Tablescaping is a thing and we’re fans. Perhaps not necessary every time we set the table, but Christmas is certainly the perfect moment to indulge. In need of some inspo, we popped down to the ever stylish La Follia Cafe and proprietor, Mariana, walked us through her top tips on an effortlessly gorgeous Christmas table.

This week, our team traded the familiar hum of the studio for the softer rhythms of La Follia Café. Recently refreshed, the space feels at once modern and timeless — terrazzo floors underfoot, light pooling across polished tables, the easy chatter of regulars mingling with the aroma of ground coffee. It was, we realised, the perfect backdrop for a working brunch: part planning meeting, part indulgence, part reminder of why environment matters.

Around the table, notebooks and cornetti jostled for space. Between sips of coffee we slipped into the new collection — coats shrugged on against the morning air, knitwear layered and relayered, dresses catching the light through tall café windows. Worn in this way, the clothes came alive: not staged or posed, but simply lived in, tested against the flow of conversation and the clink of cups.

Brunch has always been a curious invention — neither breakfast nor lunch, but something that insists on its own pace. It speaks of leisure, of the small luxury of time, of allowing appetite and conversation to stretch. Perhaps that is why it felt like such a fitting metaphor for the season ahead: a balance between comfort and elegance, indulgence and purpose.

The canvas for your Christmas table masterpiece is the tablecloth and that sets the tone for the whole affair. Red equals Christmas, no doubt about it, but Mariana opts for a red gingham tablecloth, evoking more of a trattoria vibe. “It’s more relaxed and comforting rather than a starch white or a solid red”. We’re also thinking about how much more forgiving a check is versus a solid when it comes to the inevitable spills…

Next comes the table centre piece. The world is your oyster but Mariana believes that a bit of height is important.  “I like something dramatic that brings a bit of elevation to the table.” This one was foraged by Mariana and whilst it’s impressive, it doesn’t block people’s views of one another at the table. “You need to think about that as the last thing you want is for people to be craning their necks around your most fabulous display!”

Adding interest to the table can also come in the shape of some unexpected pieces. Mariana likes to pepper the table with her collection of family heirlooms, alongside pieces picked up from various markets. “I have a real weakness for German decorations”.

A good set of cutlery is an enviable thing. Often collected over time, cutlery should be of the same era, if not matching. This set was gifted to Mariana for her 21st birthday. What a genius idea and one we’ll be stealing.

When collecting crockery, china and glassware for your Christmas table, Mariana’s top tip is to think in themes and to make sure you pick a pattern or design that can be continued. “Accidents happen, and it’s important to not be left with a random selection of pieces. You need to be able to easily top up your collection when things need replacing.”

We all know that Christmas involves a lot of eating. So there’s lots of revisiting the table for yet another meal. Everyone seems to gravitate to the same spot but there’s always confusion over whose napkin is whose. Enter the most genius, yet simple solution to avoid said confusion. Mariana gives everyone a specific napkin ring at the first meal (they are all of varying designs). It is then that person’s responsibility to keep their napkin and napkin ring for the duration of the festive period. In Mariana’s family, napkin rings are often given as christening gifts (and because of this Christmas tradition, they are actually used!)

Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without candles on the table. Mariana often wraps the ends in tin foil to ensure a snug fit in the candle holder. It also makes for a much easier removal when the candle has burnt down to the bottom.

Owning La Follia means that Mariana has great taste when it comes to those wonderful foodie additions to the table. A firm favourite - Giuseppe Giusti White Balsamic Condiment - the perfect accompaniment with bread and olive oil, and equally lovely drizzled on a few salad leaves as a starter. 

Inspired? We are. Happy Christmas tablescaping!

Mariana wears The Denim Dungarees and The Gingham Edwardian shirt

With thanks to Mariana Newton for sharing her Christmas Table

Location: La Follia

Photographer: Pascal Vossen