From luscious foliage to festive fruits, here’s how nature can help you set the scene this Christmas…
As you might imagine, here at Forest to Home we invest a huge amount of time in thinking about what our solid timber furniture means to our clients. And we know there’s nothing quite like the dining table to bring loved ones together. For centuries, this has been the stage where Christmas celebrations are played out – friends and family gather to raise a glass, make merry and feast on turkey with all the trimmings.
And although the festive season may look a little different this year, COVID-19 has made us appreciate those close to us more than ever. So, while your gathering may be smaller, there’s never been a better time to make your dining table look truly magical.
Given our passion for the UK’s forests, we are of course huge fans of bringing nature inside. We know that decorating and designing with natural materials doesn’t just look good – it makes you feel good too. Whether we’re talking about sprigs of holly, decadent florals or even solid timber furniture, nature’s bounty is proven to lower stress hormones, enhance our creativity and boost our mood.
So, read on for our nature-inspired ideas for making your festive tabletop look both special and stylish…
Get festive with foliage. From rich evergreens to glossy hollies, you’ll find some of the most beautiful (and inexpensive) décor in our hedgerows. Layer different colours and textures to make a simple table runner, or gather foliage around flameless candles to create a stunning centrepiece.
Play with textures: Evoke the spirit of the natural world by using organic, textured fabrics, such as a linen tablecloth and simple cotton napkins. Using rustic shades like taupe and cream will up the ante, as will dotting the table with stoneware vases and wood-handled cutlery.
Be bold with florals. Flowers can turn the simplest table setting into a showstopper, but did you know they have the power to help your mood and soothe your stress levels too? Make a dramatic centrepiece using colourful hydrangea blooms, or pack glass vases with frosty white roses. Alternatively, create an impact with pots of towering orchids.
Be fruitful: From luscious green apples to russet-red pomegranates and vibrant clementines, take advantage of nature’s fabulous jewel-toned palette to add richness to your décor. Nestle them amidst your table foliage, pile them high in simple copper dishes or layer them in an oversized glass vase.
Forage in the forest: With their fabulous textures and colours, scarlet berries, gnarly pinecones and even nuts all make for great decorative accessories. Try threading them onto garlands and wreaths, or use them to dress your side plates and crackers.
Make a tabletop tree: Embrace a little woodland spirit, by peppering your table with miniature fir trees. Simply cut small branches from a real fir tree, then pot them into small, decorative containers – for a natural look try terracotta or wicker. Thread a delicate string of LED lights through the branches and dot with a few faux berries too.
