We are coming up for what would normally be the busiest food, cooking and drinking time of the year, whatever your family traditions are. However, in Europe, we are sadly going into a variety of second and third lockdowns. Some are saying that they can’t be bothered with anything and have given up. Tempting, but in our second week of being here, we are going to make an effort. So get those decorations out and dress the table.
Style on a Budget
I have friends who are budgeting on a shoe string at the moment and can’t afford to get new Christmas decor when it is only used once a year. I say think outside of the box. Layer tea towels or pillow cases to add colour. Once I used a white single bed sheet and scattered silver stars over the table with candles put in brown bags and sand. Battery operated fairy lights are easily found and inexpensive and can be laid across the table or wrapped around a vase. We just need a sense of magic and light.
Go Green
Our temporary dining table is in the Wealth sector. The colours of green, royal blue and purple are partnered with the element of Wood. Pushing our usual choices of soft, neutral tones aside, we have gone all out with green, gold and wood. A fortune doesn’t need to be spent and those who can sew could probably go to town on this; not us. We bought a green and gold runner, “gold chargers” to put real plates on and we will get out the vintage wine glasses to celebrate the year that was! Green and gold baubles will decorate the table and we are going for a full-on poulet lunch with classic vegetables and a Christmas pudding. Then a classic long walk along the beach with a new friend with a glass of champagne and back to something schmultzy to watch.
I Am On My Own
Then forget the table and get out there with a friend for a ‘walk and talk’. Or join a zoom eat and drink party with everyone dressing up and communicating. It could be fun without some family dramas. We are meeting a friend on Boxing Day with Christmas chicken-and-vegetable pies, a flask of Christmas martinis and yes, the damned masks but we are safe, secure and loved.
