Christmas is a magical and very special season, a time to bring the family together and where, although everyone has their own rituals, there are symbolic elements that cannot be missed. The wreath placed on the doorstep, the nativity scene, the Christmas tree, which in many homes is set up at the beginning of December… and the table, which takes centre stage. After all, it’s around the table that the family will gather, savour traditional recipes and share stories and memories. That’s why it needs to be prepared with care and attention.
There’s nothing better than talking to someone who knows, to share the best tips and advice, to present it in all its splendour.
Here are the ideas of Manuel Arez, an architecture graduate and one of the founding partners of the Conceitos de Arte atelier, a benchmark in the fields of architecture and interior design.
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?
Christmas is a time of celebration and affection, and decorating trends are increasingly mixing the classic with modern and natural elements, bringing comfort, elegance and personality.
Traditional colours such as red, green and gold are timeless, but shades such as ivory and emerald green are also gaining ground, bringing a contemporary and irreverent feel to the space. The essential elements of a table are the tablecloth, crockery and candlesticks, which help to create a cosy atmosphere. Adding small natural details, such as pine branches and dried fruit, enriches the composition and brings the scent of the season to the table.
In your opinion, which table decoration pieces are worth investing in and which can be reused year after year without losing their modernity?
The basic pieces that bring timelessness are the best investments for setting a long-lasting and elegant Christmas table.
Among these items, the cutlery with a timeless design stands out, an essential piece for all festive events that remains current over the years. Complementing this choice, a service of porcelain plates and crystal glasses are indispensable elements, capable of passing through the seasons and remaining current year after year.
Although it’s not directly part of the table, it’s worth investing in a Christmas tree. Opting for a high-quality artificial tree, which will retain its beauty over the years, allows you to explore different combinations of ornaments and vary the decoration according to the style you want.
So, by investing in a Christmas tree, classic cutlery and timeless plates and glasses, you create a solid, long-lasting base that can be personalised every year without losing its charm and elegance.
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 table decoration more personal?
Integrating antique pieces into Christmas decor is a way of bringing family memories and stories to the table. The key is to balance these pieces with contemporary elements to create a harmonious composition.
I suggest, for example, incorporating antique crockery or glasses with a more neutral and modern plate service. These classic items take centre stage and are emphasised by the contrast with modern pieces. Another special detail is the use of antique napkins or small embroidered cloths that can be used on the bread plates, adding a delicate and traditional touch.
To make the decor even more personal, adding small details full of meaning makes all the difference. You can use antique pieces as centrepieces or create personalised place markers with handwritten cards.
Thus, by mixing these objects with contemporary touches, we achieve a table with personality, which honours the past and embraces the present.
What small details make the difference on a Christmas table, and which are usually overlooked? What should we avoid?
Details such as personalised place markers, small sprigs of holly and other Christmas decorative elements on napkins add a special touch and make the table more festive. It’s important, however, to avoid excesses. Items that block the view or hinder interaction between guests should be avoided.
Another important point is to plan where to place the platters and other elements needed for dinner, ensuring that the layout of the decoration harmonises with the practicality of using the table. In this way, the balance between decoration and functionality contributes to a pleasant and well-organised celebration.
For those who prefer a more minimalist and natural look, what would you recommend?
For a minimalist look, I recommend using a neutral palette with natural elements: tablecloths in soft tones, ceramic plates in white or pearl, branches of eucalyptus, pine or holly along the table, rather than a bulky centrepiece. Candles in simple candlesticks also help to create a warm atmosphere without overloading the room.
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 centrepieces, garlands and Christmas wreaths are requested daily by private and corporate clients.
What decorative elements do you not do without in your home?
The decorative elements I don’t do without include the Christmas tree and the wreath on the front door, which are always set up at the beginning of December, and the nativity scene, a spiritual symbol. I also pay a lot of attention to the Christmas table, including a decorative tablecloth, plates and candlesticks, as well as small natural details such as pine boughs, holly and dried fruit, which add charm and the scent of the season. On the table, I like to have flowers, chocolates and fruit.
How do you combine natural and artificial elements?
I usually opt for an artificial Christmas tree because of its practicality and durability, but I complement it with natural plants and flowers on the dining table and in arrangements around the house. That way, I get the best of both worlds: the ease of maintenance and resistance of artificial elements, combined with the freshness and beauty of natural details.
Do you prefer to have the same style throughout the house or does each room have its own style?
I prefer each room to have its own style, allowing for more personalised decoration adapted to the characteristics and functions of each room. This allows me to create unique and cosy atmospheres in each space, reflecting what is most appropriate for the place. However, it is essential that these styles connect harmoniously, creating a visual fluidity between the rooms. To achieve this, I try to maintain a colour palette and decorative elements that complement each other, ensuring that each room has its own identity, but without losing the feeling of unity throughout the house. In this way, I manage to balance personalization with aesthetic cohesion, creating a home that is both unique and welcoming.
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