Inspiration

Christmas Dining Inspiration

4th November 2021

Getting a head start on your Christmas table planning is definitely a smart move so we’ve compiled Birdie’s answers to four of your most asked questions on festive table planning. So read on and save yourself at least a little bit of Christmas stress!

1. I really want to impress my guests but where do I start?

The most amazing tables are usually the best planned. Decide on a colour scheme and choose something to base your look on. This could be a beautiful tablecloth like our Ilex cloth, an antique centrepiece or a lovely runner you’re planning on making from seasonal foliage. Once you’ve got this basic framework sorted you can start fleshing things out by adding extra linens, crockery, glassware and decorations.

2. I’ve got lovely antique table linens to use but they’re plain white, how can I make them look a bit more interesting?

This is the perfect opportunity to go big on styling. White linens look lovely with a palette of greens or loads of different natural tones. So you could go with lots of greenery along the middle of the table (more is definitely more in this situation), clusters of candlesticks with green or white candles and glassware with lots of different textures. If you can find crockery with a hint of green then even better. The natural option works well with a slightly rustic feel. Think branches, pine cones, dried seed heads and wooden-handled cutlery like our Linear set.

3. I want to do something a bit different, do you have any ideas?

Green and red are obviously very traditional but how about a blue scheme? Blues against natural linen and soft arrangements of seasonal foliage can look wonderfully soft and sophisticated. Try a totally monochrome look with blue linens (like our Ilex and Bordered prints), blue painted crockery (our Bel plates and bowls are perfect for this) and blue decorations. Introduce a few subtle natural tones in any floral arrangements and place in blue vases or votives of different sizes and heights. We’ve just launched a new collection of our bestselling Beehive votives which come in handy sets of three, making them perfect for table styling. Blue candlesticks like our Rosie candlesticks with a mix of blue and white candles would complete the look.

4. Any ideas for good old green and red?

You can’t go wrong with green and red but how about softening the red to a gentle berry tone for an updated look? One of our favourite recent tables was created with a base of our Ilex printed linens in green, Linear wooden-handled cutlery and a mix of our fabulous Romanian bowls. These bowls are the key to tying the two colours together and mean that introducing pink Rosie candlesticks, deep berry candles and coordinating florals results in a completely harmonious scheme.

Can you share a design tip that you think every home owner should know?

As a designer, so many people come to me because they struggle to know how to put colours together. The result can be either a clinical room (through fear of using colour and therefore avoiding it) or, at the other end of the spectrum, a chaotic room that feels disjointed because too many colours have been thrown into the mix. Pinterest and paint retailer websites are such useful resources to find colour palettes and pairings – the hard work is done for you.

What key elements do you believe are essential
for a well-designed interior?

Flow! Having a common thread that runs through your home so that every room feels connected is key to me. The other element that I consider critical is a well thought out layout. Having clear zones in large open plan spaces, positioning furniture appropriately and not overloading a space with furniture and decor is also important.

Who are your biggest influences and inspirations in the design world or on social media?

I am constantly being inspired – both in the real world and the digital world! I tend to find that my inspirations and influences are less from specific individuals but more from the places I visit. I love to travel and I know my personal style, use of colour and pattern have been influenced by time I’ve spent travelling in Europe, Africa and South America. Some of my favourite content creators on Instagram are @jackkinsey, @nicolahuthwaite and @patriciarodi but I could
also name hundreds more!

What is your favourite homeware piece?

Another tricky question to answer! I have an obsession with art prints and I think they’re a very easy and affordable way to bring personality and interest into a room.. I have a house full of them! However, I love investing in characterful pieces of furniture that carry a wow factor and provide a real focal point in a room. I bought a gold ornate antique mirror many years ago and it is definitely my favourite item.

How would you describe your design style?

I find it very hard to describe my design style because I am drawn to so many different things. What unites every room in my home though is the use of rich colour and natural materials. I love décor that has character, texture and depth and tend to steer away from sleek, contemporary, minimalist styling.

What is your favourite room in your home and why?

My kitchen has to be my favourite room in our home because it is a space we dreamt about long before it
became a reality. When we bought our house it needed a complete renovation. We lived with a dark, scruffy kitchen with cabinet doors falling off their hinges for 5 years before we were in the position to be able to rip it out and knock down structural walls. It is now a lovely, bright spacious area and definitely the heart of our home!

What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to choosing home decor?

Cushions! I seem to have an addiction to buying them! I think soft furnishings provide such an easy way to refresh
room and experiment with patterns and prints.

If you could swap homes with any celebrity for a
week, whose home would you choose and why?

My dream home would be a hacienda bursting with charm in the Spanish hills; I’d gladly swap homes with any celebrity who has one of those!

Do you have a favourite design trend from the
past that you wish would make a comeback?

Well, because of my obsession with colour, I secretly hope that colourful bathroom suites will come back with a bang and we’ll all be lusting after avocado coloured toilets and baths again but I’m not confident this will happen!

What are your future goals and projects you’re excited about?

I set up my interior design business at the start of 2023 and I haven’t looked back. I am so passionate about interiors and helping my clients find happiness in their homes. So, my goal is to keep growing my business. It is also my dream to launch my own homeware range but life is far too busy right now for me to do anything about this!

What is your favourite way to spend time off, a long weekend or a holiday destination?

I love being in nature and feel most relaxed when I’m on a beach or walking through a forest so renting an Airbnb in a remote location (preferably somewhere with sunshine!) is my favourite way to spend time off.

Can you tell us about why you chose the Pavilion Headboard for your bedroom and give us a brief overview of your styling process?

I fell in love with the Pavilion Headboard as soon as I saw it. I think it’s important for every room to have a focal point and it makes sense that it should be the bed in a bedroom. The Pavilion Headboard is such a unique, detailed and beautiful design and I think it has a real ‘wow’ factor. I love weaving nature throughout my home so I was drawn to the green colourway and the use of rattan. I recently painted the room yellow but didn’t want it to feel too overpowering or childish. I think the sage green helps to offset / tone down the yellow. I then added plants and other touches of green and pink florals to create a cohesive, nature inspired scheme.

Your favourite Birdie Fortescue piece you’ve got your eye on next?

I have several pieces on my wish list at the moment, including the Twisted Floor Lamps and various cushions – there are so many beautiful prints!

By incorporating the Pavilion Headboard into her guest bedroom redesign, Becks showcases her expertise in effortlessly blending style with functionality. Her thoughtful selection of accessories and soft furnishings, along with her keen attention to detail, continues to inspire her followers with fresh ideas on how to elevate their home design. Becks’ approach highlights the transformative power of well-chosen design elements, why not follow @the_interior_lens for more inspiration and updates mastering the art of home decor.

You can find more information on her website here.