Holiday table settings

It's coming to that time of year again; Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas to name but a few, and there is nothing nicer than enjoying the festivities with your family and friends around a beautiful table.  It is easier than you think to produce a fabulous table, it's all about creating a piece of theatre.

Start by setting the scene with candlelight; romantic, glamorous and very flattering.  Try and have this above and below eye level so that diners can see each other, tea lights in glass jars or little glasses (and they don't need to match) and higher level candles such as candelabras or as I have a chandelier with candles above the table.  If you only have a small table and need more space, do what I do and bring the table from the garden.  Cover it with a large white sheet and then a table cover or sometimes I use a Battenburg lace bedspread which is perfect.  White is always best as far as I'm concerned (you can bleach the red wine stains out easily!)

You can add jewels or table confetti, keep this to your colour theme.  Silver is always a good choice, as are mirrors on the table or mirrored place mats.  Light reflective for the candles and very glam.

Next dig out all your crockery, you can use different types but try and stick to the same colour theme for consistency.  Leave enough room between guests so they can move but not too much or they'll feel as if they're dining on their own.  Make up a seating plan and name tags, that way people feel more welcome and part of things.

I like to add flowers to my table, these can either be in individual glasses or vases with one at each place setting or a large centre piece in the middle.  White roses work well and especially teamed with eucalyptus.  I usually have a plan of what I want to do so I set the table the day before, I usually end up free styling a bit and adding more to the table as I go along.  Let yourself go and experiment, but most important of all, enjoy it!

PS I love the ribbon sash around the chairs in the image third from the bottom.

Fairy lights are fun

I love fairy lights, they are the easiest thing to use to make a room, picture, mirror or anything special.  We have been selling them in the shop for over a year and they always sell out before I can get more in.  We are expecting loads in this week; pearl lights, red pearl lights, white felt lights, heart shaped fairy light, flower lights, peg lights, the list is endless.  I've put a few of my favourite images here, see what you think.  Also we're now finally on-line just in time for Christmas and our stock gets updated all the time.  Gift wrap is free so a stress free way to shop.

Acrylic furniture

Clear furniture comes in many shapes and sizes, and has many uses.  The whole acrylic furniture conjures up visions of the 70's, but the reality is far more stylish.  We have a clear version of a wing chair in our window and it generates many a conversation (and it looks great!).  Using acrylic coffee and side tables creates an illusion of space in a room.  I've chosen a cross section of what is out there.  I particularly like the part upholstered chairs as this softens the effect.

The bottom picture is the same chair we have and these are available to order from ANGEL & BB (they're not on our website yet, so contact us by email - info@angelandbb.co.uk

Decorating with plates

What a great way to brighten up a wall, and can be cost effective too.  Unless, of course, you are using the Fornasetti plates which retail for around £1,500 for 6!  I must admit I do like them, but I especially like the vases, ceramic jars and candles from this range.  Candles come in around £100, slightly more affordable but I must admit I would be scared to burn it!

I digress, the white plates could be picked up cheaply, even from Ikea?  I especially love the white plates against the dark grey wall.  Grouped together like this they look great.  You could also choose a colour theme, like the image with the blue plates, which looks extremely artistic due to the way the plates have been hung to overlap.  Hanging plates used to be considered a bit 'twee' or old fashioned but seeing these images I don't think so.  It's a great way to display china which may otherwise be relegated to the back of a cupboard!

Converted churches and chapels

Nowadays there are many churches and chapels which have been converted to beautiful homes.  From rustic and traditional to totally minimal.  It won't surprise you to learn living in a church is top of the list of unusual properties to live in.  I don't know if it's for everyone, with a church's unique history and inherent meaning, would you feel comfortable calling it home?  Strangely I think I could, as long as I purchased it fully renovated with all the interesting features intact and with the benefit of underfloor heating, insulation etc.  I always thought I would go for a rustic, traditional look.  But having seen the all white minimal images, I actually think I prefer them.  See what you think!