Rebecca's Hacks for your Christmas Table Set Up

Setting your Christmas table isn’t all about creative decisions such as styling centrepieces and planning your menu – there are numerous practical considerations to bear in mind, from removing creases from your linens to securing your tapered candles. On the day itself, you want to be stress-free and able to enjoy yourself, so it pays to think ahead with tasks you can do in advance to help make your Christmas table laying as seamless as possible. As a seasoned expert who has styled countless tables for everything from photoshoots to her own Christmas dinners, we asked our founder, Rebecca to share her hacks for the Christmas table set up.

Remove creases from your linens

A few days before Christmas, get out all the table linens you plan on using to thoroughly wash and dry them. Once they are clean, it’s time to work on those stubborn creases. Large commercial roller irons are a blessing, but most of us don’t have access to these so you’ll need to set aside some time for ironing. Linen is at its strongest when wet, so I always recommend dampening your tablecloths, placemats and napkins slightly prior to ironing. Set your iron to a medium to high heat with steam, and apply pressure. You can use starch if you prefer, but it isn’t necessary. If your linens have embroidered details, iron them on the reverse to make the embroidery pop. Then carefully fold them away, ready for the big day.

Mist your tablecloth to remove creases

Personally, I always try to lay my Christmas table the night before, so I can enjoy myself on Christmas morning with one less thing to worry about. If you prefer to set the table on the day itself, I recommend placing your tablecloth a few hours before you will be serving your meal. Once the cloth is on the table, fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist any areas where creases have formed from folding. Wait a couple of hours before setting the table. When you return, any wrinkles will usually have disappeared. 

Use a table protector

A table protector has the dual purpose of protecting your table from heat and spills, while also giving a smooth finish beneath your tablecloth. They are usually ordered by the metre, meaning that they will fit your table exactly, protecting the entire surface. 

Laying the table

Now it’s time for the fun part of your Christmas table set up: laying the table. Our previous articles sharing our Christmas table styling ideas and inspiration for your Christmas table place settings are a good starting point.

Before placing anything on top of the tablecloth, check the tablecloth is even and centred – that you have the same drop at either end and to each side. Nothing is more annoying that only realising your tablecloth is off centre after you’ve dressed the entire table.

Pull the chairs away from the table, to make it easier to get closer to its surface to lay everything. I always start with placemats, ensuring that these are evenly placed across the table and using them as a centrepoint for each place setting. I would then place the cutlery, as this then guides the placement of your glassware. 

Once the table is set, I look down from both ends to make sure the place settings are aligned. I put the chairs back in place and then check again from each end of the table that everything is even – I like the front of the seat of the chair to just touch the tablecloth. Finally, I’ll add decorative pieces such as flowers and candles. 

Polish glassware and cutlery

Either as you’re setting the table the night before or on Christmas morning itself (if you can face it) polish your glassware and cutlery until it sparkles. Use a lint-free tea towel (such as one crafted from pure linen) dipped in hot water, possibly with a couple of capfuls of white vinegar. Always polish your glassware and cutlery immediately after it has been washed and rinsed – don’t allow it to air dry. 

Use candle adhesive to prevent taper candles falling over

Taper candles are a great way to add atmosphere to your Christmas table setting, but it can be a worry that they might topple over (especially if you have younger children or will be passing platters back and forth across the table). I recommend using candle adhesive to firmly keep taper candles in place. Place a small amount of the adhesive on the bottom of each candle, then press and twist firmly into the holder. 

Looking for more Christmas table advice? Read Rebecca’s styling ideas and our place setting advice, or take a look at our Christmas table lookbook.