Whether you want to break away from tradition or add a twist to your festive table, creative consultant Kirthanaa Naidu shares her simple yet impactful tips on setting the scene.

Inviting us into her London home, Kirthanaa takes us through her perfect evening shared with friends this merry season. For the setting, she chose to work with muted tones of red and burgundy as a contemporary nod to Christmas. She incorporated seasonal foliage mixed in with surprising touches of fresh cherries, dried chillies and hydrangeas to her table and mantle piece resulting in a fresh yet cosy mood.

Each part of the room had its own touch making the flow of the dinner party feel effortless and exciting as you move from the home bar to the dining table.

Candles play a key role in delivering a comforting glow and welcoming fragrance to the space. The tall candles matched the flower display and added height to the setting.

Kirthanaa is also a strong advocate for using what you already have and introducing new elements. She is also a fan of creating your own Christmas crackers and filling them with personalised gifts for your guests.

Dressed in the latest pieces from Anine Bing, Proenza Schouler White Label and Musier Paris, Kirthanaa shares her top tips for hosting a relaxing festive dinner party.

Prepare Ahead

Have an idea of the vibe you want and work around that. Take out items you already have at home and play around with them before deciding what else to add.

Get Creative with Decorations

Try something different by threading dried oranges, chillies, or apples onto foraged branches for a sculptural element. You can also add candles to these arrangements to make it extra special!

Play with Colour

You don't have to stick to the go-to Christmas colours. Create a festive feel by adding warm tones to your table.

A Special Touch

Make something extra special for your guests, like a personalised cracker. Tailoring it to yourguests' tastes is always a nice gesture and makes it more memorable.

The Flow

Consider the moments you want to create: welcome guests with a drink upon arrival, serve family-style for the main course, and offer a showstopper dessert - there's no shame in buying pre-made desserts and adding your touch to them!

The Final Touches

Don't forget about music, and also consider creating a warm and cosy ambience in the rest of your space too with scented candles.