When it comes to making a Christmas table feel special, Jerrie-Joy knows exactly what she’s doing. As the stylist behind our Christmas menu shoots, it’s safe to say her taste is impeccable. Here, she shares her top styling tips for Christmas, so your table looks just as good as the food you effortlessly served.
When you’re styling a Christmas table from scratch, what’s the very first decision you make that shapes everything else?
If we’re talking about a buffet-style Christmas table (and we should be!), the first decision would be what “theme” I’m going for this year…bright pinks? Neutrals (hardly)? Classic? Vintage? Modern? You know what I mean, then things flow from this central idea. I need a theme to be able to style the plates and even the food too.
What are your easiest high-impact tricks that make a table feel festive without overthinking or overspending?
Anything in abundance makes your table look festive and fun: 50 carnations is as effective and as beautiful as a dozen roses. Add some height to the table, turn a bowl upside down and pop a plate on top to create different levels, give that salad the pedestal it deserves.
How do you style a table so the hero dishes — like a glazed ham or a show-stopping side — look even more impressive?
I tend to plate things in smaller dishes, or plate up two of the same salad in two smaller bowls, to make the table feel fuller. Abundance and generosity are key when hosting. Make people feel delighted! Try to plate things in unusual ways, maybe the ham is on a cake stand? Maybe one of the sides is plated individually in small ice cream cups? Try to have some fun.
What are three everyday things most people already own that can instantly zhuzh up a Christmas table?
Candles are essential, a sheet could also double as a tablecloth and you can use a mixture of different style plates and dishes. Be bold!
What trend are you loving for Australian summer feasting this year?
EASY FEASTING is my word for the summer. I want to be more casual about throwing a party together. I want less time in the kitchen and more time by the pool, beach, or yard. I’m always thinking about food that we can eat with our hands— much more fun.
Favourite styling utensil?
Spritzing bottle!
Cloth napkins or paper, but really chic paper?
Always cloth!
Ham centrepiece or show-off seafood spread?
SEAFOOD TOWER! Of course!
All matching or eclectic mix for plates?
Oooooh, this really depends on the theme — but it’s usually a mixture.
Favourite food item that doubles as a prop?
I’m not going to say tomato! How about those mini watermelons, slightly cracked with spoons stabbed in them so people can dig in…. Juicy summer times.
