Winter Tablescaping: Creating an Elegant & Sophisticated Table
Come with us as we show you how to create an elegant and sophisticated table setting that’s perfect for winter dinner parties. This simple, yet impressive, botanically-themed tablescape idea is perfect as we ease into the festive season. With wintery touches and a cosy, inviting ambience, the look is easy to pull together and will definitely impress your guests. We’ve of course included Emma’s signature decorative glassware throughout, alongside vintage, foraged and found tableware suggestions.
Although we describe Emma’s Exotic Floral glassware collection as a ‘touch of the tropical’ for the table, these beautifully refined crystal pieces are just as at home on a winter table. Their ornate and decorative style works wonderfully for a wintery botanical tablescape, just like the one featured below. We actually photographed this sophisticated look in one of our lovely customer’s homes, a sensitively restored and fabulously decorated farmhouse – which you can read more about here.
Sophisticated Table Setting, Step-by-Step
Runners & Centrepieces
Forget fabric, a foliage runner adds texture and interest. Use long strands of ivy as a base material strewn along the length of your table, then intermingle with seed heads and wintery botanicals. Pine cones, dried honesty and tree ivy berries all work a treat for an enchanting woodland table look.
You could also use bud vases with a similar mix of foraged foliage for a more pared back style. Cluster together and arrange with posies of different heights for a botanical centrepiece with impact.
Lighting
The key to creating a cosy ambience. Take advantage of lower winter light levels and illuminate your dining room and table with candles and lamps. Even better is a crackling fire, if you’re lucky to have a fireplace!
We’ve used Silver Birch Vases as decorative hurricane lamps, paired with LED candles*, as a safe yet effective way to light the table. The beauty of owning any Emma Britton decorative glassware is that the different designs easily mix together. Silver Birch sits perfectly in this botanical tablescape alongside the Exotic Floral glassware, adding a welcoming wintery glow.
If you have less space, a string of battery powered fairy lights or antique candlesticks are both equally as effective.
Place Settings
What do you need for a proper place setting? First, start with a placemat. These log slice mats add to the natural seasonal look, layered with a glass plate to contrast. Keep colours minimal for a sophisticated table setting, for cohesion and elegance. Although, don’t be afraid to mix old and new tableware styles, as vintage silver cutlery feels so special and adds a festive gleam. Top off with a pretty fabric napkin. You could even embroider these with your guests names, to double as place cards and favours.
Glassware & Drinks
Finally, it’s time to set the table with wine glasses and water tumblers at each place. Exotic Floral Wine Glasses come in two sizes (a petite version for white wines and a more generous size for reds), so you can accommodate everyone’s tastes. With slender stems and refined rims, these decorative crystal glasses are much loved by wine connoisseurs, making them ideal for more formal dining.
If you’re serving white wine, then an ice bucket is a must. If red is on the menu, an Emma Britton carafe doubles as a decorative wine decanter!
Make sure you’re prepared for aperitifs and digestifs too. Champagne is fun for arrival toasts, and feels extra celebratory in pretty floral coupes served before seating at the table.
For after dinner shorts, the rounded base on these floral glass tumblers gives a satisfying weight that’s lovely to hold.
Pick up Dinner Party Essentials
Stock up on essential Emma Britton decorative glassware by ordering online for quick and secure postage, or shop in person at one of our events.
*ONLY LED or battery powered candles or lights are suitable for use with Silver Birch Vases. Do not use real candles .