The Scandinavian Christmas Table

At this time of year I love to indulge my romantic side-there's just something about snuggling up inside with family that brings it out in me - the smell of spiced cookies wafting from the kitchen, a warming boozy beverage in hand and candles throwing soft light up the walls. Table styling is absolutely my bag and I could spend all day playing with different combinations.Whilst I'm not keen on fuss and frills, I do like to focus on the small details which I'm sharing with you in my Scandinavian inspired Christmas table post today. In part two of my collaboration with Not On The High Street, I'm igniting your creative juices with three variations on a look to bring your Christmas table decor to life in sweet, subtle style. The palette is soft, muted and very romantic...When you've got a last minute gathering of friends planned and you don't have time (or inclination) to go all out on the decor, here's a way to make it look like you put a whole heap of effort in with very little input. It'll take a little preparation on your part to gather your kit but will save you heaps of time in the long run.

• A linen table cloth lends your table an instant feeling of occasion. I hate ironing and don't bother pressing mine as I love the deep creases (my Grandma is probably horrified) but it's all part of the charm.
• Eclectic tableware-put out a mixture of cutlery and plates for a more informal look. I use our every day plates in a mint green mixed with white and pink and gold cutlery for a touch of luxury.
• Glassware. Nothing says "party" like vintage champagne coupes and decanters - if you're offering sparkling drinks they're a win (not so much for beer, mind!) You can usually find these in charity shops if you keep your eyes peeled and they look stunning in candle light.
• Use one large arrangement as a focal point. You could use gathered branches from the woods and hang a handful of small glass baubles from them or, as I've done display tall stems of pink or white waxflower-you'll find them easily at your local florists at this time of year.
• String up garland lighting above your table and introduce small tapered candles displayed in old bottles for some soft mood lighting. This instantly changes the atmosphere in your space and gives it a sense of intimacy.

Advent DIY

I created a quick advent candle DIY with this square brass design by House Doctor DK. Bringing in a statement colour in the teal blue which really sets off the brass, I've tied a set of printed number tags to each corner (also House Doctor), tucked in a sprig of black ivy berries from the garden and loosely filled the centre with moss. Because I can't get enough of moss. Ever. Not my usual colour palette, but I'm enjoying some of the rich blues at the moment and it sits well with the velvet cushion in my last post. I could see this working as a focal point on the Christmas table or even as a feature on our coffee table to watch flickering away in the evenings. There's something very mesmerising about fire and flame, isn't there?

Wreaths & Garlands

Once I've neatly trimmed our tree into its corner I'm always left with a bag full of off-cuttings which I use to turn into a wreath. Because we don't get our tree until closer to the 20th though, I'll go out and find some fir trees to take clippings from instead if I want to put some up earlier. Have you seen some of the more minimal wreath styles coming out on Pinterest lately? They're not completely covered, which I really like - less is more of course. So I built mine using small bunches of fir tree, tied with florists tape and attached to a medium sized embroidery hoop with copper tape. That combination of pale wood and sweet smelling pine needles is spot on and if you want to keep your table decor low-key this year then consider hanging one of these low down on your wall near your table instead.If you love the soft, blushing pink garland in this post, it's actually a DIY avocado dyed garland I created last year. Somehow, it looks a dream against that grey linen cloth, like the calm before the chaos and excitement on Christmas morning. Oh for a quite coffee moment like this...Are you trying something new with your table top this year? Maybe I've inspired you? I'd love to hear your plans...

Shop The Look

Green glass vase, Brighton Beautiful | Mini Taper Candles, Rowen & Wren | White handcrafted beaker, Rowen & Wren | Brass square candle stand, Brighton Beautiful | White Lovatt candlestick, Henry & Future

 Photography & Styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley

*This post is in collaboration with Not On The High Street.