Keep it natural by using fresh produce and accents of warm colour to decorate your winter table. Below we share our ideas for beautiful textured tables this winter season.

Artichoke table

“The artichokes were the inspiration for the whole table; it’s such a wonderful winter food and the combination of the murky green and aubergine just works so perfectly. I’ve brought together a very natural table, mixing raw elements with formal textures.” The cabbages mirror the two colours and the table is testament to the trend of using vegetables and herbs as centrepieces and decoration. This can create an interesting talking point with your guests as well as show off local produce or even your own home-grown veg. “For the place settings I have mixed silver and wicker to provide a balance between textures and to create a less formal environment.”

Yvonne O’Brien, owner of The Private House Co., talks tips and trends:

• Make an effort with the table; this will set the tone for the evening. It’s not only about the food – often I spend more time on the table than the food!
• Lots of candles set the atmosphere and create warmth; don’t be shy.
• Have a loose theme so that the table is not too busy or disjointed.
• You can have fun and mix and match with glasses and cutlery.
• Bring out your best cutlery or glasses, but use less formal elements in the form of natural textures to create balance; you want your guests to feel relaxed.
• There’s no need to spend a fortune; use what you have around you and make the most of decor stores like @home and Mr Price Home to find small gems you can combine to create a gorgeous table.
• Make sure your centrepieces don’t block conversation.Yvonne is one of four key interior designers at Decorex Joburg.

Tulip table

“I have always associated tulips with winter; orange pops wonderfully when set against the staid, wintry colours of taupe and grey. I have chosen raw elements that give an organic and rustic feel to the table: a natural wooden table, twiggy place mats and candles nestled in tree bark,” says Yvonne. These natural elements contrast beautifully with the cut crystal wine glasses and tortoiseshell water glasses, providing an abundance of texture. Porcelain and ceramic crockery is very trendy at the moment; the rich colour also adds an element of warmth to the table, which is perfect for winter.

The Private House Co., The Leaping Frog Centre, Cnr Mulbarton Road and William Nicol Drive, Fourways. Call 011-465-5600/011-465-6703 or visit www.privatehouseco.co.za

SOURCES
Roelene Prinsloo

By Dominique Brown