Traditionally, Christmas morning hasn't exactly been a stress free event in my family. We've managed to chill out the last few years (by separating a few of the cooks to prepare separately) but I could regale you with tales of more than few festive feuds that have ended with tears and dropped pavlovas.
Given I'm me, there's no surprises that we're food obsessed so everyone is already on edge trying to create a seasonal masterpiece feast. Throw in the fact that some of us are also fiery (I'm far from the worst so that gives you an idea...) and so even though Neil Diamond is playing in the background, it can be hard to hear the jingle bells when someone (Dad- looking at you) is blowing up because someone else (shall remain nameless for her protection) accidentally threw out his mango puree that took two hours to make.
I am always in the heat of the kitchen- I'm generally planning the menu, shopping and cooking- but most certainly not setting the table. That is the domain of my interior designer sisters (check out Amelia and Rosie ) who manage to make the table look way more stylish than I ever could.
That being said, I do know my way around beautiful tableware, so if you're looking for a few bits and bobs to make your table look extra festive, check these out.
They're touted as plates with personality and they most certainly are. Last year I fell in love with their seafood collection which saw platters and plates adorned with colourful seafood characters. So darn cute and perfect for an Aussie Christmas.
They've got a range of plates, platters, side plates and linen + some cute extras so drop by their site for the perfect statement piece. (Hint- they would also make great gifts).
Long Lunch Linen are a beautiful business located locally in North West NSW. They make the most divine table linen that includes a range of tablecloths and napkins.
We Southern Hemisphere dwellers have the added bonus of Christmas being in peak Summer, so that means it's also peak entertaining season. There are now so many beautiful long tables made to fit the whole family plus extra drop ins (wanted and unwanted). Ours is 3m+ and it's usually hard to find something to fit.
Long Lunch Linen have extra long (3.4m x 1.8m) and the entertainer (4.4m x 1.8m) as well as their smaller sizes. I'm coveting the duck egg blue but may settle on charcoal criss cross with caper berry green napkins for Christamas' sake.
Carmen Ronald of CRON Creations is another clever local-ish lass. She comes from the luscious land of Spring Ridge where many clever clogs congregate (shout out to my longtime sistergirl and number one subscriber Piggy Pie).
She hand makes beautiful stationery by printing, pulping and using her letterpress and this year's Christmas collection is cute. to. boot. Think gingerbread, traditional trees and the outrageously rad prawn stationery that will adorn my table this year as place cards. Get in quick because I know she will sell out.
Last year I stumbled across the Coastal Marketplace on Instagram. I got there though a Christmas rabbit hole via Marley and Lockyer, and boy am I glad. Melissa Mander-Jones is a designer who makes beautiful hand stamped tableware.
The online Christmas markets she has are insannnneeely beautiful- filled with vintage pieces like spoons, cheese knives, cake lifters and ice tongs. The ones I purchased are adorned with beautiful festive words like Noel and they've become pieces I treasure and will come out every year. In fact, I may even add to the collection this year.
Located not too far from the hood in Newcastle NSW is this super cool eco brand called French for Tuesday. They have a store but also have workshops and education and are really true to their mission.
There's a strong sustainable focus and you will not believe - but People- you can CUSTOMISE YOUR ECO FRIENDLY BON BONS. I feel like someone heard my prayers- there's no garbage jokes but you can pick between nothing (add in your own) or herbs and spices, honeybee hand soap or handmade christmas ornaments. What a treat! I've also spied some beautiful beeswax candles that I've popped on my 'to buy' list.
I am obessed with Cibi- a Melbourne store that is hard to describe and impossible to pigeonhole. From their own mouths "the concept is a blend of their experience in food, wine, design and architecture. Japanese sensibilities and their evolving Australian lifestyles are combined to create a world that is warm and welcoming at the same it is exciting and refreshing. Above all else it should appeal to the three driving elements that drive drive CIBI; the head, hands and heart."
They stock the coolest stuff like tamagoyaki pans but for the purpose of this post, I'd like you to pay particular attention to the Katachi Shotoku Y drinking glasses which are a little bit luxe and a lot beautiful. These hand-made glasses feature delicate patterns that show when liquid is poured in so they're gorgeous but probably shouldn't make an appearance on the kid's table.
Kip and Co need no introduction. Known for their kid's clothing and linen, you may not know that they also have a range of homewares that are somehow elegant and fun - all in one. If you need a splash of colour and retro brilliance to make your table pop, eye spy with my little eye some green and purple champagne coupes that are going to do just the trick. Plus they look like they'd be lovely to sip whatever your drink of choice is - negroni sbagliato anyone?
In the world of table settings, I can't decide whether less is more or more is more but whatever your style, don't forget to borrow some foliage from the neighbours or walking track to also zhoosh up the table, and with any of these bits and pieces you'll definitely be good to host. Happy decorating.
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