It all started when I first laid eyes on the new table linen range that Chandan & Whittle launched a while ago, I was taken aback by the beauty of these organic cotton fabrics that Kam designs from her studio in Dublin.
"I set out to create a colourful Christmas table against my purple wall"
I thought the rich purple wall in my dining-room would be the perfect backdrop to play with the jewel colours of amethyst and ruby. It's only when I started to add accents of gold to elevate the look and pulled out those gorgeous star-shaped tea light holders that it hit me: fabrics with luxurious flavour of the east, precious stones vibes and the Northern Star! My Three-Kings-inspired table was born.
Kam has such an eye for great colour combination, this particular "Larisa" set is a favourite of mine, mixing a warm green pattern with a pop of neon pink in the tassels and seams.
I decided to create a centre-piece mixing florals and fruits (it has been a big trend this year) echoing colours and flavours of Betlehem and beyond. Figs, pomegranates, walnuts blended with beautiful flower heads picking up that intense pink colour.
I started by laying out the big pieces like the cabbage flowers, pomegranates and hydrangea heads, then slotted the big baubles in between. I finished with the smaller fruits: figs, walnuts, smaller baubles and berry twigs to create thin pointy ends to the runner.
Finish the look with lots and lots of candles, whatever you have to matches your scheme, mix it all up. If safety is a worry, then use battery-powered ones.
The flowers were from a cheap supermarket bouquet
TOP TIP: 1hour before you start your special meal, away from the table, cut a few of the fruits in two for added texture, things like pomegranate will reveal that explosive emerald colour, but as they are very juicy and prone to staining your runner, you should pat them gently with kitchen towel before bringing them across. Purple figs are also a winner with their pinky flesh.
Always echo the dressing of the runner with a similar accent on the plate, here I have used a gold napkin rings to tie in with the gold tea light holders and I have placed a sprig of berry next to it along with a whole walnut as per the finishing details of the floral runner.There you have it, a natural look, chic and colourful, easy to achieve and that won't make a hole in your wallet.
You could even extend the theme to your menu? Something like Nigel Slater's Mulled Lamb would fit in so perfectly with its middle-eastern spices and dried fruits. Or if you're veggie this Nut Roast With Potato Topping spotted in Delicious Magazine would look equally as festive.
Christmas is compromised for most of us this year, a small touch like this runner, can make a difference to turn a simple meal into a great memory.
It sure will make a pretty pic for your instagram if nothing else!!!
CREDITS:
Table runner & napkins from Chandan & Whittle
Star tealight holders, gold cutlery, gold napkin rings and glassware from Zara Home
Gold Plate Chargers from John Lewis
Plates from Brissi
Purple Wall paint is velvet ribbon 4 from Dulux
Candle stick holder gold from Ester & Erik