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Sophie Robinson
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17 Dec 20

Styling the table for Christmas

Sophie Robinson lighting the pink dinner candles on her Christmas large wooden dining table. With cane dining chairs on a traditional patterned rug, blue storage cupboards and pom pom Christmas wreath.

In our house, there are two main events that anchor Christmas day. First is the magic of Christmas morning and opening presents under the tree. The second is the lunch!

I’m embarrassed to say that I’m not much of a cook (why do I write that with such a feeling of failure! Doesn’t it feels like everyone is a domestic goddess these days!) Anyway, unbelievably in my 46 years I’ve never ever cooked Christmas lunch. Obviously, in my younger years, I was either living at home or going back to my parents. In my adult life, my husband always wanted to go away at Christmas time which is what we did in the early years of our marriage, but now we are a family we always host Christmas at home. And yet I’ve still got away without preparing the lunch. Cannily with my Mum next door, she continues the tradition and boy, I’m not about to stop her as she is a fantastic cook!

Artemis wallpaper by House of Hackney. Lisbon table from Heals. Rattan chairs from Graham and Green. Sleeping Leopard candle sticks by Rockett St George. Blue Italian china from Spode. Mini chalice tealights, neon pink candles by Graham and Greene. Lina blue Wine glasses by Oliver Bonas. All vases are vintage. Paper ball wreath by Petra Boase.

But one thing I do excel at (quickly grabbing back that domestic goddess pinny) is to make the house look magical at this time of year, and laying the table for Christmas is a particular ritual. Childhood memories conjure up very traditional scenes of ‘the wedding china’ being bought out, starched linen napkins, and sprigs of green holly and red berries and dotted down the table. One of my childhood jobs was to polish the silver, which I relished as it all added to the occasion. I don’t feel beholden to keeping to the rigid green, red and gold colour scheme, I don’t think anyone does these days. Other traditions have taken over. The Scandi style of rustic pine cones with white and silver has become oh-so-popular but obviously, that is never going to be colour soaked enough for me!

My Christmas table this year runs in theme with my decor of blue and pinks. Although this wasn’t entirely intentional, and I don’t think you need to match your Christmas Decor to your interior. However, I know what’s happened. When you get really clear on the colours you love (and for me, it’s often blue and pink) then you start finding them pop up again and again throughout your home. It makes it very easy to decorate! So the starting point really is this beautiful Spode china in Italian blue. I love to invest in something classic and for me, Christmas really is a time to embrace tradition, so this set is perfect and I love the way it all matches (it’s the only set of china I own that does) as this adds a feeling of formal occasion. And the colour is just gorgeous, it really pops!

The Spode Italian blue china is such a wonderful deep colour with an intricate pattern. It is the foundation for my Christmas table.ย  Photographed by Alun Callender

The flowers play a huge roll in this tablescape and I think having fresh flowers in the house in the run-up to Christmas is the ultimate indulgence. I worked with my local florist Vanessa from Sage and Co, who is so creative with flowers it astounds me! She sourced these incredible flowers from the flower market, as it can be hard to find exactly what you want at this time of year. I decided on a palette of pinks through to purples with oranges. These are wonderful colours for a Christmas table as they are warm and rich and inviting. Vanessa interpreted my colour scheme by sourcing these ornamental mini pineapples and orchids which really capture the feeling of occasion and opulence. Adding the Ranunculus in the pinks and oranges adds more depth of colour, at a time of year where bright coloured flowers are not easily available. The hydrangeas, orchids, winter berries and pineapples also last a spookily long time! I then supplement my shop bought flowers with sprigs of greenery and winter berries from the garden.

Sophie Robinson at Christmas photographed by Alun Callender

The central display is arranged in a low footed bowl vase which works well on a table as you don’t want to create too much height. The trick is then a little chicken wire inside and cut the flowers short and nestle them in together tightly. Aside from the central floral display the rest of the table is peppered with my collection of small vintage bud vases. These aren’t a matching set, I simply collected up all the random little vases I have around the house. Just a few springs of flowers in each one, and then dot them down the table. A single orchid head in a tiny votive or tealight holder also helps play with the scale. And this is how I then slowly build up the interest. As well as flowers, fruit can also add some lovely colour. I’ve used pomegranates here but clementines, pineapples and pears also work well for a Christmas table. A trick I learnt from Skye McAlpine was to have bowls and cake stands laden with single foods, like a bowl of black grapes, or walnuts for example, as decoration which adds to the opulence but can also be scoffed!

Sophie Robinson at Christmas photographed by Alun Callender

I then finish off the table with plenty of candlelight. Light lifts the whole table as it flickers against the glassware and really brings the magic. So again, its a case of more is more! I have ten candles in total along this table, five in tall candlesticks and then 5 tealights in holders and I think the difference in height is crucial. Another idea is to wind battery operated fairy lights down the length of the table, in among the foliage.

I’ve not used a table cloth this time as I love how the rustic texture of this oak Heals table adds contrast to all the glitz and glam. I feel that when you use quite bright jewel-like colours, then a rustic timber can really help ground the whole look. However, I do have a pale blush pink linen table cloth that I think would work well here. My collection of Indian block-printed napkins add another element of pattern and colour in the ‘more is more’ setting. I’m actually not a huge fan of napkin rings or fussy bows around napkins. I’ve done bows and foliage on my napkins before and it all just ended up on the floor! I didn’t feel this table needed anymore fussing and so a simple patterned napkin folded simply on the table I think looks perfect and kind of relaxed. However, you could make the table feel more formal with a grander sense of occasion with starched white table cloth and beautifully tied napkins.

It’s all about personal preference after all and there are no rights and wrongs. Although… when my Mum popped round she wanted to check I’d laid my cutlery out correctly for the shoot! She’ll be checking I’ve starched my table cloth and polished the silver next!

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Happy Christmas! Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!

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Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

Who is looking forward to the weekend! ๐Ÿ™Œ Welc Who is looking forward to the weekend! ๐Ÿ™Œ 

Welcome to a rare tour of my home! Since every room looked tidy, I grabbed my phone to show you around. 

You can see how I have lots of colour and pattern in every room but still the house has flow. I use the same palette of colours through which helps make it all hang together. But it takes more than that to make a maximalist home sing. Repeating the same materials, design motifs, styles and shapes helps to create a feeling of cohesion.

For the ultimate insight into how to decorate in a way that supports you emotionally, flexes your creativity and leaves you loving your home, check out my interior design school where I teach you  everything you need to know. 

- how to harmonise colours
- How to plan and budget
- How to source all the materials
- How to save time and money
- How to burst open your creativity

And this weekend you can enjoy 25% of ALL COURSES across my entire design school by using the code BLACKFRIDAY25 at check out. Click on the link in my bio or visit courses.sophierobinson.Co.uk โ˜๏ธ

#housetour #banthebeige #bbbinteriors #colourlover #colourfulhome #maximalistinteriors #eclecticdecor #onlinedesign #designschool
Itโ€™s podcast day on The Great Indoors and we hav Itโ€™s podcast day on The Great Indoors and we have a very special guest! @banjo.beale is a BAFTA award winning TV star, winner of series 3 @interiordesignmasters_tv , interior designer and recently adding author to his rosta of talents. While reality TV launched Banjoโ€™s stellar interiors career we managed to bag him for a chat while he took a short beak from sourcing vintage for his second series of Design The Hebrides. 

This is an opportunity to listen to this whirlwind of a design mind, with insights into what it takes to win a TV completion, how living on a remote island in the Scottish Hebrides has made him ultimately resourceful and his unique design process. 

Listen to The Great Indoors, whoever you get your podcast. Hit that subscribe button and come back here to let us know what you thought! 

#thegreatindoors #banjobeale #designingthehebrides #interiordesignmasters
This is the perfect time of year to up level your This is the perfect time of year to up level your bedding. With the autumn chill on its way Iโ€™d rather hike up the tog count than whack up the central heating. 

Beautiful bedding and linen is the ultimate luxury and at this time in my life ๐Ÿ‘ต๐Ÿป my bed is up there as my absolute favourite place to be and my sleep is honestly my favourite pastime! So making it the most comforting, soothing, replenishing experience possible is my priority. ๐Ÿ˜ด

I recently up-levelled my duvet and pillows  to @naturalmatuk goose down products and here is my unbiased review. The pillows are the like sleeping on an actual cloud! Along with the 9 tog duvet Iโ€™ll stay cosy all winter, and leave the thermostat turned down.  @naturalmatuk only use natural, sustainable materials, organic cotton and responsibly sourced feathers, which all support a good nights sleep. With a hectic lifestyle, my bed is my ultimate sanctuary ๐Ÿฅฑ

Whatโ€™s your self care routine and secret to the perfect pampered night sleep? 

#ad PR product 
#naturalmat #bedroom #bedlinen #bedroombliss #bedlinen #pillows #bedding #bedroomdecor #bedroom #pamperyourself #pampernight
What a dress! When @benjaminfoxdressmaker spotted What a dress! When @benjaminfoxdressmaker spotted my new collection with @harlequinfw they wanted to make a dress in it! Now I actually match my decor! 

This dress shape is so perfect. I love the big sleeves, that goes so well with a fine knit underneath and the long gathered skirt looks perfect with boots, both of which I bought recently at @cosstores . Team with my signature big earrings ( these are old ones from @anthropologieeu ) and I feel a million dollars! Happy Monday folks! We can do this ๐Ÿ‘Š

#ad - pr product. 
#dresslikeyourhome
I hosted an event this week to show off all the ha I hosted an event this week to show off all the hard work weโ€™ve done in the house and showcase the new collection with @harlequinfw . It was a wonderful opportunity to fill the house with laughter, great conversation and celebrate our mutual love of colour! Since the pandemic I work more and more from home and it felt good to open the door and let people in. 

The guest list was a mix of writers, artists, gardeners, cooks, designers and fashion stylists but one thing we have in common is embracing the joy of colour and celebrating how our homes are the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life. 

However getting the house ready for such a group of discerning eyes was rather exhausting! I had to hide under the duvet yesterday! But Iโ€™m so grateful to everyone who came, their positivity and inspiration. Most of whom I met here on instagram. This is a special place to make like minded connections, yet it was great to actually have an excuse to get together in real life! 

And this weekend Tom and are are celebrating not doing any house DIY for the first time in ages! 

Special Thanks to @mad_about_the_house @erica_davies @hillhousevintage @andrea_childs_journo @theottohouse @clairevallis @michelleogundehin @mollymahonblockprinting @sophieabbottartist @gemswholesomekitchen @edwardrobinsonid @dahliabeach for making it such a wonderful day 

 Thanks to @gemswholesomekitchen fir feeding us! 

thanks to @benjaminfoxdressmaker fir the custom made dress!

#harlequinxsophierobinson #athome #colourlover #banthebeige
#AD Admit it! I canโ€™t be the only one beginning #AD Admit it! I canโ€™t be the only one beginning to plan for Christmas. Conversations about the menu for the big day has started with gusto in my family. But my focus is always around creating a magical table setting. This year Iโ€™ll be incorporating these classic Christmas tree plates from @by_spode  that set the festive scene without the need to add loads of other fiddly decorations. Iโ€™m all about maximum impact, minimum effort this time of year, and I love how this traditional design (85 years old this year) is the perfect touch of nostalgia to accompany my bright Paper straw stripe tablecloth and colourful gloss candle sticks. I then just add simple flowers by snipping some hydrangea heads and popping them in tumblers dotted along the table. Finally bring it all to life with plenty of candlelight. And voila, itโ€™s the perfect table setting for a fantastical festive celebration. Oh, how I wish the Christmas lunch was this easy to prepare! 

#byspode #spode #christmasdecor #christmastable #christmastablesetting #layingthetable #tablescape #christmastablescape #christmastree #christmasdecor #christmasinspiration #banthebeige #colourfulchristmas
Iโ€™m so excited to present my new ready made cush Iโ€™m so excited to present my new ready made cushion collection, in collaboration with @harlequinfw sold exclusively at @johnlewis 
๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
Cushions have long been an obsession of mine and Iโ€™m so thrilled with this capsule collection for @johnlewis because it combines all the pattern and colour so you can get an instant hit of maximalist spirit by creating any combination that works for you. There is the iconic Sherbert stripe, sitting amongst luxurious embroidered designs and heavily patterned velvets. My personal favourite is the deeply colourful jewel bug design๐Ÿชฒ Which ones yours?!

#cushion #cushioncover #maximalist #maximalistinteriors #bbbinteriors #colourmyhome #colourfulinteriors #colourfuldecor #sofaupholstery #sofaupgrade #livingroomdecor #interiorstyling #interiordesign #harlequinxsophierobinson
TVsnug reveal! We are absolutely loving this roo TVsnug reveal! 

We are absolutely loving this room! What was a tiny north facing kitchen has been transformed into a cosy family room for curling up and watching TV. As the nights draw in and we are hunkering down, this room has all the comfort . Just curling up with a hot chocolate. Heaven.

How we did itโ€ฆ

Firstly I maximised all the space in this 4x3m room by having a corner sofa made to measure. The Grace corner sofa by @loveyourhomeuk is super  comfy but better still upholstered in the glorious Wonderland floral velvet from my collection with @harlequinfw . 

Then for extra comfort and pattern Iโ€™ve added plenty of cushions. These are from my new ready made collection available to buy now from @johnlewis . Very excited to se how great they all look together. 
 
The round Dylan footstool, also @loveyourhomeuk , is covered in the striking Sherbert Stripe, and is perfect for a small room, doubling up as a coffee table. This fabrics is so eye catching I love it!

All of this glorious pattern is set off against the deep dark and cocooning  wall colour called Cordoba by @littlegreenepaintcompany . Itโ€™s a deep brown, plum colour and feels so rich and enticing. Iโ€™m very pleased I took the leap of faith and did the ceiling too. It makes the room feel so cosy. 

All the colours are finally bought together in this glorious painting by @sophieabbottartist . Inspired by the sunsets on our recent holiday to Marrakesh it fills me with fond memories. That and the vintage Moroccan rug from @tateanddarby completes the sultry Marrakech vibes. 

The family absolutely love this room. Could you go this dark. I promise you wonโ€™t regret it if you do! Let me know what you think in the comments below ๐Ÿ‘‡ 

#Ad contains PR products
#harlequinxsophierobinson
#tvsnug  #banthebeige #colourlover #maximalist #maximalistinteriors #cosyupyourworld #cosyinterior #livingroom #livingroomdecor #colourinspiration #hygge #hyggehome #bbbinteriors
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