Merry Christmas from all of us at Evolution Properties.

How to prepare your Christmas table:

"1. Make preparation key

It's best to dress the table the night before Christmas. Why? So you have plenty of time to hunt down missing cutlery and crockery, to check glasses are free of watermarks, and it also means you won't be thrown off if your guests arrive early.

Not only that, but by preparing your table early it allows you more time to think about an overhead display, like these hanging paper decorations, or dressing the shelves and surfaces in the room to create a beautiful ambience.

2. Theme your table

When you choose a theme for your table, you can really do as much or as little as you like. It could be you simply choose one key colour to pick up in your tablecloth, napkins and table arrangement, or you may want to go all out with a specific 'look, whether it's nature-inspired with lots of wood and greenery, or Art Deco opulence, such as this table above.

From peacock feathers and gold-sprayed fruit, to earthy colours and Scandic-style decorations, the world is your oyster. So get creative and come up with a theme that not only suits your home, but calls to your imagination, too.

3. Add a show-stopping place setting

Layering your table is key, so decide if you're using a tablecloth or runner (or both), then pop a charger or beaded placemat for each place setting, topped with your choice of crockery and bowls.

When it comes to your napkin, decide if you want to make a feature of it with some serious Christmas napkin folding origami (bows and Christmas tree designs are easy to fold), or whether you'd rather use an ornate napkin ring as shown above.

4. Show off an eye-catching centrepiece

Depending on the size of the table, you might already be struggling to fit on all your glasses and crockery. If that's the case, avoid cluttering it up further with tealights and other decorations. However, it's always worth squeezing in a Christmas table centrepiece idea. Just remember, bigger doesn't necessarily mean better.

A long planter with pillar candles nestled into moss keeps things simple, and the shape works well with a standard rectangular-shaped dining table.

5. Have fun with personalisation

Welcome your loved ones to the table with a handwritten place setting. This could be as simple as a card, or you could double up and create small gifts for your guests. Perhaps a small succulent with a chalkboard label bearing their name? Or a personalised bauble or cracker? Feel free to let your imagination run wild – just make sure, whatever you settle on, that it works with your overall theme.

Oh, and one last thing – before everyone sits down to eat, make sure you share your carefully laid table with the world! Take a quick snap for Instagram, and add the hashtag #tablescape so that others can seek out your scheme for inspiration. It's also a good term to search with if you're looking for ideas." (Source: Ideal Home, 2021).

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Merry Christmas and a happy new year from all of us at Evolution Properties!

We are open over the Christmas period either via email on ashford@evolutionproperties.co.uk or call us on 01233 501601. If we do not answer, please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible.