Darkness is encroaching on our precious daylight hours and temperatures are beginning their downward descent. Our time is increasingly spent seeking warmth, either in our woollens and long coats or in the comfort of our own home, withthe heat of a crackling fire.
To keep spirits high throw a supper with friends to celebrate one of winter's events, from Advent and the Winter Solstice to Christmas and New Year.
Beloware some tips on how to lay a winter's table...
Use layers of different texture on the table to create depth. Keep things simple with crisp white stonewashed linens and hand thrown ceramic plates. A white table setting allows the greenery and candle light to sing. Whilst both are white, they introduce an element of texture and depth in the weave of the linen and the small inconsistencies of the glaze.
Long Dinner English Beeswax Candles | Giant Fir & Mountain Juniper Porcelain Candles
Lay long branches of greenery such as Ruscus, Wax Leaf , Ferns or Nicoli down the centre of the tables. You don't need to makeformal garlands - a quick forage around your garden will probably suffice if you've run out of time to get to your florist.
Mercury Glass Table Decorations|Giant Fir & Mountain Juniper Porcelain Candles| Beeswax Long Dinner Candles
Use candle light. Simple lengths of greenery studded with candles in assorted holders looks lovely. A combination of little candles in jars and tall dinner candles in holders works well. Now is a good time to stock up on candles (I am especially fond of beeswax for their delicate scent and golden colour).
English Beeswax Dinner Candles|Mercury Glass Table Decorations| Linen Cross Over Aprons
Make simple plate posies out of winter greenery by collecting small stems of holly and eucalyptus and tying them with twine. You could also attach a small piee of card with the guests' names. If you're pushed for time, a single feather, a simple sprig of rosemary or a small stick tied to the napkin, also looks effective.
Plate Posies of winter greenery
Bistro Cutlery | Brickett Davda Plate|Mercury Glass Table Decorations|Giant Fir & Mountain Juniper Porcelain Candles
Include something fresh, seasonal and edible on each plate, which could also double as a starter. Try a poached pear with a shard of Wensleydale, a fresh fig, small apple with leaves still attached, or a fresh bread roll encrusted with sea salt and rosemary.
Words and styling by Hannah Bullivant -website: www.hannahbullivant.com. Blog -www.seedsandstitches.com. Instagram - @hanbullivant.
The photos above were taken by photographerXanthe Berkeleyat the Sisterhood Supper in Bristol. For updates on future events, you can sign up to the mailing list here:http://www.sisterhoodcamp.co.uk
Sisterhood organiser:Lou Archell|Stylist: Hannah Bullivant|Photographer Xanthe Berkeley|Florist: Erin Trezise|Venue: The Forge, Bristol | Chef:Claire Thompson.
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