With no prior planning and nothing of my own, 2024 started and 2024 ended, and suddenly, it was time to set the Christmas table. A table for a family of six in my parents’ Cape Town home. We call it De Oude Kruse—a majestic blend of modern meets traditional Old Cape style, overlooking a local pond where an oversized pelican never fails to grace us with its presence in the afternoon. A majestic creature for a majestic home.
There was no grand plan, but one thing led to another, and before I knew it, I found myself rummaging through my mother’s crockery cupboard, fishing for treasures. That’s when I stumbled upon an old calendar from Babylonstoren, a renowned wine farm nestled in the Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands. Each page of the calendar had a stunning photograph of flowers or fruit—art in itself. Inspired, I started pulling together a table setting that would be both nostalgic and fresh.
Among my mother’s heirloom collection, I found a few Noritake plates, delicate porcelain plates, and beautifully aged pottery pieces, each with its own history. From a drawer filled with well-loved candles, I managed to unearth a few with life still left in them—mustard yellow, navy blue, and grey. My eye then caught the vibrant magenta bougainvillea outside and my mother’s lush succulent garden. Out I went—snip, snip! Soon, small glass containers filled with bougainvillea blooms graced the table, alongside two navy blue ceramic milk jugs, repurposed as charming succulent holders.
For the place settings, I cut the beautiful calendar pages into squares, using them as unique underplates. Layered on top were white and gold Noritake dinner plates, accompanied by my grandmother's 63 year old vintage silverware—worn but timeless. A clear wine glass at each setting, black serviettes (lovingly made by my husband's grandmother for our wedding), and ivory serviette rings completed the look. The final touch? Sliced lemons scattered across the table, adding a fresh, zesty contrast.
The magenta bougainvillea perfectly echoed the pink tones in the vintage porcelain small rectangular dessert plates placed at the center of the table. Navy candles tied in with the deep blues of the tiny milk jugs, while mustard-colored candles and lemon slices injected a lively burst of warmth. The mix of colors, paired with the dark, moody tones of the calendar cutouts, resulted in a setting that felt wonderfully mid-century modern—bold, eclectic, yet cohesive.
Why Mixing Old and New Works
So many people are hesitant to blend old with new, fearing that it might clash or feel outdated. But in reality, it’s one of the simplest ways to create a table that tells a story.
By mixing heirloom pieces with contemporary elements, you get the best of both worlds—timeless charm with a fresh twist. The key? Balance. Choose a color palette that ties everything together, mix textures thoughtfully, and don’t be afraid to repurpose everyday objects in creative ways.
A Challenge for Your Next Gathering
Don’t feel limited by trends or pressured to have everything perfectly matched. Instead, look at what you already have—whether it’s your grandmother’s old china, a beautiful scarf that could serve as a table runner, or even nature’s gifts from your own backyard. There’s magic in nostalgia, and by weaving in the old with the new, you create a table that’s not just beautiful but meaningful.
This was my Christmas table story, and I hope it inspires you. Happy table setting—until next time!