The art of the Christmas table: styling, scents, and setting the scene
It is mid December. The advent calendars are nearly half empty, the work breakups are in full swing, and the "big day" is rapidly approaching.
If you are hosting Christmas lunch or dinner this year, you might currently be in the "lists" phase—sorting the menu, counting the chairs, and wondering if you have enough matching cutlery. But amidst the pavlovas and the ham glazing, there is one element that truly defines the atmosphere of the day: The Table.
As Christchurch’s premier florist, trusted since 1937, we have helped generations of Cantabrians set the scene for their festive gatherings. We know that the dining table is the heart of Christmas Day. It is where stories are shared, crackers are pulled, and memories are made.
Whether you are planning a formal sit-down dinner in Merivale or a relaxed BBQ lunch in Rolleston, the right floral styling elevates the meal from "just lunch" to a celebration.
In this guide, we are diving deep into the art of Christmas floral styling—from choosing the right centrepiece to the crucial timing of your Christmas Lilies.
1. Defining your Christmas theme
Before you order your flowers, you need to decide on the "vibe" of your table. Christmas in New Zealand is unique—we don't have snow, we have sunshine (hopefully!), which opens up a wider range of styling options than our friends in the Northern Hemisphere.
Here are three popular themes we are seeing this season:
The Traditionalist
This is for those who love the nostalgia of Christmas. It is rich, warm, and comforting.
- The Palette: Deep ruby reds, forest greens, and touches of gold.
- The Flowers: Red roses are the hero here, supported by hypericum berries (which look like tiny Christmas baubles) and lush green foliage.
- The Vibe: Classic, timeless, and very "Court Florist."
The Kiwi Summer
Embracing our environment. This style feels fresh, airy, and relaxed.
- The Palette: Crisp whites, silvers, and lush natural greens.
- The Flowers: White Christmas Lilies, white roses, and an abundance of texture.
- The Vibe: Sophisticated but effortless. This looks particularly stunning on a wooden outdoor table.
The Jewel Tone Twist
For those who want something a little more vibrant and modern.
- The Palette: Plums, deep pinks, purples, and vibrant greens.
- The Flowers: Seasonal blooms like peonies (if available), sweet william, and vibrant hydrangeas.
- The Vibe: Joyful and celebratory. Our Jewel Tones Bouquet is a perfect example of this energy.
2. The Centrepiece: Rules of engagement
The floral centrepiece is the star of the show, but there are some practical rules to follow to ensure it doesn't become a nuisance during the meal.
Rule #1: The "Elbow and Eye" Test There is nothing worse than trying to talk to Uncle Dave across the table but having to duck and weave around a giant vase of lilies. Your table flowers should either be low (below eye level) or high (on a tall stand above eye level—though this is usually reserved for weddings).
- Recommendation: For a standard dining table, opt for a low, elongated arrangement or a series of smaller "Posy in a Jar" arrangements scattered down the centre.
Rule #2: Scent Sensibility We all love the smell of Christmas, but strong floral scents can clash with the aroma of the roast turkey or glaze.
- Recommendation: If you are using highly fragrant flowers like Christmas Lilies, place them on the sideboard or the hallway entrance table rather than the dining table itself. Keep the dining table scent-neutral with roses, hydrangeas, or unscented greenery.
Rule #3: Table Real Estate Be realistic about how much space you have. Once the platters of food, wine bottles, and crackers are on the table, is there room for a large vase?
- Recommendation: If space is tight, use a table runner of flat-laid greenery (like pine or eucalyptus) interspersed with candles. It adds festivity without taking up "platter space."
3. The famous Christmas Lily: A timing guide
Is it even Christmas in Christchurch without the scent of Regale Lilies wafting through the house? These trumpet-shaped beauties are iconic, but they can be tricky to time perfectly.
If you buy lilies that are fully open on December 23rd, they might be past their best by the 25th. If you buy tight green buds on Christmas Eve, you might be looking at green sticks on Christmas morning.
The "Sweet Spot" Strategy: To have your lilies perfectly open for Christmas Day, we recommend buying them (or having them delivered) around December 18th–21st.
- Why? This gives the buds 4–5 days to unfurl in the warmth of your home.
- Pro Tip: If they are opening too fast, keep them in a cool, dark room (or a garage). If they are too slow, bring them into a warm, sunny spot and add a little lukewarm water to the vase.
- Pollen Care: As soon as those trumpets open, remove the orange pollen stamens. Not only does this prevent staining your best tablecloth, but it also helps the flower last longer.
4. Don't forget the entrance
The Christmas experience begins before your guests even step inside. A fresh pine wreath on the front door is the ultimate welcome gesture.
Our wreaths are crafted from fresh foliage, which means they smell divine. However, the Christchurch summer sun can be harsh.
- Care Tip: If your front door gets direct blazing sun, your wreath will dry out quickly. Consider misting it with water daily to keep the greens fresh, or hanging it on an internal door or above the fireplace where it is cooler.
5. The "Guest" Guide: Never arrive empty-handed
Not hosting this year? You have the easier job, but the etiquette of being a guest is just as important. Arriving with a gift for the host is a tradition that never goes out of style.
While a bottle of wine is standard, a floral gift shows a little more thought.
The "Host" Dilemma: If you hand a busy host a wrapped bunch of flowers right as they are trying to drain the potatoes and seat 12 people, you are giving them a job to do (finding a vase, cutting stems).
The Solution:
- Order a Boxed Arrangement or Posy in a Jar: These come already in water. The host can simply set them down on a bench and carry on.
- Send it Early: This is the ultimate power move. Arrange for a Gift Basket or flowers to be delivered on Christmas Eve. It builds anticipation and allows the host to enjoy the gift before the chaos of the big day begins.
Our Gift Baskets are particularly popular for this—packed with festive treats, chocolates, and luxuries that the host can enjoy once the guests have gone.
6. Keeping flowers fresh in the heat
A Christchurch Christmas often means a Nor'wester. Heat is the enemy of cut flowers. To ensure your table arrangements survive the long lunch:
- Fresh Water: Top up vases daily.
- Stay Cool: Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and heat pumps until the guests arrive.
- Ice Cubes: If it is a scorcher (30°C+), drop a couple of ice cubes into the vase water in the morning to keep the temperature down.
Ready to set the scene?
Whether you need a dozen long-stemmed red roses for the centrepiece, a lush wreath for the door, or a gift basket to thank your host, Court Florist is here to help.
As we have done since 1937, we will be delivering right across the city—from the hill suburbs to the plains of Kaiapoi and Lincoln.
Important Christmas Dates:
- Same-Day Delivery: Order by 2pm for delivery across Christchurch.
- Christmas Eve: We will be delivering, but slots fill up fast. We recommend pre-ordering your table flowers now to avoid disappointment.
Let us handle the flowers, so you can focus on the turkey (and the pavlova!).
