Green Attitude had the privilege of talking to interior architect Rita Salgueiro about decorating Christmas tables. With a career spanning more than 20 years, she is the owner of one of the twelve studios invited to take part in the event “A Festa das Mesas” (“The Tables Party”), a project by Carlos Pissarra, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, and where Horto do Campo Grande supported the proposals of two ateliers.
Since Christmas is a traditional celebration, what do you think are the current trends for decorating the Christmas table? What is the colour palette and what are the essential elements for decorating the Christmas table?
This Christmas we’re mostly seeing a return to the traditional shades of red and green and classic tables in shades of gold. However, the more daring are embracing more playful colours such as pinks, light blues and even strong tones reminiscent of disco sound.
In your opinion, which table decoration items are worth investing in and can be reused year after year without losing relevance?
In addition to the tableware and tablecloth, which are the starting point for the decoration, reindeer and deer are for life, as are pine cones in a variety of shapes and forms. A classic, high-quality centrepiece is timeless, and if possible, silver candlesticks, which can be used on various occasions and, at Christmas, combined with the decorative elements on trend each year.
How can we integrate older pieces, full of memories, without the decoration losing its modernity? What suggestions would you give for incorporating small details that make the table decoration more personal?
Family tableware, crystal glasses and silverware in general should always be used on special occasions. They are a way of celebrating each family’s history, and they become even more meaningful at Christmas, but the use of these pieces doesn’t have to make the decoration boring or too classic. Mix these pieces with bolder ones in more vibrant colours.
Who says that a classic service can’t be mixed with marker plates in hot pink, turquoise or any other colour that matches or contrasts with the service? Opt for a tablecloth with an unusual pattern and scatter candles and flowers in fun colours along the table, instead of resorting to an embroidered linen tablecloth and gold or silver candles.
Deconstructing classic decor is not only fun, it also creates a more relaxed atmosphere.
The saying goes that “God is in the details” and these are what personalise a table decoration. Napkins in different fabrics or embroidered with everyone’s initials; a Christmas tree ornament, according to everyone’s personality, as a napkin ring, is not only original but can also make the evening fun. A mirror ball for the granddaughter/niece who only thinks about going out at night, a cat for the aunt who collects them at home, a bottle of champagne for the most glamorous person in the family, a Santa Claus for the oldest man in the family… there’s no shortage of original Christmas ornaments to symbolise and associate with each member of the family.
Place markers can be made by the children. Have you ever thought of asking the children to draw Father, Mother and the rest of the family individually on a small card, put that family member’s name on it and then put the card in each person’s place? Not only does this occupy the children while you prepare the table decorations, but it also personalises the table.
What small details make the difference at a Christmas table and are usually overlooked? What should we avoid?
Placing place markers for larger families, flowers and decorative elements all along the table, instead of just in the centre, and leaving the rest of the family without table decorations.
Although decoration is essential, it’s important that everyone is able to communicate well and, for those who don’t have anyone serving the meal, it’s important that the platters are passed from one to another in a functional way and without destroying the decoration. To prevent this from happening, pay attention to the height of the centrepieces and where you place the candles so that they don’t fall over and/or burn your guests’ arms.
For those who prefer a more minimalist and natural look, what would you recommend?
Less is more and, although it’s the opposite of what the season calls for, it has to be taken into account, not only for those who are minimalists by nature, but also for those who don’t have the possibility of setting a table with family services, full of flowers and candles.
For these, I recommend a plain tablecloth, a single-coloured service with a gold plate marker/base that can be made of metal, ceramic or even spongy cardboard. Plain napkins with a gold ring or ribbon. Gold or silver candles along the table, alternated with footless water glasses made into vases with branches, spray-painted gold or silver.
Christmas at Horto do Campo Grande is a magical time. Artificial Christmas trees of different shapes and sizes are decorated with lights and ornaments from the most classic to the most original. Decorative items, candlesticks, candles, crockery with elements alluding to the season, music boxes, snow globes, trains, reindeer, nutcrackers and Santa Clauses are a delight for the little ones.
It’s a busy time of year, we receive natural pine trees, firs of different sizes, and at the florist’s the table centrepieces, wreaths and Christmas crowns are requested daily by private and business customers.
In your home, what decorative elements can you not do without?
Candles and tealights alluding to the season, Christmas balls mixed with mini pine cones and a reindeer on the table in front of the sofa. An illuminated element in the shape of a star, Christmas tree or other shape to add light to the room and something more striking to put on the front door.
How do you combine natural and artificial elements?
Nothing like mixing them so that they blend and harmonise.
Do you prefer to have the same style throughout the house or does each room have its own style?
I always opt for the same style and colours, and the Christmas decorations are confined to the living room and entrance hall. When, for the most varied reasons, decorative elements of different styles appear, I try to fit them in so that the decoration has a common thread throughout the different rooms. Apart from the fact that I don’t like ‘visual noise’ in the house, for me, Christmas decorations shouldn’t be exaggerated, they should complement and not overlap or clash with the style of decoration of the house itself. You have to be selective, because if you want to put up everything you have and have received over the years, it’s very easy to turn a Christmas decoration into a carnival decoration.
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