Let me introduce the marvellous interiors stylist and master of the seasons: Hannah Bullivant. I've wanted to work together ever since we met, it's only taken three years and two babies to make it happen. Without further ado let me hand over to Han who spills her secrets of how to create the perfect table setting:

December is heeeeere and the best thing about it, as everyone worth their salt knows, is the food. I’m going to talk you through setting the perfect Betty-inspired Pink and Gold Christmas table this season, and throw in my top hosting tips too. Whenever I approach a table, I think of it in terms of colour, texture, height, life and light.

Colour: I always decide on a core colour combination, which in this case is pink, gold and stone - a twist on the traditional Christmas colours, but still elegant and sparkling. Stick to 2 or 3 colours to keep things feeling cohesive.
The key to a sumptuous table is a lovely mix of textures. For example, soft linens and florals contrasting with rough stoneware or porcelain. I am a complete sucker for beautiful linen, I love the open weave and knobbly texture and how it feels to the touch. If you haven't any to hand then borrow, trawl the charity shops, or think outside the box. Could you use a piece of fabric or thin blanket for a tablecloth instead?

Height: Dramatically tall flowers or candlesticks add a delicious sense of drama, but make sure your guests will be able to see each other and talk; there is nothing worse than sitting down at a beautiful table only to find you can’t interact with anyone. Glassware is another way to add height, and the glasses I used have the double advantage of having a gold base to reflect the candlelight.

Life: I always have something natural in my schemes to provide life. In this case, it’s the small posies of flowers and the wreath in the background. Branches and twigs also look lovely, as do any sort of evergreen. Small arrangements are easier to tackle than large ones. Stick to your colour palette, keep the bunches small, and think in terms of odd numbers when creating a small posy of flowers.

Light: An obvious one, perhaps, but you cannot have too many candles in a room. Ever. Keep the big lights off and light the room with fairy lights and twinkling candlelight. Don’t forget to light the corners of the room also. I have also added a mini cracker to each plate, perfectly reflecting the season, adding an element of fun for each guest, and complementing our colour theme perfectly, of course!

A few tips to make hosting less stressful:

Start Early
Start preparing early. Cook what can be cooked way ahead, and lay the table the day before.

Ask For Help
I am a big advocate for delegating and sharing duties in order to maintain ones sanity when entertaining. Ask guests to bring a dish (don’t be afraid to specify a dish, or at least a cuisine). Accept help to clear up afterwards (no really, do!), or offers of financial help too, Christmas can be eye wateringly expensive.

Go Simple
Share the cooking to keep things feeling simple, or cook something easy like a favourite stew with slabs of bread and butter. Or host a Christmas brunch or drinks instead of the full shebang. Don’t overcomplicate the decorating (unless this brings you joy). Simple candlelight is really all that’s needed for a magical feast.

Pink and Gold Festive Dinner Party

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Photography | Bison