Want to Create An Australian Style Christmas Tablescape?

On a recent trip to my favourite shop for browsing, Spotlight, I picked up a couple of metres of Jocelyn Proust fabric. My idea was to create a Christmas table runner with an Australian twist. The flowering gum print, with subtle red and pink flowers, seemed very Christmassy and perfect for my needs. Not only did I make the simple table runner but I was inspired to create an Australian style Christmas tablescape. I can imagine this table set for Christmas on our verandah. It would be easy to recreate on Christmas morning or even the night before if you leave the flowers until last minute. Want to create an Australian Christmas tablescape this year? This is just for you!

The Elements in my Australian Christmas Tablescape

This Australian Christmas tablescape concept began with the flowering gum table runner I made. The runner itself is simple to make. I made mine two metres long as our table length is enormous. You could customise yours to the length that suits your table. You could also do something similar by making a tablecloth from this material. It would look amazing.

The other elements I used were pulled from around my house. So I basically shopped my home and used things I had on hand. This is in keeping with the way I’ve decorated the whole house. I’ve tried to only use items I had alongside natural elements from the garden. I think I can confidently say I’ve met this goal I set for myself.

Here’s what I used to create my Australian Christmas tablescape:

• White vintage china
• Bretagne bread and butter plates in green (I love this set. It’s perfect for a traditional Christmas)
• Jocelyn Proust table runner (made by me) The fabric I used is exclusive to Spotlight but you could buy a ready-made runner similar on Etsy and support a local business. I love the Australian vibe of the Jocelyn Proust designs. They have a lovely modern country twist and the colourway of my runner is red enough to be Christmas but also used throughout the year.
• gold dinner set from Target Australia
• mini gold balls, bottlebrush trees and red baubles from the two-dollar shop. (I had all of these on hand already)
• A selection of fresh greenery and florals: cedar, eucalyptus, field flowers, waratah and protea. These could all be purchased from a florist. I used two waratahs and two protea
• 1 metre twinkle lights from Kmart Australia
• jute string
• linen look table napkins

How to Construct the Tablescape

1. Lay the table runner along the middle of the table and adjust to make sure the distance at each end is the same
2. Begin with the larger elements of green and put down a layer of cedar. The end of the branches should be facing the middle of the table so that the fronds are spraying out along the length of the table.
3. Poke pieces of eucalyptus in between the cedar fronds so the layers change in depth and height. Adjust to achieve a pleasing look.
4. Tuck the sprigs of field flowers into the very end of the arrangement.
5. Place the proteas about one third from each end. Tuck the stems under the greenery so the stems are hidden. Do the same with the waratah and other bush flowers so that the look is balanced on each side in length and height.
6. At this point, you may have to make adjustments to the branches so they cover each other and the ends are hidden from view. This might mean you ‘weave’ them in and out of each other a little until you are satisfied with the look.

What to do with your Tablescape Now

Now you have the basis of your arrangement, it’s time to add the details. Start by adding the twinkle lights. The best way to get a nice look is to wind the wire of the lights around something cylindrical like a thin jar or an empty toilet roll. Let the end go and the lights will begin to unravel in a circular motion. Spread and tuck them.

Now add the bottle brush trees, one on each side. Then dot the mini gold balls and red baubles around through the leaves and sparsely along the ends of the runner. This will create a full to empty look from the middle to the ends of the table.

When you are happy with the look of your centrepiece set the table with plates and cutlery. I’ve layered the bread and butter plate on top of the dinner plate. I folded the napkin in half twice and tied it with string. Place the tied napkin on top of the plate stack.

This tablescape has the traditional colours of Christmas I’m using this year but with a modern Australian twist. It would be so easy to customise the idea. I’d love to see how you do!