@maxinebradystyling | @thatssogemma | @howtohome.podcast
We asked Maxine Brady and Gemma Gear from the How to Home podcast to share their top five festive dining styling tips so you can host a perfect Christmas dinner party this December.
As professional interior stylists, Maxine and Gemma are the hosts of How to Home, a podcast that covers all things interiors and home design. Between them, they’ve styled hundreds of Christmas room sets for magazines, brands, and TV shows. Who better to ask about styling the perfect Christmas table?
Here are their top tips:
- Add drama above the table
Use renter-friendly Command hooks to hang baubles, paper decorations, fringing, disco balls, and paper chains. Suspend them with satin ribbon in a kaleidoscope of bold colours for maximum impact.
- Create bespoke place settings
Entertaining is all about personal touches. Make each guest feel welcome by crafting individual name cards. Glue three peppermint candy canes together to form a tripod shape, write each guest’s name on a card, and place one on each plate.
- Style a colourful festive centrepiece
Make a focal point with a seasonal centrepiece. Fill a clear glass vase or bowl with baubles to create a talking point and add height to your table styling. Look for quirky decorations that reflect your personality or interests.
- Layer your linens
When it comes to Christmas tabletop linens, more is more. Start with a tablecloth, add a runner down the middle, and style it with candles and baubles. For a festive touch, choose a runner with seasonal designs like holly, snowflakes, or metallic accents to twinkle under candlelight. Finish each place setting with a patterned napkin that complements your baubles.
- Serve a bespoke Christmas cocktail
Greet guests with a tray of cocktails ready to serve. Try the Christmas Cranberry Twist: pour Prosecco into a tall glass, add a splash of cranberry, and garnish with a peppermint candy cane. Feel free to claim this as your own Creation!
With these top tips from Maxine and Gemma, you’re ready to style a Christmas dining table that’s both bold and beautiful.
The How to Home podcast is proudly sponsored by Moda. Their Christmas podcast special is out now. Available to listen on all streaming platforms.
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The NBHD V4 has landed.
This edition arrives in time for the festive season where the twinkling lights are creeping in and everyone’s winding down (or winter arcing!) ahead of Christmas.
Check it out here.