Styling a winter table | Part 2

I’m really beginning to get into the festive spirit now: I’ve started my shopping, ordered the tree and even opened the first bottle of sloe gin (oops!)… Time, then, to share the second of the winter table arrangements which I’ve put together to provide some inspiration for seasonal gatherings.

Last week I posted some photos of my first effort – an elegant affair with tall brass candlesticks and a dramatic floral centrepiece. This scheme is a more rustic, laid-back take on the winter theme, with a garland of festive greenery created by the talented Kirstie from Ruby & The Wolf, plus chunky church candles in assorted heights.

It’s a look that’s incredibly easy to recreate using almost any foraged foliage. My favourite is eucalyptus for its warming aroma and silvery leaves; it also slowly dries out without shrivelling up, so you can leave it in place throughout the festive period. Fir branches, holly, ivy and berries also work well, but do watch out for anything that might be toxic to children or pets.

As the greenery will lie flat rather than being hung from a wall or door, you don’t need to tie it together; you can just spread it along the centre of the table, twisting it around the base of the candles and using overlapping leaves to hide any bare branch ends. I decided to keep my arrangement natural, with nothing else other than grey linen napkins and a rustic wooden star decoration on each plate, but you could easily add some sparkle by dotting a few glass baubles among the foliage.

There’ll be more festive inspiration on These Four Walls next week, including ideas for gift wrapping and Christmas cocktails, but in the meantime have a lovely weekend!

Photography by Abi Dare