Do you remember the emergency table?

Do you still have one?

Do you know what I’m talking about?

I’m talking about Christmas Day when the whole family gathers to celebrate and of course, the usual 4-seater dining table isn’t going to fit everyone around it.

So out comes the emergency table, tacked on to the end of the 4-seater and reserved exclusively for wallpapering (because it’s a pasting table) or large family events.

BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair) is also encouraged.

It was chaotic, but it was fun, wasn’t it?

Now though the emergency table and a single cracker each, seems to be a thing of the past.

Possibly due to more open plan living and larger table spaces, it has been replaced with room for everyone along with beautiful centrepieces, hanging garlands and overtly folded napkins.

And I don’t think it’s a bad thing.

A table is where we share with others, sometimes in celebration, sometimes just on a regular Sunday.

Even if there’s just a few of you or maybe even if you are still adding random tables and chairs -

Why shouldn’t it feel a bit more special?
Why shouldn’t we elevate our meal by sitting in lovely surroundings - right down to the table details.

Throughout the year there are many reasons to celebrate - because it’s still too early to talk about just Christmas really isn’t it?

Instead, I’m talking about your everyday gatherings as well as seasonal decor. Think spring tables and autumn dinners, summer party buffets and winter warmers (Hello mulled wine!).

So, if you’re thinking about it, there are some very simple things you can do to dress your table and impress your guests.

Here are my golden rules…

Pick a simple colour scheme

Choose a main colour (Christmas green, Autumn burnt orange, crisp Spring white), and if you like, choose a complimentary colour. Then accent it with gold or silver. Try not to have more than three colours on your table to keep it cohesive.

Bring the outdoors in

An easy and cheap way to uplevel your table decor is with a bit of foliage. Fresh or dried flowers make a stunning centrepiece or small sprigs sprinkled along the table add a little bit of magic here and there. Get creative with what you can find - everything from fruit to herbs to flowers can be used to decorate.

And if you have time, why not create individual bundles for your guests as place settings?

Don’t neglect the ambience.

I cannot stress this enough.

Put some lamps on, put some candles on, anything but the big lights. Especially if you’re dining in the evening.

It all adds to the experience and allows your guests to relax and enjoy themselves.

Think about when you go to a restaurant, they are very clever with lighting. It’s bright enough to see your food but not so bright that it feels cold. You want to create intimacy with your guests and lighting is the easiest way to do that.

Candles are also great, but if you are concerned your guests are untrustworthy fire hazards, then opt for battery operated candles or tea lights instead.

More IS more!

If you’re going to go for it and decorate your table. Then really go for it.

Obviously make sure there is enough room to put your plate down and stick your elbows on the table if you want to, but for maximum impact you want to commit fully and fill that table up a bit.

It’s like decorating a tree - it needs to be full, not just adorned with three baubles and a star on top.

If you need to keep space to serve food or you’re going buffet style - an easy way to style is to lay some wooden boards or platters out - not only will this protect your table, but they look fancy.

And we all like a bit of fancy.

Do what you want to…

You don’t have to buy lots of new things that you’ll never use again.

Choose candles that you can use in other rooms, choose flowers from your garden that are free, choose to dress your table because you want to, not because everyone is doing it now.

It’s your home and you should welcome people in the way you enjoy - but every so often it’s fun to dress up a little bit, right?

I’d love to know what you’re getting dressed up for this year...Tag me in your pictures over on Instagram and Bon Appetit!