A-Z of tantalising tables, daring decorations and festive fripperies!

When planning your Christmas party this year, don't forget your tables! A sprinkle of creativity goes a long way, and needn't break the bank. Sara Goodwins' essential alphabet of decoration inspiration will give your table dressing maximum impact

By Sara Goodwins
  1. is for… Angels. Traditionally Christmassy. Small ones can hold place cards; large ones make a beautiful table centre, or suspend angel mobiles above the tables!

  2. is for… Baubles. Group them around the base of a candle, collect in a glass bowl or use instead of a tassel to weigh down the pointed edges of a table cloth or runner, or helium balloons.

  3. is for… Candles. Candles make a huge difference to the ambiance of any occasion. Group chunky candles for a modern look or surround the tapered variety with greenery for a more traditional arrangement. For very formal events, consider using elegant candelabra. If you're worried about the fire risk, floating candles are a safer alternative and look lovely - or how about tea-lights in different coloured glass containers?

  4. is for… Drapery. At buffets, the sides and fronts of tables are more noticeable than the top. Make sure table coverings reach the floor, use swags of cloth, foliage or tinsel to break up the flat front, and contrast colours for added impact. And don't forget your chairs! Dull old chairs can look stunning when swathed in beautiful fabric. Try covering your chair backs or the entire chair - it's a small trick, which makes an enormous impact, particularly if finished with a huge bow.

  5. is for… Extras. Plan carefully what you'll include and, just as importantly, what you'll leave out. Think about how your various extras will work together, to give a whole effect. Choose your accessories to match the theme and don't get carried away by trying to include too much, or it may look messy. Additional ideas can always be kept for another event.

  6. is for… Flowers. Large arrangements work for buffets but for sit-down meals keep it small or your guests will have to peer at each other around the foliage. Place a collection of flower heads inside a glass bowl; include baubles, stars or even tiny lights inside centre pieces; or have individual flowers or sprays of berried holly on each place setting.

  7. is for… Glitter. Dust the table surface with light-catching glitter in self or contrasting colours.

  8. is for… Hiring. If you have stunning ideas but don't know where to get the 'props', don't despair; party and event management agencies can get what you want, and save you worrying about what to do with the life-sized polar bear afterwards!

  9. is for… Ice. Ice sculptures make a really stunning centrepiece and are less expensive than you might imagine. Sculptors have set pieces or can design something unique.

  10. is for… Jewels. Substitute beads or glass pebbles for the real thing. Use under floating candles or in table decorations linked with a party hat, mask or bow tie.

  11. is for… Keepsake. Put single-use cameras on the table and have the pictures developed for distribution later (in the staff newsletter/intranet!).

  12. is for… Linen. Nothing looks more luxurious than heavy linen tablecloths. White is traditional, but darker colours can be striking and show off lighter place settings to advantage.

  13. is for… Mirrors. Use as place mats or a stand for candles to reflect the light.

  14. is for… Napkins. Fold into crowns, water lilies or birds. Contrast the colour of napkins with that of the table covering for added impact.

  15. is for… Oranges. And other fruit. Display in glass dishes or a blue bowl, perhaps with cinnamon sticks and pine cones - simple, quick and eye-catching.

  16. is for… Place settings. Huge scope for personalisation! Tie them in with your theme by producing shaped placemats, such as a snowflake, star or Christmas tree. Display a small 'gift' of a posy, a few grapes or the traditional Christmas cracker. Differentiate male/female place settings by contrasting colours. You could even make a feature of place cards by turning them into place mats with the name in large letters. Or how about a caricature of each guest? Laminate for use as a place mat so that they can be taken home.

  17. is for… Quality. Speaks for itself but elegant simplicity makes more of an impact than fussiness. Aim for the best quality you can afford.

  18. is for… Ribbons. Whether satin, tinsel or rope lighting, ribbons are hugely flexible. Bows and streamers can divide place settings at table or be attached to the tops/backs of chairs. Tinsel ribbons make instant napkin holders. Ribbon lighting snakes across the table surface to dramatic effect.

  19. is for… Snow. For maximum impact scatter fake snow across a coloured tablecloth. Include larger artificial snowflakes.

  20. is for… Theme. Choose a theme or motif and stick with it or the table will look jumbled. Do the same for your colour scheme. Do you want traditional Christmas red, green and gold? Or something modern in black, bronze and pewter? Or what about using company colours?

  21. is for… Unlimited possibilities! Christmas comes round once a year but there are other occasions. If you organise a lot of events it's worth keeping a file of past table dressings (including photos of the finished effect) and ideas for the future. That way you can also keep track of what worked - and what didn't!

  22. is for… Value. Creating stunning tables needn't cost a lot. Rope in colleagues for particular tasks, contact your local art college and involve students, or surf the web for the best deals from agencies.

  23. is for… Wassail! Glasses add instant height to a table. Use coloured frosted glasses to tie into your theme or gold-rimmed stemware for extra elegance.

  24. is for… Xmas! It only comes once a year, and it's a very special time. Make the most of the traditional colours, scents, food and drink to create a truly sensual table. Use spice scented candles, make the most of striking red, green and gold in your flowers and linen, and offer warming mulled wine to guests. Get really Christmassy!

  25. is for… Yule Log. Not only delicious, it can make a stunning centrepiece to a buffet display, and offer an alternative for those who aren't keen on Christmas pudding!

  26. is for… Zero mistakes! Getting it right on the night is essential. Leave yourself plenty of time for organisation and, despite the above, don't feel you have to be too ambitious!
Find out more!


A freelance writer for over twenty years, Sara Goodwins has researched and written about a multitude of different topics. She specialises in business and education and her features are regularly published internationally.
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