Christmas Dining

Author: Magdalena Kořínková

Christmas and New Year are among the best occasions to enhance your usual table setting with true specialities—and this time we’re not talking about delicacies. Plates, cutlery, glasses, but also salt and pepper shakers, candle holders, and other accessories should be a bit more refined and festive during these holiday days than on ordinary days. Now, more than ever, it’s true that details make the impression. So, how should we prepare the table for festive dining?

Before we look at what should be on the table, let’s consider what should be around it. A calm, cheerful, and friendly atmosphere, with smiling, contented people. Perhaps you just hesitated. After all, for many of us, the phrase "Christmas cheer" feels more like an ideal than reality – stress, nerves, and impatience are often more common. Changing the mood can often be helped simply by swapping casual clothes for something more festive. Women in dresses or blouses with skirts, a festive piece of jewellery is a given, men (at least) in a jacket, and children should also be dressed up, perhaps with jewellery or another accessory. Not only does this help them appreciate the uniqueness of the moment, but it also teaches etiquette, and they may be less likely to get overly excited.

The table also transforms when we replace everyday linens, placemats, plates, cutlery, glasses… with festive ones that are brought out only for special occasions. Now is the right time to use antique porcelain, silver cutlery and candlesticks, and decorate the table with delicate ornaments, perhaps with some greenery.

A Perfectly Set Table

Festive table settings themselves enhance the significance of the occasion, and so if you only have one type of dishware and cutlery in your kitchen, it might be time to expand your collection. You’ll immediately feel the difference when you set the table with items chosen for special occasions.

Even if you’re used to eating just one or two courses, a holiday table should offer at least three. Set out serving dishes, plates, and cutlery accordingly. On Christmas Eve, tradition suggests setting an extra plate for those who are no longer with us—or perhaps for an unexpected guest.

Plates belong about 2 cm from the edge of the table, and don’t forget to place a fish scale underneath, or better yet, a gold coin for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Place cutlery with the rule of “use the piece furthest from the plate first.” Forks should always have tines facing up, and knives should have their blades facing the plate. For a truly precise setting, cutlery should be spaced half a centimetre apart and positioned one centimetre from the table edge.

Cheers!

The holidays are the ideal time to select a true gem from your wine collection. Older red and white wines should be decanted into a decanter or jug. This removes sediment and allows the wine to “breathe”—to develop aroma and aerate.

Your table should include festive glasses for a non-alcoholic drink, ideally water, along with wine glasses and a water carafe. Glasses are placed to the right of the plate; if you’re serving aperitifs, wine, and water, arrange the glasses in a triangular shape.

What are the rules for specific drinks? Aperitifs are not clinked, only acknowledged with a nod, and when it comes to clinking glasses, we never reach across the table. A glass of sparkling wine is held as low as possible, a glass of white wine low, and for red, slightly higher—never by the bowl, only by the stem. This keeps the wine at its ideal temperature and prevents fingerprints. During the meal, always dab your mouth with a napkin before drinking, to keep the glass clean. After all, the wine glass is often the most elegant item on the table.

Decorating with Traditional and Unconventional Accessories

Candles are an essential part of the festive table. Not only do they create a magical atmosphere that artificial light simply can’t replicate, but the flame is a symbol of ancient rituals, bringing a sense of warmth, calm, and reassurance. Antique silver, porcelain, or glass candle holders add an amazing elegance to the occasion.

Looking to decorate with something less traditional? Knife rests can be used for laying down cutlery, and these can have quite unique shapes. Napkins can be elegantly folded or held in place with a ring.

Since everyone’s taste preferences vary, it’s good to have salt and pepper on hand, so each person can season their meal to their liking.

Coffee by the Tree

After dinner, everyone eagerly moves to the tree. While children dive into presents, adults can enjoy a coffee. Even at festive times, coffee belongs in festive porcelain. A complete porcelain set with a pot, sugar bowl, milk jug, and cups with saucers should grace every home.

Even seemingly small details can help you cherish a beautiful memory of your holiday. If you’d like to enrich your home with antiques that add shine to your holiday table, you can browse both on our e-shop or visit our store in Maiselova street number 9.