Give your Christmas tablescape a spectacular lift with these lovely festive linens.
The backdrop to your Christmas feast sets the scene, whether for elegant winter whites, full festive merriment or just a hint of seasonal sparkle. This week we round up nine table linens to adorn your table and wow your guests, plus three quick tips for festive tablescaping.
Main image: H&M
Snowflake Embroidered Placements, £70

These beautiful snowflake placemats from Mrs Alice are delicately embroidered with gold thread. They have an heirloom feel and are great for a festive touch for those who love a calmer, minimal palette. Buy them here.
Caramelle Table Set, £149

Angela Mugnai’s aptly named Caramelle table set comes in a sweet candy cane stripe - a classic that isn’t overtly festive and could be used just as effectively for summer al fresco feasts. Buy it here.
Garden Stripe Tablecloth, £150

Another timeless stripe, this laidback cotton/linen blend in smart green and red ticking would make the perfect simple backdrop to bold ceramics. Pull it out year after year. Buy it here.
My Little Star and Wiltshire Bud Stitch Edge Table Runner, £129

This bold shooting star print from Coco & Wolf feels magical and celebratory – and all without a festive motif in sight. Great for those who look for a modern alternative to traditional designs. Buy it here.
Christmas Pudding Cotton Table Runner, £32

A quirky print from Emma Bridgewater, this Christmas Pud table runner makes a great backdrop to a fun, family table. Buy it here.
Mountain Foliage Tablecloth, £35

A subtle choice, this all-white cloth is woven with silver thread, scattering winter foliage across your table like new fallen snow. A great option for those with statement ceramics that need a simple backdrop to allow them to take centre-stage. Buy it here.
Cotton Rich Tartan Tablecloth, £25

One for those looking for a cosy, winter feel, this rich berry red tartan cloth has a charming, nostalgic feel to it. The perfect backdrop to midwinter feasts. Buy it here.
Washed Linen Tablecloth, £35

This deep, jewel-coloured linen doesn’t scream festive yet still feels opulent. Artfully rumpled, it’s the perfect choice for a relaxed Boxing Day brunch. Buy it here.
Star Embroidered Cocktail Napkin, £20

If you’re hosting Christmas drinks, these star embroidered cocktail napkins offer a hint of twinkle on a classic, crisp linen square. Beautiful in their simplicity. Buy them here.
Pick a colour palette of a singular colour in multiple tones (think berries, or evergreens) for a modern look that immediately feels pulled together and then add one metallic element for some seasonal sparkle.
Once your table linens and flatware are artfully placed, it’s time to think height. Whether a floral arrangement, tall dinner candles or decorations, do create a central focal for instant impact.
When considering each place setting, layer up your linens, tableware and decorations for a beautifully curated finish. Start with a placemat, then layer on plates, napkin and finish with a fun flourish, either a hand-written name tag, sprig of something from the garden or little gift. Use contrasting textures but keep your colour palette tight so it all sings together.
By Lydia Mansi
December 2021
Read More
How To Master The Art of Tablescaping
How to Create A Cosy Christmas, Cabbages & Roses Style
9 Sites Like The White Company for Gifts
Main image: H&M
Mrs Alice
Snowflake Embroidered Placements, £70

These beautiful snowflake placemats from Mrs Alice are delicately embroidered with gold thread. They have an heirloom feel and are great for a festive touch for those who love a calmer, minimal palette. Buy them here.
Angela Mugnai
Caramelle Table Set, £149

Angela Mugnai’s aptly named Caramelle table set comes in a sweet candy cane stripe - a classic that isn’t overtly festive and could be used just as effectively for summer al fresco feasts. Buy it here.
Late Afternoon
Garden Stripe Tablecloth, £150

Another timeless stripe, this laidback cotton/linen blend in smart green and red ticking would make the perfect simple backdrop to bold ceramics. Pull it out year after year. Buy it here.
Coco & Wolf
My Little Star and Wiltshire Bud Stitch Edge Table Runner, £129

This bold shooting star print from Coco & Wolf feels magical and celebratory – and all without a festive motif in sight. Great for those who look for a modern alternative to traditional designs. Buy it here.
Emma Bridgewater
Christmas Pudding Cotton Table Runner, £32

A quirky print from Emma Bridgewater, this Christmas Pud table runner makes a great backdrop to a fun, family table. Buy it here.
John Lewis
Mountain Foliage Tablecloth, £35

A subtle choice, this all-white cloth is woven with silver thread, scattering winter foliage across your table like new fallen snow. A great option for those with statement ceramics that need a simple backdrop to allow them to take centre-stage. Buy it here.
Marks and Spencer
Cotton Rich Tartan Tablecloth, £25

One for those looking for a cosy, winter feel, this rich berry red tartan cloth has a charming, nostalgic feel to it. The perfect backdrop to midwinter feasts. Buy it here.
H&M
Washed Linen Tablecloth, £35

This deep, jewel-coloured linen doesn’t scream festive yet still feels opulent. Artfully rumpled, it’s the perfect choice for a relaxed Boxing Day brunch. Buy it here.
The White Company
Star Embroidered Cocktail Napkin, £20

If you’re hosting Christmas drinks, these star embroidered cocktail napkins offer a hint of twinkle on a classic, crisp linen square. Beautiful in their simplicity. Buy them here.
Three Tips For Festive Tablescaping
Tonal Palettes
Pick a colour palette of a singular colour in multiple tones (think berries, or evergreens) for a modern look that immediately feels pulled together and then add one metallic element for some seasonal sparkle.
Add Height
Once your table linens and flatware are artfully placed, it’s time to think height. Whether a floral arrangement, tall dinner candles or decorations, do create a central focal for instant impact.
Layer Up
When considering each place setting, layer up your linens, tableware and decorations for a beautifully curated finish. Start with a placemat, then layer on plates, napkin and finish with a fun flourish, either a hand-written name tag, sprig of something from the garden or little gift. Use contrasting textures but keep your colour palette tight so it all sings together.
By Lydia Mansi
December 2021
Read More
How To Master The Art of Tablescaping
How to Create A Cosy Christmas, Cabbages & Roses Style
9 Sites Like The White Company for Gifts