Thinking about Christmas gifts, choosing the menus of the party lunches and finding the right recipes, for those who are looking for something a little less obvious, is certainly not easy. Certainly there are those who rely on tradition and those who want to experiment. And also to furnish the table, care, ideas and time are needed. Certainly, sharing these important moments in complete harmony is what we all want and we can also organize a beautiful table where gathering family and friends is part of the feast ritual.

But what are the trends of mise en place for Christmas 2019? To find out what is in vogue this year, we have heard the opinion of Giorgia Fantin Borghi, expert in the art of the table and etiquette, event organizer and wedding planner among the most successful in the industry.
"Our convivial appointments – tells Giorgia Fantin Borghi – they are seen as real celebratory meetings where, this year more than in the past, an elegant informality, a refined but relaxed table wins, and an attention to details that has the good taste of the matter without exasperation".
Because organizing the Christmas table is not just a commitment, it also means expressing one's personality and giving vent to creativity. "Whether it is an opportunity to be with family, with friends or to get closer to work colleagues – the expert continues – the time together is organized with commitment to transform it into a sought after but joyful and light moment, which helps to create precious moments, to strengthen and strengthen personal relationships and to express ourselves, even in receiving ”.

Here are some suggestions of Giorgia Fantin Borghi on the trends of the 2019 Christmas table, interesting and useful ideas for drawing inspiration and setting the table with taste, and why not, winking at the fashion of the moment.

Go ahead for allegorical symbols
They are well-wishing, have a protective and exorcising value with an idea of ​​rebirth and renewal. Space for animal figures as a metaphor for change and small objects with a talisman function, mixing design and tradition, more classic colors with images halfway between the mythological and the magical.
Mise en place ideal for the superstitious.

Lots of light with gold and metals
All the variations of gold and metals are still very trendy: gold, silver, brass and copper. Suggestive and bright effects, not brazen, but highly decorative. Finishes, details and small objects, in leaf or foil, for a refined but not ostentatious effect.
Perfect table for those who love to shine but with discretion.

Unconventional combinations
Plates and underplates with a traditional pictorial style and more formal ornaments are combined with more contemporary cutlery or ultramodern accessories. Mixing different styles, colors and materials within the same context helps to express our personality. But, be careful not to go "by chance", the combination of the various elements requires a minimum of attention.
For the daring, mix & match lovers.

Long live colors and materials
Two options for this Christmas 2019: on the one hand the dark and smoky colors like the intense greens and the very deep reds, on the other the absolute clear with small sparkling affectations. Whatever the choice, the direction goes in the sign of contrast with the background, whether it is a tablecloth or a material surface such as wood or marble.
For those who don't like compromises.

Small sophisticated details
Using embroidered cloth napkins, even in a very simple way, gives the table a special charm, a feeling of particular attention to detail. A superchic trick? Giorgia Fantin Borghi suggests changing the napkin before serving the dessert with a little smaller or simply a different color.
Chic details for the maniacs.

Essential and personal
"Our table – explains Giorgia Fantin Borghi – precisely because it is ours, it must be unique. There is therefore a very precious rule: to surround ourselves with a few objects but very significant for us and to be inspired only by the trends that really belong to us, without choosing what others would choose only because they are fashionable. Focus on the essential, making it completely personal ".
For those who don't like to follow fashions at all costs.

Beyond current trends, we asked Giorgia Fantin Borghi what absolutely must not miss on the Christmas table and which are the evergreens.

My inevitable on the Christmas table are a beautiful tablecloth, something a little special that dresses up the table to party. A rich and somewhat more abundant fall than usual makes the scene immediately elegant and refined. And if our favorite is a little short? To present the table, however, "habillé" it will be enough to use a longer fabric as a base (even in solid colors) and simply overlap the tablecloth. The underplates, in addition to being a huge fan, I think they are an extremely decorative element that allows the guest to keep his living spaces and the tablecloth to save himself from a bleach bath. The centerpiece, on imported occasions you can't miss it! It can be traditional with fir branches and Ilex berries or "green" with seasonal fruit and cinnamon branches or even unconventional with design objects of various kinds. However, the addition of mini lights or a few candles will immediately catapult you into the perfect scenario.

What are the main mistakes you should not make when preparing for the holidays?
The worst mistake is to put too many things on the table. Setting the table with forty-seven forks and thirty-two knives does not particularly help the service but, on the other hand, it creates a great confusion, also because in the end you never know where to place the serving dishes! The second is undoubtedly always leave the empty seat at the table because they are busy preparing the dishes in the kitchen or answering the various phone calls for wishes. At table you tend to sit!

How much and in what way do you think the conviviality and spontaneity of an informal family lunch – even during a party like Christmas – are influenced by a particularly sophisticated and richly detailed table?
Unfortunately the habit of “beautiful at the table” has been lost a little over time and it can happen that finding yourself in front of a particularly sought after equipment influences the approach to dining by covering it with a formality, but often it is only an initial sensation. But I think the warmth of the parties has a soothing effect, the taste of traditional dishes, music, memories, everything is part of that attention to detail that in some situations is good and right. Living in this beauty and enjoying it for some time I think it's wonderful, so then all the panettone are already without a tie!

Mariacristina Coppeto
December 2019

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