As a group of three islands at the bottom of the world, more and more we are embracing our traditional New Zealand lifestyle rather than reflecting the White Christmases of the Motherland.
Our Christmas menus are becoming more focused on readily available produce such as crisp salads, BBQs, seasonal berry fruit, and thirst-quenching summer cocktails. Our Christmas decorations are also taking their cues from a more rustic and natural beauty approach than the traditional snow-dusted home decor of yesteryear.
A great place to start your renewed Kiwiana Christmas theme is with things like natural-looking wreaths and swags. The perfect backdrop to layer your festive feature pieces Why not snip some branches from a nearby eucalyptus tree to add a touch of natural authenticity?
A beautiful Christmas table is the ultimate place to unleash your festive ambiance.
Undoubtedly, the Christmas tree is the place to establish your theme; however, the Christmas table is where you can really show off your Christmas creativity. From table runners to napkin rings, a table is truly a blank canvas for the Christmas theme of your choosing.
We have put together a collection of three Christmas-themed table settings to whet your appetite.
The understated Kiwiana Rustic Christmas
What better way to embrace a relaxing Christmas day than with an outdoor Christmas BBQ.
Adorn your table with easily acquired gum foliage and combine that with some beautiful Swags that conveniently add an understated structure to your natural theme.
Adorning your Christmas table with native theme swags and replacing store-bought decorations with beautiful pieces from your garden adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Opt for bare minimalism, setting aside patterned table runners and napkins in favour of natural tones and textures.
The addition of linen tablecloths or napkins adds a sense of elegance while also being sustainable. The natural fibres of linen lend themselves perfectly to the natural-themed centerpieces. Think wooden accents, like sharing boards, to complement the flora and add to the natural tablescape.
Alternatively, lay a white linen tablecloth as the foundation, then drape brown paper as a tablerunner over top. Gather jars of greenery, like gum leaves and rosemary, for added texture. Finally, wrap your cutlery with kitchen twine and a napkin, and, for a soft, ambient night-time setting, place tea lights along the length of the table for an enchanting, elegant effect.
The white-on-white layering effect
White tableware and white serveware allow your glorious festive food to be the hero!
Create interest in your white on white masterpiece with textural elements to keep your table looking chic. Begin with a white tablecloth and layer with unique white crockery, napkins in a contrasting fabric, and cream and stone platters. To add a hint of vibrancy, fill glass or ceramic vessels with greenery stems, introducing the right amount of charm without veering off the monochrome.
Nana’s Favourites
What better way to celebrate a family Christmas than by introducing Glorious Patterned China from Nana’s Cupboard in a festive table setting for today?
Let go of the idea that Christmas tables are restricted to red, white, and green. Brightly decorate your table with the colours and patterned china that you already have. This ticks many boxes, including nostalgia, sustainability, style, and Fun!
A vibrant colour scheme means you can have some fun with colorful garden foliage, festive table runners, Christmas crackers, colourful napkins, and crockery. "Let the colours do the talking"
Whatever theme you choose for this Christmas, just have fun with it! It’s the one time of year to create the setting for special family time that children, along with adults, will remember for years to come.
