The Irish illustrator and designer describes his love of practical, maximalist tablescaping, especially for the festive season …
When we discuss dinner parties, there is usually so much emphasis on the food – and rightly so. However, for me, going the extra mile to consider the theatre of the table is just as important and will make your party truly memorable.
Ever since I was a small child, I have adored laying tables and a Christmas tablescape is the ultimate opportunity to get creative. Growing up, setting the Christmas table was one of my tasks. I relished the chance to play with the best dinner service, the crystal that usually lived in the cabinet, arranging flowers and folding napkins into outrageous shapes. However, my more practically minded mother often curtailed my extravagance before my tables could become truly spectacular – or ridiculous, depending on your point of view. Her main grievance was that my larger than life approach left nowhere for the food, which was a legitimate concern for the person preparing the meal!
Now, in my own house, I can fill the table however I wish …
Thankfully, I have outgrown the art of napkin folding, though this has proven to be a useful party trick on more than one occasion. I still love maximalist tables and I firmly believe that they can be practical; they just require a bit more forethought and a lot more effort with the washing up! But the effort is definitely worthwhile, especially at Christmas.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips to make a table more comfortable. Some time ago, I invested in a magnificent Edwardian candelabrum, which I intended to keep as a permanent fixture on my table. It was exactly the sort of thing my ten-year-old self lusted after. However, I quickly discovered that a tall centrepiece can block the view of your guests, which is not ideal. Nowadays, I prefer to keep everything on the table relatively low. An arrangement in a punch bowl strikes the ideal balance: large enough to create a wow factor, yet low enough to ensure comfortable conversation. The one extravagance I allow myself is a festive arrangement from a local florist in my favourite antique punch bowl.
This supper table is perfect for four friends at Christmas. I entertain here most weeks and prefer small, intimate gatherings. It causes me no stress, allowing me to truly enjoy the evening. All of the ceramics, glassware, silverware, and linens are antique or vintage – items I’ve collected over the years at antique fairs, car boot sales and charity shops. The miniature crackers and place cards are made from some of my lino print designs and paper offcuts. The extra effort involved in crafting these small details really makes guests feel special.
Admittedly, place cards are rather unnecessary for a party of four, but I think they add a lovely touch to the table. At the end of the night, guests can take them home as mementos of a splendid evening, if they so choose.
For the crackers, I created a template and traced it onto some paper, which I printed with a checkerboard pattern. This was my first time attempting this and the process was a bit fiddly, but I think they turned out well. They add a personal touch and serve as a great conversation starter. I filled them with sweet treats but a friend commented that they’d be perfect for gifting jewellery – hopefully, I’ll get invited to that party!
Upon arrival, I serve champagne before we sit down to dinner. This year, I’ve saved some lovely bottles of wine for Christmas suppers, so I’m rather excited to try those.
When my guests leave, I ask them to sign my guestbook, which is a charming way to keep a record of who has visited and when. Some guests leave humorous comments or draw little pictures, so it will become a treasured keepsake in years to come.
Follow Rory on Instagram @roryhuttonldn and shop his collection of silk scarves at www.roryhutton.co.uk.
