Christmas Tablescaping with Bryony Sheridan
Our Buying Manager for Home reveals how to make a Christmas table something spectacular.
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With Bryony Sheridan
Our Buying Manager for Home reveals how to make a Christmas table something spectacular
Shop DiningBy: Team Liberty
Credited with curating Cook & Dine and the Interiors Emporium, Liberty Buying Manager for Home Bryony Sheridan knows what it takes to create a bounteous Christmas table. Here she demonstrates how to make this year’s feast something spectacular, whether you’re together or apart.
For me, a tablescape isn’t complete without some element of flora. For a less dramatic and informal look, I like to use small bud vases with a few stems - but on the big day I go all out with a centrepiece. It’s fun to hide decorations in the floral display.
Dressing a table for dinner is a great opportunity for you to express your personality and style. At the moment, it’s all about maximalist layering, so start with your favourite tablecloth. I love the rich, patterned linens from Avenida, paired with clashing napkins. I tend to use a solid plate, encouraging unity and consistency against the contrasting prints. For me, it’s either an Astier plate or Kaneko.
Cutlery doesn’t necessarily have to match; I do love bringing in surprises like Doing Goods butter knife. Accessories are key to the tablescape and although you don’t want a table too cluttered, you do want a layered assortment of candles, vases and glassware.
I’ve found myself not setting a full set of different glasses on the table, often just a water glass and encouraging my guests to choose their own wine and champagne option as they see fit. Mixing Zafferano glasses makes a real point of difference.
The Vintage List
Stars Champagne Coupes Set of Six
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Coco & Wolf
Katie and Millie and Annabella Wavy Napkin
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Doing Goods
Chameli Butter Knife
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Astier de Villatte
Platinum Peggy Vase
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Candles are essential for the table, especially during the winter months.
Candles are essential for the table, especially during the winter months. For me, it’s important to add height but without blocking your guests’ views on the table. I love mixing up the colours and shapes with these candles from Hay, often picking out some hues and tones from the floral display. Don’t be afraid of mixing in a few statement pieces from Anissa Kermiche.
A rich table filled with my beloved Astier de Villatte plates and stands, piled high with fruit to nibble on. I also love to include little presents and favors on the table too.
Obviously, the food is a pretty big deal. Planning the courses you're going to serve is important, making sure each course compliments each other in the right way. That said, I always start the meal with a cocktail; sloshing a bit of sloe gin into a Soho Home champagne glass, topping up with Processco and popping in a maraschino cherry always does the trick! Some jazz in the background also sets the mood!
I don’t really have one signature dish but I do love changing up a classic. I have enjoyed taking the time to work through the recipes from new cook books. Skye McAlpine’s A Table for Friends has perfect recipes for entertaining as Skye shows you how to scale up and down, depending on how many you are hosting.
Astier de Villatte
Etoile Fruit Stand
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
In terms of go-to brands, I am fanatical about Astier de Villatte. I think you can make your culinary creations look spectacular against the milky white glaze. For the everyday kitchen supper, I team up ceramic collections that I’ve carried back from all around the world. I believe your ceramics should represent the sense of occasion and evoke memories and emotions.
Everybody needs a piece of Anissa, whether you’re bold enough to showcase the Love Handles vase on your mantlepiece or sneak the mini jugs into your tabelscape, it’s a very covetable brand.
My surroundings really affect my mood, now more so than ever and I love pottering around, moving things about. Also, your taste changes gradually so it’s nice to be able to make slight changes with a new cushion or vase. Set yourself a ritual; mine is lighting some incense from Astier de Villatte and dreaming of my next home purchase…
Kaneko Kohyo
Rinka 24cm Ceramic Bowl
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
VBC
Artichoke Large Bowl
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Doing Goods
Palash Palm Candlestick Holder
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Ask A Liberty Expert
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