Christmas Table Setting: Picks from the ITALY Magazine Staff
[Editor Katia Amore] My grandmother used to decorate her house and even the Presepe with Sicilian oranges, I still do the same, it is just a wonderful tradition!
[Editor Katia Amore] This year for my cooking school I chose almonds and cinnamon over a white vintage table clothes, in tune with all the wonderful Christmas traditional biscotti and food.
[Assistant Editor Silvia Donati] One element that cannot miss from my table is red, from tablecloth to napkins to tiny decorations – it has been a family tradition since I can remember. Red gives the table a festive touch.
[Assistant Editor Silvia Donati] Besides red, the other element that can't be missing from my table is candles, of different shapes and sizes. They add a touch of warmth and coziness.
[Assistant Editor Silvia Donati] If you have many guests, I suggest using pretty placeholders. I take this idea from my grandfather who loved to be in charge of setting the table for Christmas and other family events.
[COO Silvana Calderone] Lace table settings bring back childhood memories of Christmases spent at my nonna’s house in Tuscany.
[COO Silvana Calderone] I love a white Christmas. But even if it’s not snowing outside, I can recreate that feel with a winter white setting and lace.
[Community Manager Georgette Jupe] In Florence where I live, I have seen a movement towards 'shabby sheek'. Minimal items with rough textures and plenty of wood. I also like the addition of a bit of Italian-flag color and the very American 'candy cane'.
[Community manager Georgette Jupe] An elegant table setting using Italian seasonal items such a pinecones and chestnuts, while sticking to my American roots with the gingerbread cookies tied into the napkins with twine.
[Community manager Georgette Jupe] A bit of a flashier Italian table using as much gold as the Vatican city, with touches of red fruits as garnish plus a classy wine and spumante holder for toasting to the holidays.
Preparations for Christmas family gatherings are in full effect within the ITALY Magazine team, and if you're not feeling creative about table setting this year, let these ideas from the ladies at ITALY be of inspiration!
