Demi Keenan: Dress the best Christmas table

Happy December, folks. The season has definitely started here in Torbay, with the fabulous Trail of Lights setting the seafront a wonderful glow!

The Christmas season is the perfect time to bring a touch of nature’s beauty into your home. With a little creativity, you can transform your Christmas table into a stunning centrepiece using natural produce.

Not only is this approach budget-friendly, but it’s also environmentally conscious and charmingly rustic.

Here I explore six delightful ways to craft a festive tablescape using nature’s treasures.

1 - Evergreen elegance: pinecones and foliage

Bring the crisp freshness of a winter forest to your table with pinecones and evergreen sprigs. Scatter pinecones along the centre of the table, weaving in eucalyptus, pine, or fir branches for a lush, green runner. Add a touch of sparkle by lightly dusting them with white or gold spray paint for a snowy effect. This classic combo is simple, aromatic, and effortlessly chic.

2 - Citrus delight: oranges and cloves

Oranges studded with cloves are not just decorative but also smell amazing! Slice oranges thinly, dry them, and string them into garlands or place them around candles for a pop of warm colour. You can also display whole oranges with sprigs of holly or bay leaves for a cheerful, rustic vibe that screams Christmas cosiness.

3 - Candlelight and tree bark

Create a magical glow with candles nestled in tree bark holders. If birch isn’t available, wrap plain glass jars with bark-like craft paper for a similar effect. Place them on a bed of moss or small stones for an earthy, woodland feel. The soft flicker of candlelight paired with natural textures creates a warm and inviting ambiance.

4 - Starry accents: dried flowers and herbs

Dried lavender, eucalyptus, and hydrangeas add subtle colour and texture to your table. Arrange them in small glass vases or lay them flat across your table runner or better still on the plates for the personalised place settings. Bonus: these flowers and herbs double as natural aromatherapy, filling the room with soothing scents. For a festive touch, sprinkle in some star anise or cinnamon sticks.

5 - Rustic charm: twigs and berries

Bundle twigs tied with twine or ribbon for a minimalist yet striking decoration. Pair them with sprigs of red berries (like holly or winterberry) for a bright pop of colour. You can also use small bundles as place settings—tie a guest's name card to each one for a personalised touch.

6 - Edible decorations: nuts and seasonal fruits

A bowl of mixed nuts, pomegranates, and apples can double as décor and a snack! Arrange them in wooden or ceramic bowls, or scatter them among candles and greenery. Their natural colours and textures add a festive charm and make your table feel abundant.

A few extra tips

Layer textures: Combine rough (moss or wood) with smooth (glass or polished metal) for visual interest.

Keep it simple: Less is often more. Allow your natural elements to shine without overwhelming the space.

Stay local: Use what’s available in your area, whether it’s fir or pine, holly or cotoneaster!

NB: Please be conscious when trimming that there is enough to grow back next year.

Decorating your table with natural items brings the beauty of the outdoors inside and creates a welcoming, very cozy relaxing vibe. So, this Christmas, ditch the plastic and let nature take centre stage!

Happy decorating!