INTERIOR INSPIRATION
BY KATE KINGSTON
Kate Kingston , Managing Director of Kingston Shaw , an award winning interior design company with offices on the Wirral , London and Dubai , shares with us the latest trends for creating the perfect home .
MINGLE ALL THE WAY
With the festive season fast approaching , I thought my dear reader , you would appreciate some ideas on how to dress a table for your family and friends with a merry twist .
Entertaining is always part visual , part food , part ambiance and of course the company but there are a few tricks that , we as interior designers use to enhance entertaining spaces and make the occasion even more jolly ! 1 . Pick a main colour and an accent colour . This year I am going for the standard white and green ! Classic and fresh and a brilliant way to use greenery as a costeffective alternative . Ensure that the colours that you choose , compliment your existing decor .
2 . Mix up your lighting sources . Using candles , lamps and natural light is a great way to ensure the mood is right .
4 . Use vintage crockery . I am obsessed with vintage crockery and often scour charity shops and car boot sales for forgotten China . The patterns do not have to match , but it can be fun to ensure that the colour does . You can also alternate your vintage with plain white China !
3 . Use linen ! If you don ’ t have linen napkins already , invest in some plain white napkins or vintage linen which are super soft , dress them with foliage from the garden or a bunch of store bought flowers and you have a beautiful addition to your tablescape . At this time of year I like to use cinnamon sticks and eucalyptus tied with ribbon or string .
5 . Use a table cloth ! It instantly upgrades your table , just make sure that it is pressed .
6 . Use Name Cards . Love the personal touch . Last year , I gathered pinecones and attached labels to them , but you can also use rosemary or fir with a label on your napkins .
However you choose to style your festive season out , I hope it a happy and healthy one ! wirrallife . com 65