A guide to Christmas tablescaping for the maximalist, minimalist and vintage lover

Whether you’re ready to go all out for Christmas or keen to add just a dash of shimmer to the proceedings, there’s no fighting it any longer, the festive season is rapidly approaching. But decor preferences aside, we all tend to unite for one distinct mission, getting the table setting just right. While we’re always swooning for classic reds and uplifting sparkles, holiday spirit is undergoing a bit of a shape shift this year.

“We’re always encouraged to go all-in with our tablescaping,” explains Karin Södergren, coveted chief curator at interior design mecca Svenskt Tenn. “But Christmas statement making doesn’t have to imply these traditional takes.”

Simply put, it’s time to explore new territory. Vibrant playfulness remains the focus, but design tastes are moving towards alternative shapes, catering to both eclectic and modest needs. Some stylings are set to stand the test of time, while others play on contemporary maximalism. So whether you are keen to embrace the ‘more is more’ mentality (think coloured glasses and crimson galore) or prefer a pared back approach (just because it’s Christmas, it doesn’t mean the minimalist is on vacation), here’s three different festive tables guaranteed to spruce up your festivities.

We’ve definitely hit the sweet spot with clutter-infused maximalism, previously an emerging trend on our radar. While our traditional tablescaping offers quite the eccentric feel, often spearheaded by bright greens and reds, this year we’re embracing the eclecticism of the artful mismatch for Christmas 2022.

According to Cille Grut, curator and creative director of Royal Copenhagen’s annual Christmas table exhibition, spontaneous styling is key. “Skip the full cohesion, instead bring out the best you have: ceramics, silverware, and those rare antique glasses you rarely get to use,” she suggests. We’re used to switching up the colours for occasion, but focusing on your porcelain is more than enough to add a notable touch. “Swap your classic whites for bright colours, preferably together with traditional florals. I like to finish it off with coloured glass,” adds Grut.

Södergren shares a similar approach: “Maximalism nurtures unexpected contrast – that little key detail that stands out. It doesn’t have to be symmetrical and strict.”

Shaking up traditional tablescaping opens up a world of possibility, including making room for the minimalist. Feel free to put the brakes on any copious colour, or perhaps even skip the classic bright palette entirely in favour of playful patterns and more toned down delicate statements. If you want to discreetly add Christmassy hues, says Grut, then opt for natural greens.

And you don’t even need to visit a shop to do so, nature is your biggest inspiration after all. “Browse your seasonal decorations outdoors. I create my own table décor from findings in the forest,” Grut points out. Found clippings of fir tree branches or some holly make for ideal interior garnishings. Svenskt Tenn’s Södergren is into a much similar sophisticated metamorphosis, accentuated through neat floral installations. “Just embrace the simple ways of decorating. An Ikebana-inspired bouquet will elevate, while keeping your styling very sleek.”

And if you’re looking to take your Christmas comfort up a notch, an overload of warm lighting and copious amounts of candles dotted all over your home is the way to go – minimalist setting or not. “Nothing boosts the ambience quite like lit candles, even more so at Christmas when we’re bathing in darkness,” says Södergren.

‘Tis the season to embrace second hand and one of the most sustainable Christmas styling trends to consider is digging out those inherited gems up in your grandparents’ loft or in your local second hand shop. “We still have this mindset of the more you pay for décor, the more value it has,” says Grut. “But in reality, we should purchase less and truly make use of what’s in our cupboards. Bring out the cherished heirlooms, it adds a warming sense of nostalgia to your table setting, which really feels seasonally appropriate.”

And to really boost the festive proceedings, consider the Christmas tree as multi-use decoration, especially if yours has lost a few branches in the car ride back from the forest (or shop). “Get a branch or two, place them in vases, and simply position them across your table. It’s easy, curated, and becomes a natural conversation starter among your guests," says Grut.