The Art Of The Festive Table – And How To Master It

For all the excitement of the twinkling lights, magical decor and the all-important feast, the festive season is all about bringing people together – though that’s not to say you can’t gather your nearest and dearest around a particularly show-stopping Christmas table. And in celebration of their incredible Classics auction series, Bonhams has teamed up with luxury tableware brand Maison Margaux to delve into the art of festive tablescaping, providing a truly stellar list of Christmas table ideas. Here’s the rundown.

How To Set A Dining Table For Christmas, According To Experts

Maison Margaux

What Does A Traditional British Christmas Table Look Like?

Tablescaping boasts a rich history, though it’s certainly evolved over the years. Tapered candles, luxurious linens and elegant tableware might be all the rage nowadays, but traditional tables looked a little different – and edible centrepieces were particularly integral. (Fruit was the ultimate sign of wealth; pineapples would even be rented by different hosts and displayed as a symbol of prestige and luxury.)

‘Historically, festive tables had an element of surprise, such as elaborate meat pies in the shape of birds (with real feathers!),’ explains Patricia Ferguson, ceramics advisor to the National Trust. ‘Later tables featured elegant silver or porcelain centrepieces with pyramidal arrangements of fruit surrounded by small figurines, or miniature vases with artificial sugar bouquets.’ 

Maison Margaux

Dedicated Christmas tablescapes first gained popularity in the 19th century, and these were the first to incorporate real flowers and plants. ‘Displaying gingerbread houses on the table is part of this tradition,’ notes Patricia. 

‘It was only in the 18th century that separate courses for savoury and sweet dishes were introduced,’ adds Nette Megens, Director of Decorative Arts and curator of The Classics series at Bonhams. ‘The table was often crowned with a grand centrepiece which could be admired throughout the dinner and eaten at dessert,’ Nette explains. ‘In fact, the word “dessert” comes from the French “deservire”, which translates to “clearing the table”. The idea was that you would really go all out on this last course and create a show-stopping event for your guests.’

Maison Margaux

Christmas Table Ideas For 2024

So, what’s the secret to a spectacular Christmas table? ‘Go bold with textures, patterns and intricate details,’ advises Julian Vogel, Co-Founder of Maison Margaux. ‘Start with a tartan or toile tablecloth as your base and layer your tablescape in stages. I like to work with the rule of three, beginning with your charger plate (a large, decorative plate that acts as a base for other tableware) alongside a starter and a main plate. Then, add three glasses – a wine, Champagne and water glass – and finish with decorative napkins. Add as many candles as you can, all at different heights: candlelight will create a flattering glow to antique glass and silverware.’

The perfect Christmas tablescape isn’t just visually impressive, but meaningful, too. ‘Mixing bought, rented and treasured heirloom pieces creates a uniquely personal and engaging table,’ Julian notes. ‘If you’re lucky enough to own decorative antique plates, why not use them as a top plate?’ (You can always whisk them to safety before serving your food on less precious crockery). ‘Incorporating precious pieces from different periods and styles – be it fine ceramics, silverware or glass – can bring personality and depth to the table and create lovely conversation pieces, too,’ agrees Nette.

Maison Margaux

For an eye-catching centrepiece, try ‘mixing and matching glass vases and vessels,’ Julian suggests. ‘Don’t forget that any space on the table can be decorated with small treats like bowls of candy, nuts or dried fruits of different colours and heights. Scattered walnuts and pomegranates bring a luxurious and decadent feel reminiscent of a 17th century still life painting; the Maison Margeaux team actually drew inspiration from the Flemish still life master, Frans Ykens, whose work we spotted in Bonhams’ Old Master Paintings sale this December.’