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There is a wonderful team of people behind the scenes at Lorfords, many of which you don't get to see. What better way to introduce them than with their top picks in our Lorfords Christmas Gift Guide! From thoughtful gifts to extra seating, we're getting you ready for the festivities.
Toby's top picks include a striking 19th Century Italian enfilade of a bold architectural design and a beautiful pair of 19th Century Tuscan wall sconces, decorated in traditional cream and gilt.
19th Century Italian Painted Enfilade
Pair of 19th Century Tuscan Wall Sconces
Alice's top picks include a classic 1930's design Lloyd Loom sofa in original French grey paintwork and a stylish Modernist textile screen in the manner of Edward Bawden.
Carly's top picks include a large black-and-white image of a Roman emperor in the style of Timney Fowler and a pair of Art Deco armchairs which have recently been reupholstered in an attractive monochrome colour palette.
Large Contemporary Image of a Roman Emperor
Pair of French Art Deco Armchairs
Heidi's top picks include an iconic wicker Harley Davidson motorcycle designed by Tom Dixon and a charming pair of carved oak cherubs dating to circa 1880.
20th Century Tom Dixon Wicker Motorcycle
Pair of 19th Century Carved Cherubs
Rob's top picks include a luxurious blue velvet armchair paired with the perfect Christmas afternoon set-up; a fabulous brass drinks trolley and a Parisian-style silverplate cocktail shaker.
Late 19th Century Blue Velvet Armchair
20th Century French Brass Drinks Trolley
Large Parisian Style Silverplate Cocktail Shaker
Jane's top picks include a comfortable English Country House chaise longue with hidden storage and a charming 20th Century feather-filled carpet cushion.
20th Century English Country House Chaise Longue
20th Century Feather Field Carpet Cushion
Tom's top picks include a wonderful untouched George III secretaire estate cupboard and a superb English club fender of large proportions.
George III Oak Secretaire Estate Cabinet
Large 19th Century Club Fender
Hattie's top picks include an original 19th Century French carpet sofa from the Napoleon III period and a charming pair of silverplate Mr and Mrs napkin rings in their original box.
19th Century French Carpet Sofa
Pair of 20th Century Madame and Monsieur Napkin Rings
Kate's top picks include a wonderfully shaped two-seat sofa featuring a scalloped back, enclosed sides and sloping armrests and a fabulous pair of 20th Century clam shells.
Pair of 20th Century Clam Shells
Eleanor's top picks include a 20th Century lacquer and gilt Chinese screen, depicting cranes and gold-painted bamboo to the reverse, and a stunning 19th Century drop-end red Chesterfield sofa.
20th Century Chinese Lacquer Screen
Steph's top picks include a fine early 19th Century complete circular tree seat from the Regency period, and a late 20th Century print of Liz Hurley by John Stoddart which rests on a stylish lucite and brass display tripod with adjustable blocks.
Regency Circular Wrought Iron Tree Seat
20th Century French Lucite Easel
Late 20th Century Liz Hurley Print by John Stoddart
Sophie's top picks include a 19th Century French chaise longue in pink velvet and a beautiful framed black and white French scenic wallpaper depicting an attractive lakeside scene.
19th Century Upholstered Pink Banquette
Piers' top picks include a fabulous pair of Italian marquetry and ormolu bedside tables and a truly outstanding 19th Century folk art diorama model of Tower Bridge, London.
Pair of Italian Marquetry Bedside Tables
19th Century Model of Tower Bridge
Dave's top picks include a 20th Century coffee table with a drawer and its original key, a lovely example of an early 20th Century Edwardian elbow chair and a stylish 20th Century opaline glass table lamp.
Small 20th Century Coffee Table
Giant Mid-Century Style Opaline Glass Table Lamp
Jordan's top picks include an elegant French Meridienne sofa and in the spirit of the World Cup, a pair of 19th Century medici lions.
19th Century French Meridienne Sofa
19th Century Carved Pair Medici Lions
Chris' top picks include a lovely buttoned and tufted sofa of small proportions and a wonderful large-scale French zinc clock face in its original iron frame.
Small 19th Century Swedish Buttoned Sofa
French 20th Century Zinc Turret Clock Face
Cody's top picks include a lovely English golden oak occasional table with a single drawer and a superb pair of French 18th Century Louis XV bergéres.
19th Century English Golden Oak Occasional Table
Pair of French 18th Century Louis XV Bergeres
The season for outdoor entertaining is in full swing... and the weather has come back to encourage us yet further! A show-stopping tablescape sets the tone for an event or celebration... but just a few minutes of table preparation will help the most simple of mid-week suppers feel that bit more special.
Tablescapes can have an intimidating reputation. Flicking through the pages of glossy magazines or Pinterest can make it seem like an impossible task. Highly curated examples, with an array of fine china and accessories to envy royals, shouldn't put you off.
Creating a tablescape should be a simple and enjoyable experience for both host and guest. Setting the table with your favourite things makes an occasion feel special. Here at Lorfords, we argue that there is no hierarchy when it comes to dining. Whether it is a simple midweek family dinner or an extravagant birthday event, an eye-catching tablescape is never a wasted effort.
The key element in an effective tablescape is expressing your own personal style, meaning there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. The only real rule is to bring together things you love – nothing is too precious or too out there. The secret ingredient is, of course, antiques.
Don't try to create a flawless tablescape with perfectly matched pieces - it will almost certainly take the joy out of the process. Instead, bring together a range of styles and contrasting elements. This approach is not only easier, but it creates a more stimulating aesthetic.
See your table as a blank canvas to build upon. Layers are important for creating an eye-catching result, so start with the first, a cloth or covering of some sort, and go from there. Adopt the mindset that mismatching is your friend, not foe. Different colours and materials create friction, which is essential to any successful design. Each guest will feel special if each setting is different and it makes sourcing for your table a whole lot easier! All your beloved pieces have a seat at the table, whether it is a plate you picked up in Sardinia many moons ago or a hand-made bowl from a local market.
Of course, dining does have a practical element and it’s not all lawless creativity. Don't forget any platters, tureens and dishes that might need a space on the table and be aware of space. Your guests will appreciate the quirky features, but they will also appreciate an easy dining experience.
When alfresco dinners turn into long balmy nights of drinks and laughter, you’re going to appreciate some soft lighting. Candlesticks offer a gently flickering light, or perhaps you prefer the steady glow of a lantern. Either way, antique lighting will bring a magical quality to your tablescape.
To unify your scheme, create some sort of centrepiece. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair – it might be a simple vase or urn filled with flowers. Centrepieces are great for establishing a seasonal theme. You could fill a trinket bowl with dried flowers, or a large vessel with fruit and vegetables.
It’s not just in the lighting that you should look to antiques. Not only do they nail the tablescape aesthetic, but antique pieces will also bring a personal feel to the table.
Don’t be afraid to use that silverplate dinner service you inherited from a loving grandmother, but has since been gathering dust in a locked cupboard. It is in the dinner party setting, with its peals of laughter and loving toasts, that life returns to antique pieces. Equally, use those shabby chic and ‘seen better days’ pieces in your collection. They bring an informal elegance and a sense that they have been well-loved. Some wear and tear will encourage guests to properly enjoy themselves, without worrying that they are going to chip the china.
The tablescape offers an opportunity to embrace those quirky relics. A pair of 'his and hers' antique napkin rings – once gifted to newlyweds centuries ago – provide a great talking point. What about a set of knife rests in the form of dachshunds? These features are sure to make your hosting stand out amongst all the summer garden parties.
Antiques are an essential ingredient in the tablescape tapestry. Blend them with new contemporary wares to add interest and texture to your scheme.
We're all a little weary after the last year and a half of rules, so let setting the table be a liberating experience. Invite loved ones back with a tablescape that stimulates all the senses. Just don't forget about actually feeding them!
Inspired by this magical tablescape filled with antiques? Discover all our antiques for the tablescape on our website.
The beautiful tablecloth is from Bertioli by Thyme’s wonderful collection and it provides the perfect backdrop. Getting started with your own tablescape is made easy with their linens, which are designed by Caryn Hibbert and inspired by nature.
Read Caryn's top tips for vibrant table lays.