Setting the Scene

Your Christmas table is just as important as the turkey, so to make it extra special this year we asked industry experts for some inspiration

- Natalie Boruvka

Simply romantic

While on a two-year apprenticeship in Provence, stylist Adelaine Breedt of A Little Thing Called was struck by the effortless elegance with which the French entertain. “I learnt that simplicity is often the foundation for a stylish table and this is the approach I took here.”

The veranda at Langkloof Roses function and wedding venue in Wellington was the setting, and to add a touch of formality, Adelaine arranged traditional rattan-backed chairs around a table draped with a linen overlay. “Linen is light, natural and perfect for summer, but it’s also wonderfully luxurious. I let it puddle on the floor for a sense of extravagance that’s fitting for Christmas.” She also used linen to make napkins and tablemats with pockets for cutlery.

As a contrast to the simplicity of the table, Adelaine massed proteas together for the centrepiece. “I love the effect of using a lot of the same flower. I used a wide classical urn that could accommodate all the stems and placed it off-centre so that it doesn’t dominate the table.”