The Winter Table: What I’m Loving This Season
Here in Australia, most of us (myself included) save our best entertaining energy for the warmer months. We do outdoor dining well—long lunches in the sun, impromptu dinners that somehow always roll into backyard dance floors. But this winter, I’m thinking more about how to get creative with a really beautiful indoor setting.
I’ve pulled together an edit of what’s piquing my interest right now. Some pieces are shoppable, while others simply act as visual cues to set the tone. In my own process, if I come across something I love that’s (sometimes wildly) outside the price point I’m after, I use the image to spark a direction: a colour palette, a shape, a material pairing. Think of this as a visual springboard; it doesn’t have to be about the exact piece, but about the inspiration it offers, whatever your approach to investing in your space.
I’ve included a few moodboard shots to anchor the aesthetic, along with how I might think about bringing it to life at the table.
My Winter Entertaining Mood Board
Photo: de pasquale + maffini
Bringing It To Life
Start With A Beautiful White tablecloth
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect French antique embroidered tablecloth for a while now. While it works year-round, there’s something about this look that feels especially right for winter dining — a little nostalgic, and quietly elegant.
Stunning Candlesticks
I’m a big fan of mixing old and new, and antique candlesticks are such a statement piece on a table. Antique cut glass candle holders have a beautiful feel — sculptural, romantic and timeless. The below options are purely an inspiration reference, but if you love the look, I’d suggest checking antique markets or fairs, vintage stores, auction houses or online sellers. Antique pieces often come with a higher price point, but you could look at them like art — an investment piece to hold onto or pass down.
I also love the shape of the below taper candles which I’ve linked. They come in three sizes to give the table some variation. They’re hand-poured and made from natural soy wax or Australian beeswax.
As an alternative to antiques, I’ve also included these brushed brass candlesticks which come as a pair of three.
Glassware
I like the playful shape of these water glasses, and the yellow would add a nice pop of colour to the table.
I’d pair these back with some beautiful vintage or antique wine glasses. The crystal ones pictured below are heirlooms, passed down to me by my grandmother. I’m pretty used to things getting broken in our home (life with boys!) but I’m deeply sentimental about this set, so they only come out when the kids aren’t around, or when I’m holding onto my glass tightly! That said, there are so many beautiful glassware options with a similar look — and ones you wouldn’t need to be quite as precious about.
Water Pitcher
I’m in love with this vase-shaped pitcher, especially the twisted handle. When I showed my husband and told him I was buying it, he said we didn’t need any more “pots” in the house. I, of course, strongly disagree. You can never have too many vessels.
This one’s made in Puglia by a centuries-old, family-run pottery manufacturer. I love when the pieces on our table come with a story. It’s currently sold out, but I’ve got my name on the restock list — and you should too.
Cake Stand
I know I go on about contrast, but when a table’s already layered with linen, glass and brass, bringing in a natural timber element, like a cake stand, can be a great counterpoint.
This beautiful donut-shaped stand is by Canadian artist Elise McLauchlan, made from local maple wood. I love everything about it.
Winter Flowers For The Table
My preference for this table would be some beautiful creamy yellow or ivory peonies with gold centres, like the Claire de Lune or Moonrise varieties. They feel wild but soft, and would tie in well with the rest of the palette on the table.
That said, they can sometimes be hard to come by. My fall-back would be white flowers, something with a bit of movement or texture, and some green foilage. Think droopy tulips (ideally a few days old so they’ve relaxed and softened), Queen Anne’s lace, or garden roses with slightly imperfect heads. The key is avoiding anything too stiff or upright. I like them to feel a bit undone.
For vases, I’d either do clear glass or something darker and weightier, like a metal piece. You want something that complements the flowers, not competes with them.
Napkins
Napkins are a great way to bring a bit of colour into the tablescape. I love the look of these olive green European flax linen ones — they feel elevated, but still relaxed, and would sit beautifully within the broader scheme.
Cutlery
Again, given the moodboard I’m working from, I’d lean towards antique or vintage silver cutlery for this table. I wouldn’t go for anything overly ornate — just something with enough character to feel considered. Slightly aged, with a soft patina and a bit of shape to the handle. Something that feels at home alongside old glassware and textured linen.
Platter
The colouring of this hand-painted bamboo-edged ceramic platter ties in beautifully with the yellow water glasses and olive green napkins. I also really like the shape — more distinctive than your standard round or oval, which adds another layer to the table. I always like serving food on pieces that feel thoughtful.
Dinner plates
I often like to keep my dinner plates on the simpler side so the rest of the table can do the talking.
This handmade ceramic set from Portugal has just enough detail to feel considered — an organic shape, a subtle two-tone palette — but still lets everything else shine.
I’ve also included a similar option in high quality Australian porcelain, designed and hand-made in Sydney by Mennt ceramics.
I hope this edit has sparked a few ideas for your own winter table. While there’s no single formula for a beautifully set table, the pieces you choose should always reflect how you like to live and host — not just what looks good in a photo.
Of course, finding that balance between form, function and your own distinct taste isn’t always easy. If you’re feeling a little stuck with styling or sourcing homewares or furniture, I offer tailored support through Heidi Mortlock Studio.
Hx
