TIME TO GATHER
At Christmas, laying the table is surely one of the most important jobs. To master the art of festive tablescaping, start by dressing the table with a linen cloth and runner; prepare your festive china, add texture with placemats, and sparkle with glassware and candle holders. A trailing centrepiece made from foliage, pine cones and berries can be gathered from the hedgerows, and hang decorations from the back of the chairs. Portobello tableware, from £10 for a side plate; jute woven placemat, £16; rustic linen tablecloth, £185; fir tree garland, £135; mini Nordic hearts and stars, £12; ribbed domed glass candle holder with tray, from £18, all The White Company.
