By Carmelle Wilkinson
Wow your guests this Christmas with a table brimming with fresh green foliage and homemade crackers.
Stylist Michelle Mok, who operates Michelle Mok Creates and produces beautiful settings for a living, said it paid to add personal touches.
“My favourite time of the year is definitely Christmas and my favourite part of Christmas is when the whole family comes together for a massive shared feast on Christmas Day,’’ she said.
“When it comes to styling your table, it’s all about the attention to detail and a few special touches that make each table setting feel special and full.
“It doesn’t need to be expensive. Creativity doesn’t need to cost the world, but a little bit of involvement from the whole family can not only go down a treat but look fabulous too.”
Instead of traditional red poinsettias, Miss Mok suggested decorating the table in lush greenery from the backyard to add some Christmas cheer.
“Pairing it with gold cutlery (which can be rented for $1 per piece) and emerald green napkins will make the colour pop,’’ she said.
“Not only will sticking to the beautiful emerald green and gold tones look modern and festive, it will keep it simple and affordable.”
When styling the centrepiece, Miss Mok recommended going no higher than 15cm so guests could easily engage with each other across the table.
“I am currently also obsessed with hanging installations as it does change the space of the room and if you do have an anchor point to hang a statement piece, it will be a great addition to your party,’’ she said.
Stylist Clare Ryan said a pop of colour, fun decorations and fresh shades of white, silver and vibrant green were the season’s clear winners.
“Whether you’re setting the Christmas table or getting your home ready for the festive season, the key is keep it simple,’’ she said.
“The easiest way to add some colour into the home is with greenery.
“Think indoor pot plants, long green leaves in a tall vase and an abundance of hanging pots.
“You could even line your Christmas table with small potted plants, which also make a great parting gift for guests.”
Both stylists agreed gorgeous crackers were a must-have item.
“It wouldn’t be Christmas without the crackers,” Miss Mok said.
“I always find that it is more fun to make your own.
“You could get your kids involved with creating and decorating some Christmas crackers for the table and filling them with meaningful trinkets everyone will love, rather than the usual stuff that is just a throwaway.”
