How to style a festive tablescape with Decor Essentials.

From pretty tablecloths and colourful napkins, to chair covers and centrepieces, Decor Essentials has everything you need to style a beautiful table this festive season.

Here, the team shares some inspo and top tips for a well-dressed table.

Consider the occasion

Depending on the occasion, you may want to opt for a formal setting or a more relaxed affair.

A dinner with colleagues, for instance, may call for fine cloth napkins and sparkling crystal, while a braai with friends can have a more casual set-up with colourful crockery and fun decorative details.

And choose napery accordingly

While table settings should always feature a tablecloth (except if you are going for a “naked table” in which case a runner is a perfect option) and napkins, the type of fabric you choose is important.

Satin, velvet and damask fabrics lend themselves more to formal affairs, while gingham and light linen and cotton are good options for more laid-back events.

Choose a theme

What’s more festive and fun than a themed soiree?

Of course, it doesn’t have to be OTT, it can be a simple theme such as “Summer Christmas” or even just a colour scheme. Either way, it can guide your selection process and help you choose items that complement one another for a pulled-together look.

Fake it

Nowadays, there are loads of pretty silk flowers and greenery available, as well as artificial fruit, so don’t be scared to incorporate this into your setting if you can’t get your hands on the real thing.

If you are hosting a few events, it’s also a great way to cut costs.

Alternatively, dried foliage works equally well and is right on trend.

Don’t crowd your tabletop

This might sound obvious, but remember to leave some room on the table so that guests can easily move around glasses or pass dishes etc without knocking things.

And remember – no one wants to peek around centrepieces all evening, so keep these low!