Minimalist Table Settings For a Calm Christmas

Having a festive Christmas or New Year’s Eve spread does not necessarily mean loading up on glittery confections and a towering pile of décor as a piece. Nor does it mean that you have to stick to metallics, golds, and reds. An abundance of food (and guests!) can make for a confusing holiday table, so try to keep things simple and easy with these minimalist table setting options. No fussy centerpieces here!

Pre-Christmas Merienda: Vintage Teatime

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

Mismatched dinnerware and enamel crockery lend an old-world charm for those hectic, pre-Christmas get-togethers with friends. The mix of shapes and colors provide a nostalgic and provincial flair. For truly authentic enamel picks, scour vintage shops and flea markets or dig through your lola’s treasure trove.

Dining Table and Dining Chairs, Plain Enamel Plates, Bowls, Small Mugs and Teapot, Printed Enamel Mugs, Table Napkin, Black Placemat, Vase, prices upon request, A11

Noche Buena: Rustic Dinner

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

Forego the holly wreaths and gold candelabra and try a streamlined, rustic, winter-in-the-woods theme for your Christmas Eve spread. Keep things classy and chic with sophisticated hues of green, gray, with the understated refinement of silver.

Table Cloth, P900, H&M Home; Silver Bowls, P3,295 set of 4, Keytlery Set by Seletti, P14,210, Green Vase, P1,895, LSA Flower Color Bud Vase, P1,370, Green Votive by iittala, P1,295 each, all from Dimensione; Green Dessert Plates, White Dinner Plate, Green Teapot, Silver Bottle Opener, Carafe, prices upon request, A11; Silver Candle Holders, P275, Cloth Placemat, P119.75, Kultura Filipino; Holed On Side Chair, Space Encounters

Christmas Morning: Minimalist Breakfast

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

For a relaxed brekky while opening presents, go for a clean, crisp look bathed in natural light. Keep things minimal with only a handful of dinnerware: serving bowls, a few saucers and plates, and a rustic centerpiece. Stick to a neutral color scheme of whites, beiges, and light-colored wood.

Marble Container, P549.75, Cloth Placemat, P119.75, both from Kultura Filipino; Animal Tumblers, P1,998 each, LSA Vase, P1,910, Umbra Hanger, P910, all from Dimensione; Set of White Plates, P1,499.75, Taupe Bowls, P59.75, Pot with Embossed Design, P499.75, all from SM Home, Holed On Side Chair, Space Encounters

Christmas Day Lunch: Casual Coziness

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

Perfectly matching tableware is not mandatory for a cozy, Christmas day setup, as you want to keep things light and fuss-free. But stick to a color palette—in this instance, blue—to avoid clutter. With this laidback table setting, there’s more time for conversations without worrying about spills on the table.

Midas Cutlery Set, P11,850, Dimensione; Basket, P199.75, Kultura Filipino; Plastic Carafe, P99.75/set, Filipino Pot, P349.75, Napkin, P29.75 each, Dessert Plate, P99.75, Dinner Plate, P159.75, Tumblers, P179.75 set of 3, Vase, P599.75, all from SM Home; Rabbit Napkin Ring, Blue Plate, prices upon request, A11; Holed On Side Chair, Nakashima Jr. Wooden Chair, Space Encounters

This article "Table Stories" originally appeared in the November 2015 issue of Real Living Magazine.

Where to shop:

 A11

• 2680 FB Harrison, Pasay City

Dimensione

• One Parkade, 28th cor. 7th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, or follow them on Facebook

H&M Home

• SM Makati
• Robinsons Magnolia

Kultura Filipino

• At major SM malls, or follow them on their Facebook page

Space Encounters

• Unit B, Mezzanine, Padilla Bldg F. Ortigas Jr. Rd., Pasig City; or visit their website