Christmas with AD India

Christmas with AD India

I was delighted to be interviewed by Harleen Kalsi of Architectural Digest India for their guide to the perfect Christmas tablescape "that will wow your crowd and win you extra hosting points." With tips from design experts like Sarita Handa, you read the guide here or read on for my full interview.

Prints & Patterns?

"Traditional prints of reindeers, elves and Santa aren’t for me. It feels limiting to have a distinctly festive set that only makes an appearance for a couple of weeks each year. My hand-drawn prints always begin with seasonal flowers (so ranunculus, eucalyptus and myrtle berries for the festive Wild Garden print this year). However, I aim for homeware that transcends trends or overtly seasonal themes, avoiding a palette that is too on-the-nose Christmas. The result is a table that feels more unique and versatile, too."

Detail wild garden table with menu
£140.00
Size380cm x 180cm

A perennial favourite for the table, green is as beautiful for a festive celebration as a spring alfresco party. Blooming with Rosanna’s hand-drawn midwinter English bouquet of flowers and berries, this deep sage colour flourishes with joy. It is finished with a 6-inch stripe edge.

The drawing was traced and carved into a wood block; a meticulous process that requires exact techniques handed down through generations. The tablecloth was then hand block printed by the talented artisans with whom she works in Jaipur. 

Printed by hand, no two tablecloths are ever quite the same. Block printing is an expert heritage craft, whether it is the deft, delicate touch required to carve the motifs from teak or pear wood, or the light, exact tap used to stamp onto fabric.

Standard: 180cm x 280cm
Large: 180cm x 380cm
Pictured: 280cm standard size (note the hem was dropped closer to the floor for the photo shoot)

Plates: Good Earth 
Glasses: Rayt
With thanks to Deeppura Garh 

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Jo Malone London crackers open on a festive table

Christmas touches...

"I prefer leaning into wintery styles and adding subtle Christmas touches with accessories. For example, scattering nuts beside glasses, clustering leafy clementines and ruby pomegranates or lighting candles hand-painted with mistletoe (a quick DIY with acrylic paint). Recently, I’ve been using pine cones to hold name cards with each guest’s name written in calligraphy. These details are affordable and biodegradable, avoiding single-use plastic or clutter that takes up space unnecessarily in your home."

How to make it local?

"My decor is always influenced by my surroundings and the season. I hate the idea of shipping flowers half way across the world for an event. Seasonal flowers and produce look more vibrant, smell fresher, and feel joyful!"

"For instance, when in Jaipur for Christmas, we always bring a bougainvillea tree indoors and deck it with baubles just like we would a traditional fir tree in London. It feels so much more fitting than trying to mimic a tree from a cold climate."

"Similarly, leaning into local food and flora is key - whether it’s using abundant seasonal produce or adapting traditions. We wouldn’t dream of roasting a turkey in Jaipur, but in the UK, it is prime season for this bird on local farms."

"After all, for me, Christmas is less about what’s on the table but who is around it. Provided the table is colourful, plentiful and a little bit unique, I feel that’s a perfect festive tablescape."

Bougainvillea xmas tree

Favourite brands to feature?

"Good Earth shares my love for hand-painted, whimsical prints. I love the deep sage of their Nishaat plates and their Pomegranate & Roses fine bone china collection has been a mainstay of my styling for years (pictured). Festivities always benefit from some glossy jewel tones - I love the palette of Rayt glassware. The juxtaposition of sleek, modern glassware next to the artisanal style of my hand-block designs is one I love. By the same token, I adore the lacquer bobbin candlesticks of British brand Addison Ross. A line-up of various heights makes a stunning centrepiece. In terms of colour palette, I experiment with the contrast of pink and forest green, as well as ruby and dusty azalea. An easy way to infuse colour is with ribbons. Double velvet or raw silk is utterly luxurious when tied around napkins or cutlery. And for the latter, nothing sparkles quite like Rezon Luxury Silverware."

Architectural Digest India

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Jaipur Tips

Jaipur Tips

A selection of itineraries, guides and articles Rosanna has written about the Pink City and Rajasthan.

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