1. REWORK SECOND HAND FINDS
We are all about being more sustainable over the holidays, and for that reason, with Christmas table gifts there's really no need to go out and buy anything new. Really think about what your guests would want to receive, what would you yourself love to see when you sat down at a festive table?
2. LEAVE HOME BAKED TREATS TO TAKEAWAY
If you trust your skills in the kitchen, edible gifts are always a winner and can look so lovely as part of a Christmas table scheme. Gingerbread is the obvious choice and we love how delicate this house looks with just the simple white piping, it works perfectly with the traditional slightly Scandi decor.
3. GET CRAFTY WITH HOMEMADE CRACKERS
DIYing your crackers is not only a lovely Christmas craft you can spend doing with the family (or solo with a large cup of mulled wine and Love Actually) it also means you can pick what goes inside. No more plastic spinning tops or oversized paperclips really no one wants or uses, instead, you can fill it with little gifts that actually mean something to your guest – just don't forget to add a hat, they're a Christmas cracker essential!
4. GIFT (AND DECORATE WITH) VOTIVE CANDLES
Candles are a must on any Christmas table so why not double them up as a gift? Pick some lovely holders and pop in a votive – go unscented for the event itself so the smell doesn't interfere with the lovely cooking, but add a second votive candle wrapped in tissue paper to everyone's plates in a scent they will love. Then when everyone is finished at the table they can take away a candle holder and votive of their own.
5. MARK EACH PLACE SETTING WITH A DECORATION
Easy, yet so effective, Christmas decorations make for lovely table gifts. We will say this idea works best for any dinner parties you have early on in the festive period so your guests will actually have the chance to enjoy their decorations.
6. GIVE EACH GUEST A WREATH TO DECORATE THEIR DOORS
Another Christmas table gift that's ideal if you host on Christmas eve or before, pop a wreath on each plate for your guests to hang on their door when they get home. Spend a lovely festive day DIYing your wreaths (or if budget allows pop to the florist) and think about how they will work in your overall scheme.
7. FILL BUD VASES WITH PRETTY POSEYS
Christmas flower arrangements and festive foliage are often an integral part of the Christmas table so why not make them a Christmas table gift too? Line the 'spine' of your table with bud vases of varying heights and fill them with poseys, then come the end of the night your guests can pick one they love and take it home.
8. POT UP PLANTS FOR GUESTS TO TAKE FROM THE TABLE
Sticking with the greenery theme, this is such a lovely Christmas table gift idea, straight from the table of Willow Crossley. Potted plants make such lovely table takeaways that last, making them a really sustainable option. Plus you can plant up whatever you like and whatever suits your tablescape. Here Willow has chosen geraniums which perfectly suit the very fresh but festive vibe of the rest of the foliage.