I've lost count of the number of festive dinners and lunches I've hosted over the years so wanted to gather together a photo album of some of my favourites to inspire you... Alongside some ideas I hope you find useful.

At this time of year, festivities are typically awash with scarlet red, forest green and glitzy gold but less typical shades can be just as celebratory. I love to experiment with the contrast of pink and forest green, as well as ruby and dusty azalea. A table in inky blues would look gorgeous against winter pine and white roses.

I'll always aim to have a flourish of personality to elevate the table. I never like my tables to look too perfect - I leave that to restaurants and hotels - this is dining at home and should feel happy and intrinsically linked to the host’s personality! Overall, there's a fine balance between too much and just right when it comes to tables. Being a maximalist, my ‘more is more’ approach means I might not always strike it!

For flowers, ranunculus have just come into season... Their delicate, densely packed petals make them the peony of winter for me! Cotton looks like snowballs and brings fluffy texture to a bouquet. As for foliage, branches of pine, fir and spruce make an elegant centrepiece with pillar candles. It will smell delicious too!

I don't serve food at the table, instead I serve guests in the kitchen or we pass the sides round. The 'family style' of eating is modern but my table at home just isn't big enough. It's so important the tablescape doesn't inhibit conversation and fun though: always keep flowers below the eyeline so guests can talk and make sure there's elbow room between your candles and flowers!

My favourite way to decorate the house is to thread eucalyptus, ivy and berries through hanging icicle fairy lights on the wall. So simple and effective.

I’ve always upcycled brown parcel paper for wrapping. Its simplicity against bright ribbons to tie it is so elegant.

Fix vintage brooches onto the centre of bows to tie napkins and cutlery. They are easy to find in charity shops or buy a 'job lot' of brooches inexpensively on eBay - you receive an eclectic mix of designs.

The joy of Christmas is returning to that box of decorations that you use every year. Those decorations that can be passed down from generation to generation are so special. If you do buy ornaments, buy good quality and take pleasure in using them again and again... Christmas comes but once a year!

Finally, the recipes I turn to time and time again. I always seek out recipes that can be made ahead, like these.
Christmas Curry (vegetarian / vegan)
Soy Salmon
Spiced Chicken Tagine

Chocolate Meringue Mousse Cake
Hazlenut Pavlova with Spiced Roast Fruit
Chocolate Peanut Caramel Tart (vegan)

Credits

Photography: Georgia Meramo
Flowers: Wild At Heart
Mistletoe plates: Portmerion x Sophie Conran
Taper candles: Candle Flair

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