Ideas for the Christmas table.

     
BREAD ROLLS

This idea has been sent in by my sister Susan from Italy - it is a different way of presenting bread rolls and adds a touch of class to the Christmas table.

If you are using rolls on your Christmas Dinner table, then this is a nice idea to brighten up the side plates with a touch of colour.

The rolls, maybe 2 in number, are held together with a toothpick or a kabob stick and tied up together with a red satin ribbon which hides the toothpick perfectly.

 


           WALNUT CANDLES

                   

This too has been sent in by Susan and, though it takes some time to make, looks very attractive and makes a welcome change from the usual candlesticks.

Paint 10 walnut shells in gold (golden spray is ideal and practical but be sure to spray in a well ventilated place). When dry fill with melted candle wax ( red or white) and place a piece of thick cotton thread in the centre of each shell (you can use the wick from an old  candle instead of the thread). Your candles are now ready.


                   

                    NAPKINS

Napkins are a definite necessity in all table settings, however informal.  Whether you use starched napkins or disposable paper napkins, it is worth putting some thought into their presentation.  There are different ways of placing them.  Folding napkins in different ways will add an individual touch.

Folding napkins ingeniously stems from the art of origami.  Don't be afraid to try it - they are not as complicated as they look.

Here I am giving you an easy example - this involves folding and turning and the end result resembles a Lotus Blossom flower.  It reminds me of the paper folded game we used to play in which we used to 'read our fortune'.

Lay the napkin flat.

Fold each of the four corners into the centre.  You now have a small square.

Repeat the same procedure on the same side by drawing the corner inwards to make an even smaller square.

Now turn the napkin over and repeat for a third time, making sure to hold the corners down in the centre to keep them in place.

Now here come the tricky bit: still with your fingers on the centre, reach behind the napkin to pull out one of the corners tucked underneath and drawing this gently towards the corner, pull it right out and up beyond the corner of the square, forming a kind of petal.

Now repeat this last process with the other three corners.  You now have four petals.

The last part is not difficult.  Reach underneath again - there are four more single flaps - pull these out to make the sepals. 

You might need a little practice at first but don't give up.  Believe me you will soon get the knack of it.


 

Here's another quick and easy way to dress up a napkin:

First fold the napkin into a triangle (as we usually do).

You will need a square paper doily (if possible in a contrasting colour). Fold this diagonally into a triangle, but do not join the corners therefore allowing space for the thickness of the napkin (which we'll add at the end).  You could also use a round paper doily.

Add a Christmas motif (cut out from a Christmas card) and glue it to the outer top part of the doily.

Place the napkin in the centre of the doily.

 


 

                    PLACE MARKERS

                    These are easy to make but will take some time - why not prepare them in advance with the kids.

NOTE: these markers are not edible and should only be used for decorative purposes only.

 

Mix three parts of plain white flour to one of salt, a spoonful of glycerin and enough cold water to give a good consistency.  Roll out flat on a floured surface. Cut out shapes with a sharp knife or a cookie cutter.  Make a hole at the top (to insert a ribbon later).  Bake the pastry in the normal way.

 

You can paint these shapes using water-based paints (acrylics work well).  Pipe your guests' names using tube paint or you could also use a thick marker.  Varnish the shapes with acrylic varnish (this is optional but will preserve the decoration indefinitely).  Attach a ribbon.

Your guests will enjoy taking this marker home with them and hanging them on their tree - it will be a lovely keepsake for years to come.