Giorgia Fantin Borghi knows how to get you in the holiday spirit. According to the Milanese tastemaker, it shouldn’t matter that our friend or family gatherings will be much smaller this year – we can still make them memorable!
In addition to organizing high profile weddings and events for dignitaries with celebrity chefs, Giorgia Fantin Borghi is one of Italy’s most respected experts on etiquette and the art of entertaining, where she is often featured in the news and on television as a regular contributor on lifestyle.
Giorgia strongly believes that this year, more than ever, the people celebrating with us deserve to feel special. While we might long for big gatherings, we tend to forget that they also can cause us a lot of stress: “We often want to impress our families and guests, and end up not paying attention to the people that matter most.”
But putting the Christmas table together can be a wonderful opportunity to involve all the family – and the kids, in particular. “You can give the children small tasks. For example, if they just started to learn how to write, they can make the place cards,” she suggests. “They can design the table setting, and some of their art projects could become part of the decoration. In addition, we have the opportunity to rediscover family tableware that we can’t normally use for larger parties. I recently found my grandmother’s dessert plate set that has such an enormous emotional value for me, and I was thrilled to use it for my family dinners.”
Giorgia Fantin Borghi
What are the table setting trends for this year? “The worse the year, the better the table settings!” Giorgia proclaims. “There is no room for minimalist designs, only for joyful and festive tables.” She feels there is also room for some kitsch elements – as long as they bring laughter and happiness to the table, too. And thanks to social media, you’ll be able to share your elaborate table settings with all your friends and family, but without the anxiety of entertaining!
“Christmas 2020 will be relaxed and comforting, with a cozy atmosphere evocative of a winter nest, with a particular attention to people’s desire for protection, dream, magic and hope for the future,” she explains.
Blu and gold table setting by Giorgia Fantin Borghi
Here are Giorgia Fantin Borghi’s table setting suggestions for Christmas 2020.
Colors
The colors are deep and restorative dark blue, hopeful and optimistic green, and a nuance of a solid yet frivolous antique rose color. These soothing shades can be combined with metallic accents and personal details, because according to Giorgia, “There is a lot of who we are in what we choose – at the table, as well.”
Fabrics
In terms of fabrics, it’s time to get back to tablecloths, drapes, and cloth remnants forgotten in the back of our closets. Layer all the elements, highlighting colors and craftsmanship in a creative and personal style, and playing with the different patterns for a unique and memorable setting.
Table setting with rose accents by Giorgia Fantin Borghi
Tableware
Precious and fragile glass, a material that mirrors our current state, will take center stage, explains Giorgia. It combines aesthetics and function, making reference to refined artisanal craftsmanship. Bring out all your family glass sets and use them in a modern table setting.
Lights
Light will help to create an enchanting atmosphere and a feeling of warmth – just think of the iconic image of a family reunited around the fireplace. To reproduce this magical feeling, make a small lit-up area on the table made from a string of small and discreet warm lights, like dragonflies, or white candles with metallic touches of different shapes and sizes.
Fragrance
It’s important to bring nature indoors, with all its beauty and fragrance. Like wreaths made with pine cones, branches, fragrant berries, cinnamon sticks and orange peels placed on the radiator – to give you the feeling you’re in a winter forest.
Lucky charms
Last but not least, arrange lucky charms all around the table, from small angels and leprechauns, to bells and four-leaf clovers. And don’t forget the mistletoe! For a little reminder to show each other love and affection. Something we all need from one another, especially during such trying times.