ola Zwolenik, curator of brights at @thistimeincolour what their Christmas surroundings would look like this year, we were excited to see an abundance of modern twists. From ways to make a penchant for minimalism festive, to a new take on novelty tablescapes, here’s their guide to making this year’s setting decidedly you.
How to:
Transform Your
Christmas Table
Susanna Hawkins and Ola Zwolenik’s guide
to festive settings (with a twist).
Susanna Hawkin’s Take on Nordic Nuance
Nordic style is known for its minimalism, but that doesn’t mean your chosen colour palette has to be purely neutral. Dusky pinks read like a neutral on the eye but add warmth. Texture is your friend too as it stops place settings from appearing flat – think plates with reactive glazes, linen napkins, ombre glasses and faux-fur throws to bring a touch of comfort to everyone’s seats.
Nordic style is known for its minimalism, but that doesn’t mean your chosen colour palette has to be purely neutral. Dusky pinks read like a neutral on the eye but add warmth. Texture is your friend too as it stops place settings from appearing flat – think plates with reactive glazes, linen napkins, ombre glasses and faux-fur throws to bring a touch of comfort to everyone’s seats.
Natural accents not only look and smell amazing, but they’ll conjure instant calm. Opt for a leafy green garland and let it bloom from the centre outwards. If you want to go the elegant extra mile, tuck handwritten name cards into the foliage for a personal touch.
Ola Zwolenik’s Take on Festive Colour-Pop
Think of Christmas tables and novelty, and you immediately think of Father Christmas plates and reindeer glasses. While we're huge fans of this aesthetic, we know it's not for everyone. Ola's take on novelty puts a menagerie of animals at its centre.
Start with rattan placemats and layer on a menagerie of animal-decked plates and agate coasters to add character. Print (although daunting) is what brings this table to life. You can make sure that everything stays consistent and complementary, particular on a small table set up, but choosing your serveware from the same collection or picking a close match from the same colour palette.
Think of Christmas tables and novelty, and you immediately think of Father Christmas plates and reindeer glasses. While we're huge fans of this aesthetic, we know it's not for everyone. Ola's take on novelty puts a menagerie of animals at its centre.
Start with rattan placemats and layer on a menagerie of animal-decked plates and agate coasters to add character. Print (although daunting) is what brings this table to life. You can make sure that everything stays consistent and complementary, particular on a small table set up, but choosing your serveware from the same collection or picking a close match from the same colour palette.
Now – no meal is complete without a centrepiece – and Ola recommends going big in the form of blooms and bouquets. From ranunculus to peonies, roses and dried stems – try to match the flowers with your tables theme, in this case, orange, pinks and greens – it’ll help tie everything together.
Searching for the perfect gift? Find them here.
Searching for the perfect gift? Find them here.