How to Create a Show-Stopping Christmas & Hogmanay Tablescape
(with a Little Help from Magenta Ink Calligraphy)
If Christmas is about sparkle, then Hogmanay is about spectacle. It’s the time of year when the table becomes the stage — layered, glowing and laden with details that make guests audibly gasp when they walk in. Whether you’re hosting an intimate Christmas dinner or a full-blown New Year’s Eve celebration, your table deserves as much attention as the food.
At Magenta Ink Calligraphy, I spend this season helping clients across Scotland transform their festive tables into something unforgettable. Here are my tips for creating a table that’s luxurious, personal and a little bit magical — with plenty of Scottish charm.
1. Start with Layers of Luxury
A memorable tablescape begins with layering. Think tactile fabrics, beautiful plates, napkins folded just so, and your best cutlery gleaming under the candlelight. Begin with a crisp linen cloth or rich velvet runner in deep plum or midnight blue, then layer in metallic chargers, mixed glassware and seasonal accents.
And when it comes to lighting — more is more. Don’t stop at a few candles; fill the table with mixed heights of pillar, taper and tealight candles to create depth and drama. The flicker of candlelight against glassware and calligraphy ink adds instant atmosphere.
Shop Calligraphy Napkin Ribbons
2. Name Cards Worth Keeping
A handwritten calligraphy place card brings personality and poise to every setting. But for something truly special, why not use personalised baubles or hand-lettered ribbons instead? They make elegant place settings that double as keepsakes — little treasures your guests can take home and hang on their tree next year.
3. Menus with Theatre
A beautifully presented menu instantly elevates your table. Opt for handwritten or printed calligraphy menus, layered over the plate or tied with ribbon and a sprig of festive foliage. For extra impact, frame a larger version for your sideboard or bar area — a sophisticated way to showcase your festive feast.
4. Details That Spark Joy (and Conversation)
This is where you can be bold and playful. Think of baubles tucked among the greenery, ribbons cascading across the table, and even a scratch card slipped discreetly under each napkin for a touch of fun and fortune. It’s the unexpected details that make guests smile — and make your dinner party memorable.
If florals aren’t your style, build texture with seasonal foliage or even thistle sprigs and pine cones for a nod to Scottish nature. Mix textures, play with height, and remember — perfection is overrated, but personality is everything.
5. Centrepieces with Impact
Your centrepiece should feel abundant and alive. Swap the traditional arrangement for a mix of candles at varying heights, interspersed with fresh greenery, berries, and metallic accents. The goal is to create a sense of opulence and warmth — something guests can’t help but reach out and touch (carefully, of course).
If you’re celebrating Hogmanay, consider incorporating touches of tartan, mini bottles of whisky, or hand-lettered New Year wishes for each guest. It’s a modern twist on Scottish tradition and a guaranteed talking point.
And don’t forget to speak to your local florist. They’ll love helping you dream up centrepieces and seasonal arrangements, even for smaller private dinners or intimate gatherings. Fresh florals bring texture, height, scent and a sense of occasion to any table.
I’m also lucky enough to collaborate with the incredibly talented team at Planet Flowers, an Edinburgh-based florist whose creativity knows no bounds. Like me, they love nothing more than bringing unique ideas and themes to life — from opulent winter florals to modern minimal arrangements. It’s always a joy to work together on imaginative, design-led projects where every detail, petal and pen stroke tells part of the story.
6. Make It Personal, Make It Memorable
A truly spectacular table is all about thoughtfulness. From calligraphy name cards and vellum-wrapped menus to baubles, ribbons, and signage, these are the details that say, I can plan this for you. Each element created by Magenta Ink Calligraphy is handmade in Scotland, designed to add warmth, intimacy and beauty to your table.
And if you’d rather enjoy your fizz than fuss with layouts, I also offer a wedding and event set-up service across Central Scotland — ensuring every ribbon is tied, every menu placed, and every bauble perfectly positioned.
See more about the Event Set-Up Service
From Christmas to Hogmanay in Style
The best tables transition effortlessly. Replace reds with silvers, swap holly for eucalyptus, and light twice as many candles. As the bells ring in the New Year, your table will gleam just as brightly as your Champagne flutes.
Because at the heart of every great celebration is care, creativity and a touch of handwriting magic.
📩 Ready to create your own unforgettable festive table?
Email suz@magentainkcalligraphy.co.uk to chat about bespoke calligraphy décor, personalised gifts, and styling services.
Magenta Ink Calligraphy – where handwriting meets heart, and every table tells a story.
See our Christmas Collection here