Christmas Table Setting Ideas for an Australian Christmas

A Christmas table does not need a theme or a stylist. It needs a few good pieces, something green, and a cracker on every plate. In Australia it also needs to cope with heat, wind and a table that might be outside.

Start with the base

A linen tablecloth or runner in white, cream or a soft green gives everything else a backdrop. For an outdoor table, placemats are easier than a cloth that blows around. Liga Natural Cork Placemats are made from organic cork, smoked with light ink so every mat is a little different, and they suit a relaxed summer table.

A cracker at every place

The cracker is the centre of an Australian Christmas place setting. Lay one across each plate or tuck it into the napkin. Handmade crackers with something worth keeping inside feel more generous than the supermarket kind.

• Mistletoe and Merry Deluxe Red and Cream crackers are a classic look with deluxe gifts inside.
• Mistletoe and Merry Family Face-off crackers are filled with games for the table.

Browse the full range of Christmas bon bons, and see how many crackers per person to buy.

A natural centrepiece

Keep the centrepiece low, so people can see each other across the table. A few ideas that cost very little:

• Eucalyptus or native greenery laid down the middle of the table.
• Cherries, limes and lemons in a shallow bowl.
• A row of small jars with native flowers or rosemary.
• Pine cones and a few candles in glass, if the table is indoors.

Serving platters that go to the table

Serve straight onto the table on platters and bowls that are part of the setting. Ottolenghi FEAST serving plates are earthenware with painted designs, and the FEAST large plates bring colour to the table. See our tableware and serveware for more.

Glasses and drinks

Put a water glass and one wine glass at each place, and keep a jug of iced water on the table. For bubbles, see our wine and Champagne glasses, and our Christmas cocktails for something to fill them with.

Setting a table outdoors in summer

• Find the shade first. Set the table where the shade will be at lunchtime, not where it is in the morning.
• Weigh everything down. Napkins under cutlery, placemats instead of a cloth, nothing light near the edge.
• Keep cold food cold. Serve salads and seafood over ice, and bring dishes out in rounds rather than all at once. Our guide to how long Christmas food can sit out has the safe times.
• Skip the candles if it is windy or a total fire ban day.

Small touches that people notice

• Place cards, even handwritten on a luggage tag, make guests feel expected.
• A small edible gift at each place, such as a gingerbread man, doubles as a place card if you write the name on the wrapper.
• A tea towel as a napkin. An Ottolenghi tea towel is a napkin and a gift in one.

For the food itself, see our Christmas menu ideas and the full Christmas range.