Festive table styling with Bits&Pieces

Warning: this post contains an awesome discount offer exclusive to Stella + the Stars readers. Scroll down for more details.

When it comes to interior styling, as you've probably already gathered, I am all about breaking the rules and going for bold, colourful and quirky design. So you won't be surprised when I say the same goes for table styling! The more bonkers the better, in my book. So if you clicked on this post looking for inspiration to decorate your Christmas table the traditional way (aka with lots of red and green decorations), there is literally NOTHING TO SEE HERE, not even a red hat, so I suggest you stop reading to avoid total disappointment (also, your eyes might hurt!).

A few weeks ago, Bits&Pieces got in touch to ask me to run a little workshop in their store for an intimate group of Dubai bloggers and 'influencers', and, well, I didn't mess around and basically went ALL OUT with the most colourful pieces they have in their collection, to style the boldest yet fun festive table settings possible. We had a fabulous morning looking at how much fun you can have decorating your table for the holidays, as well as the art of finding the perfect gift (for those who have everything and need nothing!)... We finished off the session with some clever tips to wrap your presents like the pros (3 words, people: DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE!).

If you are not acquainted with Bits&Pieces yet, let's rectify this immediately as you're definitely missing out! Originally born in Abu Dhabi, the brand opened a store in Dubai's City Walk 2 last year. I remember attending the launch and falling in love with their eclectic and gorgeous accessories for the home, from vases to tableware, to candles and stationery. With their 'East meets West' ethos, they offer a vast collection of traditional local pieces with a modern twist, as well as some of my favourite European brands like Pols Potten (remember that gold pineapple?!) and Nordal (I am obsessed with their vases). Budget wise there is something for every purse as well, which as you know is a win-win in my book...

If you like this lovely local brand as much as I do, you'll be delighted to hear that Stella + the Stars readers get an exclusive 20% discount on the full collection. All you have to do is head to any of the Bits&Pieces stores and quote the code EMILIE20 at the checkout. The discount is valid until 24th December!

So now you're all briefed, let's have a look at the colourful ideas I went for my tables settings.

1 - Shine Bright Like a Diamond

I am très partial to a pop of neon pink in my home and also on my table! You can't go wrong with adding a little bit (ok a lot!) of bling onto your placemat, don't you think? Napkin rings are a great and affordable way of adding a little bit of je ne sais quoi to your festive table setting, a bit like a necklace adds some va va voom to a little black dress... I fell head over heels for these jewellery encrusted ones available in store at Bits&Pieces. I adore the contrast with these bright green placemats made of soft rubbery material (shatterproof and dead easy to clean - so not just pretty but practical too!). And can we talk about these these matte black finish cutlery from Scandinavian brand Canvas Home?! They give a subtle twist of drama and add elegance to the mix...

Breaking all the traditional rules of table styling (including the position of the knife?!?)

2 - Monochrome is Always Chic

If bright colours aren't your thang, then how about a chic yet decadent monochrome look? With another bijoux napkin ring bien sur! The cutlery set is the brass version of the Canvan Home set above. Tough choice to pick my favourite from the two... I also paid homage to the Pantone colour of the year - ultra violet - with a change of napkin ring, because well, I just can't help myself!

Monochrome with a touch of purple, because well, Pantone colour of the year and all! PS: That bloody knife went rogue again...

3 - You are gold, baby, solid gold

For my third and last look, I kept the look monochrome again but went to town with the gold accents! Call it the Dubai effect! Even the napkins got a gold stitching... I can't get enough of it, though! Is that bling enough for ya?!

You can never have too much gold right?!

So what do you think of my looks? Hopefully, it will somehow inspire you to go a bit bold and think outside the box if you're hosting during the festive season. What is your favourite look? Would love to hear your views in the comments below... Meanwhile, a few more shots from the event...

Yours truly talking about table styling while Irene from Gingham & Sparkle live insta stories and Leyla Bruton gets stuck in...

Focused on getting that table setting right!

The art of gift wrapping, with the experts from BIT&Pieces

Disclaimer A: The etiquette experts will notice some cutlery have gone totally rogue on my table settings... I blame the 'speaking in public nerves'!

Disclaimer B: I am actually not hosting any dinner this Christmas so I would love to live vicariously through all of you lovely readers so please share your beautiful table styling with me if you are!

Disclaimer C: This post was sponsored by Bits&Pieces (a girl's gotta eat), but as always, all opinions, questionable jokes and sarcasms are my own. I only work with brands I genuinely love and would buy products from anyways. If you’re a brand interested in working with Stella + The Stars, please contact me on emilie@stellaandthestars.net.