Having a colour coordinated theme or colour scheme as part of your Christmas dinner table is a great start. But what can you do to really ramp things up and make your table one of the most Instagrammable this season?

We recently chatted with our Christmas decoration expert, Trudy, from the Crafts at Christmas shop onsite, who gave us some of her top tips…

Layer up

Layering different textures helps to create visual interest on your table. Start with a table cloth or runner as the foundation and build up the layers. Plates, crockery and cutlery come next with napkins to match your tablecloth.

Add in height using candlesticks and finally your foliage centrepiece or accessories to add additional interest.

Centrepieces

Having a centrepiece will really transform your table. It can be anything, from a small wreath with a candle in the centre, to a vase of seasonal festive flowers or baubles. Or you could even go for a Christmas garland with evergreen foliage down the length of the table on top of or in place of a runner, intertwined with fairy lights.

You can buy ready made centrepieces or even make your own. Grab a stylish bowl and fill it with pine cones, orange segments, nuts, sprigs of foliage and some candles. These simple arrangements are often more impressive than extravagant ones as they are subtle and in keeping with current times.

Don’t forget a personal touch

Make your guests feel welcomed by personalising where they sit. You can jazz up their place settings with cards and holders with their names written in beautiful calligraphy. You can also pop a small gift in their place that they can take home and enjoy once the festivities are over. The trend this year is home crafted or cooked gifts like hand felted animals or small pots of jams or chutneys.

Glassware and crockery

If there was ever a time to get your precious glassware and crockery out, this is it. Elegant glassware helps create opulence at your table and you can base your colour scheme around the plates you already have. Don’t forget napkins, and crackers too if you wish to have them, and make sure everything is recyclable or can be reused – tablescapes that pack a planet friendly punch are definitely on point this year.

Be generous with the nibbles

Most people wait until the main meal is done to hand out nibbles or break out the cheese board, but to create the perfect Christmas dinner tablescape, you should have these available on the table already – space permitting. Pop bread, cheese, mince pies, breadsticks and other nibbles on gorgeous plates or in baskets for your guests to enjoy at their leisure.