Earlier this week I talked about creating a fresh and simple scheme for an early Christmas lunch. But what if your family tradition involves a candlelit dinner instead? Well, it’s then time to up the glam factor and take the table decorations in another direction entirely.

Life is still too short to wash and iron a tablecloth, so use metallic tablemats, get out the crystal candelabra and the cut glasses, and dress the table in anything that will sparkle. I like to turn the lights out completely once the food is served, so that means piling as many candles and tealights on the table as it can possibly hold. You can always take a tip from the stylist here, by hanging baubles from eucalyptus branches to create a stunning centrepiece. And if you really want guests to linger, a few sheepskins will keep them cosy and warm.

Scissors Dining Table £599, Castillo Silver Set of 2 Dining chairs £250, Bell Jar with White Glitter House £15, Decorations from £2.50, Large Glass Candelabra, £100, Faux Sheepskin Hide, £35, Silver Tealight Holder, £6, Faux Sheepskin Quad Rug, £140, all BHS.

1.Etched Vase, £10, Etched Tealight Holder, £3, both Wilkinson. 2.12 Piece Glisten Dinner Set, £45, Next. 3.Standing Stag, £8, Wilkinson. 4.Vintage 32 Piece Cutlery Set, £29.99, Homesense. 5.Frozen Acrylic Jewel Snowflake, £2, Wilkinson, 6.Set of 9 Gold Snowflakes, £6, Sainsbury’s Home. 7.Seletti – ‘Burlesque – The Wise Chimpanzee’ Candelabra, £200, Amara. 8.Biba Gold Rim Glassware, £28. 9.Gold Charger, £9. 10.White and silver snowflake crackers (set of 10), £25, all House of Fraser. 11.Bird Cage Decoration, £4, BHS. 12.Linen Napkins (set of 4), £25, Kelly Hoppen.

Taking a short break now my lovelies. So have a lovely Christmas all, and I’ll see you in the New Year.