HAVE A DESIGNER CHRISTMAS
Maximise space and stay classy this winter
There’s less than two weeks until Christmas! We love a bit of festive cheer here at Studio Dean, but sometimes we get a little bit annoyed when lifestyle magazines and influencers share unobtainable and impractical Christmas decor ideas that won’t work in the real world - you know we are all about function first!
We thought we’d keep our feet on the ground this year with some practical, yet stylish tips on how to have a beautiful, functional Christmas.
DON’T CLUTTER THE TABLE
We’ve all seen beautiful Christmas tablescapes with homemade decorations, 15 candles and a full nativity scene in scandi carved wood and thought - where are they going to put the gravy? There’s no room for the mint sauce, let alone a whopping great turkey!
Our tip is to not overload the table with decorations, rendering it entirely impractical for use. By all means make it festive, with thoughtful decor, candle light and table gifts, using natural and neutral materials, but let your delicious food take centre stage.
You can take it one step further and serve up lunch ‘buffet style’, to free up even more space at the table. this is a great idea if you have more people than dining space. Use stylish serving platters and plates and use a sideboard as a ‘serving counter’.
BENCHES ARE KING
We love benches all year round, but they really come into their own at Christmas when space is at a premium. You can fit three people on a bench in the same space as two chairs, and they are especially good for squeezing in several children into a tight corner.
It’s hard to find a Studio Dean kitchen or dining situation which doesn’t utilise the magic of a bench, but if you don’t have one (yet) perhaps you have a bench in your hallway, boot room or garden you can bring in for the occasion.
IMPROVISE
If you don’t have an extending table, fear not, the humble tablecloth can transform things. If you find yourself suddenly needing to host 12 around a six-seater table, simply pop out to the garden, grab your patio table, give it a wipe and welcome it indoors. Push the two tables together and cover them with matching table cloths and decorations - ta da! Christmas table for 12!
Until next time, Merry Christmas!
