AROUND THE TABLE

Delicate pinks and pretty peach tones set the scene for a meal everyone will love.

Pick wild flowers from your garden and artlessly arrange in a vase. As it’s deepest winter, you can happily add some hardy leaves and dried flowers.

Make the only source of light the soft glow from the candles.

Pretty plates, teacups and soft-coloured glasses add to the atmosphere.

A ROU N D T H E TA BL E

Giveive a sense of occasion to a midwinter dinner withwith a setting that shows off your styling skills and welcomes guests to dinner

Salt&Pepper Eclectic side plate, $15.99, from Farmers.

Ned Harmie vase, $39, from Flux Boutique. Sunnylife Cheers glasses, $28.90 (for two), from Allium.

Maya cutlery set, $29 (16-piece), from The Warehouse.

Wedgwood Renaissance plate, $119, from Smith & Caughey’s. Cluster candelabra, $165, from French Country.

David by Michelangelo candle, $69, from The Axe.

Everyday napkin, $24, from French Country.

CLASSIC TOUCH

Nothing suggests timeless style like a table adorned with crystal glasses, candlesticks and fine china.

A whimsical candle masquerading as a bust is a playful extra, even with a classic setting. Dinner is, after all, about enjoyment.

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Setting the table with glassware for every course is an elegant touch.

This is an occasion to get your best china out. A charger plate under soup bowls adds a formal element to proceedings.

A table runner will anchor a table full of contrasts.

Don’t be tempted to match everything, such as plates. Make sure everyone has a different one. Plain white isn’t welcome here.

The key to this look is to mix and contrast colours and patterns. Nothing is too much – stripes with animal print, or botanicals with graphic illustrations.

BRIGHT SPARK

Whet the appetite with a riot of cheery colours and bring some sunshine to your winter table.

Marimekko Lokki Pergola Rose paper napkins, $11.95, from Bolt of Cloth.

In the Roundhouse plate, $49, from Superette.

Marimekko Kaksi raita paper napkins, $11.95, from Bolt of Cloth.

ORGANIC SINGREDIENTS

Embrace the allure of earthy tones and intriguingly shaped tableware for a modern, relaxed gathering. rn,

Avanti Emperor cast iron teapot, $55, from Smith & Caughey’s.

No need for a table runner or tablecloth, let the beauty of a natural wooden table shine through.

To encourage the informality of this look, set platters of food in the middle of the table and let people serve themselves.

Legna plate, $21.95, from Freedom.

Rustic elements such as wooden serving boards and textured hand-made pottery are statement pieces themselves so very little table dressing is needed. The dark tones of the tablescape ensures the food takes a starring role.