Fiona Leahy's Christmas table with Soho Home
A former fashion stylist, Irish-born Fiona Leahy has spent the last 14 years travelling the world stagingseriouslydecadent events – from a party in the Doha desert for Damien Hirst, to a week-long influencer event in Mexico for Aerin Lauder.
For Christmas 2019, the Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous event design agency, Fiona Leahy Design, has created a festive tablescape with Soho Homeand gives us the low-down on her seasonal must-haves for a well-dressed table.
Before you begin
Be prepared. I do think having a wardrobe for your table might sound like a funny thing, but just like we have a wardrobe for outfits, having a cupboard with my candlesticks and my bud vases means I can run out and just get some flowers.
I stockpile different colours, I’m always prepared. I have a set of 8 or 12 linens, napkins, tablecloths, I kind of just buy things and have them on standby, it takes a lot of the stress out of it.
Setting the scene
Like a landscape, a tablescape undulates. It has to go up slightly and down slightly, it’s about the eye travelling. There is a symmetry – we would always put candles a certain distance apart and groups of three really work in different heights for flowers, candles and with glasses too.
You don’t ever want to obstruct somebody’s vision, especially for something like Christmas entertaining. You want it to be convivial, you want to be able to talk, you don’t want the decorations to take over, that’s a real pet hate – no-one wants to be talking to flowers!
You need to be able to see people’s eyes, while lit beautifully by candlelight which I think is the most flattering light.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Fiona's five Essentials for a well-dressed table
1. Definitely candles – on this table there’s the Soho Home taller candles and then we have lower tea lights.
2. Flowers – I love flowers.
3. You’ll always see an element of personalisation on my table.If there’s crackers I can scribble people’s names on them or fill snow globes with names.Or we’ve done the trinket jars and we’ve added ribbons with initials, which I love.
4. And colour – I love colour.
5. Another of the elements of all of my tables is fun – you can have a good time, you can pull a cracker, you get your trinket jar, play pass the parcel, all of those things.
Tableware available at Soho Home.
Find timeless Christmas decorating ideas from Turner Pocock here.
Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites
A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.
-
How to Make Dying Succulents Thrive Again — 7 Expert Ways to Rescue Your Plants
Whether they're overwatered, under-watered or otherwise unwell, succulents can recover with these simple steps
By Jacky Parker Published
-
What Color Countertop is Best for a Small Kitchen? Experts Recommend These 5 Space-Busting Tones
Your countertop color and material palette is an important decision in any kitchen, but particularly in a small one — here's what the experts say
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Published
-
'Everyone Needs to Try it!' - This Viral Christmas Light Storage Hack is Exactly What I Need For Tidying Away Decor
This year, I'll be tidying away my Christmas lights using this nifty storage hack, here's how to give it a go for yourself
By Oonagh Turner Published
-
Organize all Your Gift Wrap Supplies with This $30 Amazon Buy That Makes Preparing Presents so Simple
Create a designated gift wrap station with this clever kit
By Amy McArdle Published
-
'Christmas Disco' Decor is Seriously Trending This Party Season — How to Get the Look (and Why You Should)
Disco decor has been a huge trend throughout 2023. Bring the party home this festive season with disco-inspired Christmas decor
By Katie Baxter Published
-
This is the Homemade Christmas Trend Our Editor is Using on His Tree – And it's So Easy to DIY!
Dried orange garlands are a huge Christmas decor trend that our editor loves - and we can see why
By Katie Baxter Published
-
This Viral Hack Promises to Get the Most Out of Your Christmas Poinsettia
Try this simple trick to extend the life of your festive plant way beyond Christmas day
By Amy McArdle Published
-
This Viral Guestbed from Amazon Could be the Small Space Solution you Need This Festive Season
Give your guests the gift of a good night's sleep, even without a dedicated guestroom
By Amy McArdle Published
-
This Gardening Hack is a Simple Yet Genius Way to Protect Your Plants from Frost - and It Uses Your Christmas Decor
Try this viral trick to ensure your vulnerable outdoor plants survive through the festive season
By Amy McArdle Published
-
'Everyone Will be Doing This This Year' - This Viral Napkin Folding Trick is Exactly What I Want for my Christmas Table
This decorating trick is free (well, as long as you've already got napkins) and will make your Christmas table feel magical
By Hugh Metcalf Published