5 alternative ways to wow your dinner guests this festive season

Our columnist Anna Barnett gives you a masterclass in how to style your table for Christmas
Anna Barnett
Anna Barnett4 December 2017

1. Turn your fruit bowl into a centrepiece

This festive season is all about making the most of your seasonal produce and using your fruit and vegetables as beautiful (and edible!) table decorations.

So throw out the plastic decor, tinsel and ball-balls and head straight to the fruit and veg aisle.

Add in cinnamon sticks and adorn your fruit with cloves to add an extra festive scent to your table.

2. Something to take away

Give your guests a little something to take home…this season I can’t get enough of the scent of fresh herbs, especially fresh rosemary, thyme and sage.

So why not turn them into a bouquet garni? I love decorating each place setting with a herb bundle which guests can take and use when cooking up their next winter soup or stew.

The added bonus is that they look super pretty too.

3. One colour fits all

Having a colour theme doesn’t need to end at decorations and place settings. Go bold with food and drink choices, creating striking dishes in colour ways that complement their surroundings.

4. Keep it on trend

Think on trend tones…this season is all about colour blocking, so scrap traditional tartans, red bows and things that sparkle and go understated and considered with varying shades of pinks, greens or greys.

Carving knives from Momosan  Salt & Pepper Grinders from Robert WelchLinen Napkin from Merci

5. By candlelight

Candles are a must and the more the merrier. Even if your overall look is pretty pared back be sure to go all out on the candle front.

You can even use candles during daytime meals where they add a sense of warmth and luxury whatever the time.

Anna Barnett is a cook, author and food & travel writer. Follow her on Instagram @annabarnettcooks or visit her website annabarnettcooks.com.

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