Di Overton 

I think I’ve reached to the point where I can’t think of Christmas gifts anymore. I have 5 kids and 5 grandchildren and all the extra family that comes with that and every year it gets harder and harder to find the right gifts as they already have so much.

However the big event is Christmas Lunch and there is nothing better than the sight of that table when it is just waiting for the food to be placed upon it. After that it’s a different story as they all descend and wreck it.

Christmas is about tradition but I like to add a twist to it. I have linked as many items as possible for the rest just go to a good flea market and a florist.

TABLE LINENS

Linen and Lace make a fabulous base for the table. Use neutrals and whites and you can’t go wrong.

Napkin Rings

White Linen Napkins

Black Lace Table Mat

White Lace Doilies

SERVING AND EATING

No one can beat the French for their beautiful ceramics and they always look even more beautiful when framed with vintage cutlery. A heavily carved wooden cheese board brings it all together. White, Silver and Wood is the story.

White Porcelain and Silver Coffee Set

White Porcelain Serving Dish and Jug

White Porcelain Dinner Service

Carved Wooden Cheese Board

GLASSWARE

Vintage, vintage, vintage. Heavily detailed vintage glasses sparkle and shine in candlelight like nothing else.

Vintage Glass Celery Vases

Assorted Vintage Glasses and Salts

TABLE DECORATIONS

Vintage Moroccan Tin Trays make great place mats and will look even better with the white porcelain plates sitting on them. A splash of colour would come from the votives. Find a vintage French flan dish and fill it with moss and candles and some little jewels and it will make a stunning centrepiece that is low and won’t get in anyone’s line of sight.

In the UK we tend to have crackers at the table with useless gifts inside. Why not make your own little linen bags tied with an artificial flower – hair ornaments are good for this – and fill them with chocolates and a little gift that each recipient will appreciate.

Moroccan Trays

Coloured Glass Votives

FOR THE HOSTESS

You may end up flat on your back after all that hard work so you may as well look good whilst remaining horizontal.

Lovely Lovely Apron