Our Styling Tips for a Slow Design Festive Table
If we’re so fond of the Christmas season, it’s surely for those warm family meals, long conversations by the fire, or mugs of hot chocolate sipped under a soft throw… Yet, the end of the year all too often goes hand in hand with overconsumption and a frantic rush to the supermarkets! What if, this winter, slow design found its way into your home? Embrin sheds light on this latest trend and, just for you, we’ve gathered the best decorating tips for a 100% slow design festive table. Whether you’re planning an ethical Christmas Eve, a cosy family brunch, or a unique New Year’s Eve, let us guide you!
What exactly is slow design?
You’ve probably heard the term before, without ever quite knowing what it meant. Just like slow life, slow food, slow cosmetics, or slow tourism, slow design has made its way to us from the United States in recent years. The idea is to create a responsible interior—one that’s ecological and ethical.
So, we say goodbye to mass-produced objects made on the other side of the world and disposable items. Instead, we choose products made close to home, respecting both the earth and people. But does slow design mean dull interiors?
Our ideas for eco-friendly Christmas gifts
Not at all! It celebrates subtly coloured pieces and fine materials that will grace your home for years to come.
Why embrace slow design for your festive décor?
We often think of slow design when hunting for reclaimed furniture, but this new way of life is just as relevant during the festive season! Out with paper napkins that go straight in the bin and cheap tablecloths that tear in no time. You’re doing your bit for the planet by reducing waste—and for your wallet! There’s no need to buy new items every year, as yours will retain their style. So, how do you create an atmosphere that’s both festive and ethical in practice?
1. Plan your décor in advance
Good news: if you’re reading this article, you’re already on the right track! The spirit of Christmas and slow design share one major principle: taking your time. And nothing spoils that more than a last-minute dash to the shops or a frantic online search. It’s also a chance to look after your wallet, as big retailers tend to hike prices when demand peaks.
Without realising, you may already have some essential elements for your festive décor tucked away in your cupboards! If you’re not the most organised, don’t hesitate to draw up a little checklist before you shop:
- pretty cork or wooden coasters to protect your tablecloth;
- homemade place cards personalised for each guest;
- beautiful crockery to do justice to your dishes;
- and, for the more absent-minded among us, do make sure you’ve remembered everyone’s gifts!
More eco-friendly decorating ideas for the festive season
2. Choose reusable decorative elements
Buying a tablecloth with festive motifs isn’t always the best idea: with gold accents or overly festive designs, you may only bring it out once or twice a year. What’s more, these tablecloths are often made from low-grade materials. One accidental slip of a fork and it could tear, meaning you’d have to throw it away—not very eco-friendly, is it?
At Embrin, we understand the value of washed linen for making original and hard-wearing tablecloths. Their lovely colour lasts over time, and their silky feel only gets softer with each wash. This fine material fits perfectly with the principles of slow design, as it’s traditionally grown in Normandy, just as it has been for centuries. Should one of your guests have a mishap with their glass of champagne, don’t worry: linen is also very easy to clean.
3. Dare to break with tradition through slow design
It may seem surprising, but that’s what slow design is all about! Red and green are the colours that spring to mind when we think of Christmas—so much so that we’ve forgotten why…
The tablecloth is arguably the most important element of your table décor: it sets the mood. Choose a more original yet equally convivial colour, such as our Abricot washed linen tablecloth. This warm shade works beautifully for a festive meal, but also for a summer lunch in the garden. That way, you’ll enjoy bringing out your lovely tablecloth several times a year!
4. Create a warm, eco-friendly atmosphere with beautiful candles
The magic of winter evenings is all about a softly lit atmosphere. Simply place beautiful candles along your table runner or at each setting. Scented or not, it’s up to you—winter fragrances like gingerbread are always a hit. Just be careful not to overpower the aromas of your festive dishes!
Today, many French brands are creating more responsible candles, made from beeswax or soy wax. So, forget electric garlands and dazzling lights, which will only drive up your electricity bill.
5. Adorn your table with beautiful seasonal flowers
Your dining room deserves better than flowers flown in from afar—or worse, plastic ones! Winter is also a season brimming with gorgeous plants. The Christmas rose, or hellebore, is well known for its lovely white flowers flecked with pink. Placed along your table runner or woven into a wreath, it’s sure to brighten your décor. For something more original, consider heather: this plant, with its tiny violet bells, thrives in our regions throughout winter.
Embrin’s decorating tip: with a simple piece of linen string, tie a few sprigs of heather around our Rose Nude washed linen napkin. Its romantic shade will pair perfectly with the lilac hue of the flower.
You now know why slow design and the festive season are far from incompatible. This movement is sure to gain momentum as ecological awareness grows. Embrin, passionate about French-made linen, is here to help you prepare a sumptuous, original, and well-thought-out celebration. Our range of washed linen table linen should provide plenty of inspiration!
Wishing you a very joyful festive season with Embrin!