Come Christmas, there are two kinds of hosts: the ones that go all-out on decorations — think bows on seat backs, candelabras of red taper candles, embroidered napkins and wreaths to rival Martha Stewart — and those that don’t. Unsurprisingly, we tend to fall into the former category — couldn’t you tell by the six metre-long Christmas installation hanging from the Strand Arcade ceiling? — and derive plenty of joy from the simple act of dressing the table come festive season. 

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, lunch or dinner, the table is the centrepiece. It’s where everyone gathers to feast, chat, exchange gifts (and stories) and generally revel in the festive cheer of it all. And nothing sets the mood like a beautifully adorned table. From platters that double as decor to fun and festive touches that add to the ambience, read on for the pieces that’ll give your table a little something extra this Christmas.  

Individual plating is a chore — instead heap roasted baby carrots, cranberry-jewelled couscous and radicchio and gorgonzola salad onto Dinosaur Design’s beautifully sculptural platters. The Large Pebble Platter in vibrant red is perfect for Christmas Day. 

Large Pebble Platter, $350 from Dinosaur Designs, Level 1 

If you’re leaning into an old-world aesthetic this Christmas, Gewurzhaus’ antique-looking salt and pepper grinders will be right at home alongside bunches of holly and pots of poinsettias.  

Modern Brass Pepper Mill, $124.95 from Gewurzhaus, Ground Level 

Who said eggs were just for Easter? Haigh’s Chocolate Baubles are a sweet take on the Easter classic, and look charming scattered along a festive table, hidden among branches of eucalyptus and Christmas bonbons.  

Milk Chocolate Baubles, $22.95 from Haigh’s Chocolates, Ground Level 

Nothing creates ambience like a candle, especially if it’s Hunter Candles’ limited edition Christmas 2024 edition. Smoked berries and cherries collide with the typically festive scent of cinnamon for a candle made for the Christmas table. 

Slow Burn Christmas Candle, $59 from Hunter Candles, Ground Level 

It doesn’t get much sweeter than Le Creuset’s mini Christmas dishes. They’re perfect for distributing along the table for guests to rest cutlery on — or just for looking at.  

Set of 4 Christmas Mini Dishes, $60 from Le Creuset, Ground Level