Choose a festive colour palette
A refined colour palette sets the tone for a luxury Christmas dining experience. While red and green are classic, opting for richer tones like deep burgundy, forest green, and champagne gold for a sophisticated touch. Pairing these shades with crisp whites or elegant metallics will create a more opulent feel.
Table setting like a pro
Luxury is in the details. For a truly glamorous look, get your best tableware out and check you have the right number of plates, bowls, side plates, cutlery and serving boards – this is particularly important if you are hosting a brunch, buffet or Christmas dinner. It can look really disorganised if you are rushing around at the last minute and brings unnecessary stress at a busy time.
Invest in high-quality glassware too, those with intricate detailing, such as gold rims or hand-painted motifs add a touch of sophistication and will not go unnoticed by guests. Mix them in with plain glasses to make your budget go further.
For a layered tablescape, mix and match plates, chargers, and napkins in complementary colours or textures. Create visual interest with fine linen napkins tied with delicate silk ribbon or golden napkin rings. You can add a festive twist by incorporating seasonal elements into the setting, like a sprig of holly or a miniature pinecone tucked into each napkin ring.
Create a stunning centerpiece
Task your local florist with a seasonal floral arrangement for your table or DIY it by sourcing foliage like fresh fir, pine, and holly, and place themin an oversized, tall vase and adding metallic accents, with glass ornaments around the base. A grand arrangement of mixed greenery and flowers, in shades that complement your table’s colour scheme will bring a sense of opulence. Alternatively, add a table runner and place a simple fir or eucalyptus garland on top. Break this up with tall, elegant candles or candelabra which will cast a warm, ambient glow, creating a magical atmosphere for the meal.
Incorporate mood lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting a luxurious, festive mood yet it’s often the one thing that can be forgotten. In addition to candles, string or festoon lights or chandeliers can add a magical touch. If you don’t have an automated lighting system, try using dimmer switches or accent lighting to create a soft, intimate feel that’s ideal for dinners or evening grazing tables. Consider using a few strategic table lamps or floor lamps with soft, warm bulbs to bathe the room in a gentle, welcoming light.
Set the mood with seasonal scents
A luxury dining experience isn’t just about what you see, it’s also about enlivening your senses. To further elevate the atmosphere, introduce subtle, seasonal fragrances to the room. Think of placing scented candles (fig, cinnamon, or pine) on the sideboard or using an essential oil diffuser to spread a soft, welcoming scent throughout the space. Be cautious not to overpower the scent too much though as this can compete with the aromas of your Christmas feast.
Luxury seating arrangements
Comfort and elegance should go hand-in-hand. If you have an extendable table, make sure you use this option to maximize space. If you don’t have comfortable upholstered chairs and you intend for people to sit around the table for a few courses make sure to add some cushions for comfort. If you do not have enough seating, check around your home for options. Accent chairs can be placed at the heads of the table to create a focal point as can stools – just make sure it looks balanced. Adding festive, delicate bows to the back of dining chairs can provide an extra touch of opulence.
If you are hosting drinks this season do give thought to older guests, they will want to be able to mingle rather than feeling left out if they need to sit down so make sure you have arranged your space to allocate for this.
Add something personal
A luxurious dining setting feels personal and thoughtful. Incorporate custom elements such as monogrammed crackers, personalised place cards, or a special handwritten menu. I often add artisanal chocolates to place settings at Christmas time as a little treat for guests.
The finishing touches
To truly transform the dining or drinks experience, curate a playlist of soft, festive background music. I like to create an uplifting Christmas playlist for when guests arrive, then I turn the volume a little lower and switch to instrumental classics or soft jazz renditions for the meal. This encourages chatter and isn’t disorientating. Music adds a subtle layer of luxury and helps set a calming, welcoming tone. When the dinner has ended more upbeat tracks will help you transition from dining to dancing!
Creating a luxurious atmosphere for Christmas Day dining is all about combining elegance with festive spirit. By carefully selecting colours, fabrics, and decor, you can easily transform your dining room into the perfect setting. Remember, the key to luxury lies in attention to detail – every element should feel carefully considered and thoughtfully arranged. If you need a helping hand, we still have some limited availability for our Christmas Glow Up service where we can help give your room a refresh or create the ultimate festive feel. Please contact us here.