CREATE A STUNNING TABLESCAPE WITH SOME SHOWSTOPPING PIECES AND UPDATED ESSENTIALS

Let colour lead the way. Mix bold florals, painted ceramics and multicoloured stripes on tableware and linens, then add extra wow with a centrepiece of paper stars. Star lanterns, £17.95 each, Paper S

These handpainted mistletoe table linen prints are the perfect backdrop to decorate a seasonal tablescape with foraged foliage. The crisp white-and-green colourway is also ideal to inspire a fresher c

Guests coming over this Christmas? Here’s how to make the most of the space you have with our expert advice and clever tips

Silverware, with its glistering surface and ornate designs, dresses the table like no other material and has an unmatched capacity for turning a meal into an occasion, as Matthew Dennison discovers

Silver and gold sugared almonds on the table offer an extravagant shimmer, like edible sparkly confetti. And I like the way they glint in the candlelight. This year I’m also using candy canes everywhe