Hello Hardcastletowers readers. I’m Buse, you may remember me as the girl who chaotically poured concrete on BBC1’s Interior Design Masters or you might have no memory of me at all. To properly introduce myself, I am a former architect, turned interior designer who lives and runs a design studio in Cambridge. I have a passion for creating inviting ‘modern heritage’ interiors that are sustainable and reflect the location that they are situated in. My business Interior Design Cambridge is dedicated to sourcing locally, understanding your city and sustainably designed interiors. We write extensively on local shops, trends and markets in the area on our website’s blog. We also highlight up-and-coming home-grown brands that are easy to buy and sustainably produced.
Thank you to Joanne for letting me write a Christmas Blog on the five rules to create a charming tablescape on Christmas Day. Every year, I put in a particular effort to create a show-stopping tablescape, sometimes it goes well and sometimes it can go spectacularly wrong. Here are the five rules that I have learnt over the years and where I source from. I am certain it will help you too.
RULE NUMBER ONE:
Pick a Theme: Choose a cohesive theme for your table such as rustic (warm reds, deep greens, and inviting neutrals), classic (red and green with some white accents), or winter wonderland (go all white and a sprinkle of glitter). Whatever you choose stick to a consistent colour palette to create an all-around coherent look. Remember – this is your starting point.
Top tip: Integrate seasonal elements like pinecones, holly, or miniature Christmas trees to bring the holiday spirit to the table. Go out for a day of pine cone and holly collecting with the kids before Christmas. It is a fun, cheap and sustainable way of adding a personal element to your tablescape.
RULE NUMBER TWO:
Elegant Centerpiece: There must be a focal point. Create a stunning centrepiece for your guests to gawk at while indulging in their dinner. This could be a vibrant floral arrangement, a draped garland across the table like a runner or even a well-decorated branch you may have foraged in the woods. You can get pretty creative here. Don’t forget to add candles for some ambience and added drama.
Source Locally: Cambridge Christmas Market
Location: City Square, Dates and Times Vary
For seasonal centrepieces and decorative accents, the Cambridge Christmas Market is a must-visit. Explore the stalls of local vendors offering handmade wreaths, pinecone arrangements, and other festive delights that will be the talk of your holiday dinner.
Source Locally: Candle Co. Cambridge
Address: 78 Candle Lane
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with candles from Candle Co. Cambridge. Choose from a variety of scents and styles to suit your theme. Their locally crafted candles will add the perfect glow to your festive table.
RULE NUMBER THREE:
Layered Linens: I am personally a big fan of linens. It brings a heritage feel to your dinnerware and gives you a chance to add a pop of colour too. Think holistically about linens. Make sure that they match your placemats and napkins in coordinating colours and textures. Tie it all together with some napkin rings or even a red ribbon and holly. Your linens will instantly have a festive feel.
Source Locally: Artisan Textiles Boutique
Address: 56 Craft Avenue
Enhance the tactile experience of your table setting with textiles from the Artisan Textiles Boutique. Find locally made tablecloths, napkins, and placemats that harmonize with your chosen Christmas theme.
NUMBER FOUR:
Dazzling Dinnerware: This, in my opinion, is a “working with what you’ve got” type of situation. You don’t need to go and invest in a whole new dinnerware and glassware set that complements your theme. Create a theme around what you’ve got. Some additions that you might want to add to your existing dinnerware can be heritage pottery centrepieces to serve different meze dishes or some interesting vintage items. Look out for things with some history that have a story to tell. These often become the items that we enjoy showing off and using in years to come.
Source Locally: Cambridge Pottery Collective
Address: 123 Main Street
Start your tablescaping journey at the Cambridge Pottery Collective, where local artisans craft exquisite dinnerware. Choose from a range of beautifully glazed plates, bowls, and serving dishes to set the foundation for your festive table.
Source Vintage: Vintage Treasures Emporium
Address: 45 Antique Lane*
Add a touch of nostalgia to your table with finds from Vintage Treasures Emporium. Hunt for unique vintage silverware, glassware, and table accessories that will infuse character and history into your Christmas dining setup.
NUMBER FIVE:
Personalised Place Settings: Add a home-made touch with some personalised place settings. These are quick to make and can be a beautiful addition to a tablescape. I find that a little bit of effort goes a long way. These small details are what your guests will remember years later.
These are my five rules, you are welcome to mix and match some of them. Don’t feel that you have to stick to them all – and get the kids or your friends involved. It can be more fun that way! I hope this has given you some inspiration to start thinking about your tablescape this Christmas. If you are interested in finding out more about local businesses and keeping your daily life more sustainable – follow us on @interiordesigncambridge and our Facebook page.
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Hardcastle Towers 