IT’S official – Easter is becoming as much of a hosting moment as Christmas.
The shops are full of decorating ideas to make your bumper bank holiday a little more special, be it with mini trees adorned with eggs, cute chick crackers or even Waitrose’s Hot Cross Bunnetone as a centrepiece.
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We met Nina Campbell, interior designer to the royals and rock star royalty (think Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Mick Jagger to name just a couple), for breakfast at her stunning Next X Nina Campbell launch last week in west London.
“It’s the simple touches that can make any table look extra special and you really don’t need to spend a fortune,” she told us.
Nina’s exclusive range for Next, which starts from £10, is available in stores and online at Next.co.uk.
Here, she shares her tips for hosting an eye-catching spread…
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1. Mix and match
“Alternating two sets of crockery in different colours is a very simple but effective trick for an eye-catching table,” explains Nina.
Her high street range has beautiful forest green and white crockery but you could equally try mixing up your own.
Just try to keep to a colour theme to bring it all together.
Green and pink is a gorgeous colour combination and a nice alternative to the more obvious spring yellow.
2. Think of the backdrop
The table cloth you choose is the backdrop to your whole tablescape.
“You can easily leave your table bare if you wish to create a more relaxed occasion,” says Nina, who has even used old saris as tablecloths in the past.
We love this frill-trimmed checked design, £29.99 at H&M, that will see you through summer, too.
Napkins always add a sense of occasion, but you don’t need to splash out on napkin rings if money is tight.
A pretty ribbon and a freshly picked flower from the garden looks simple but oh-so pretty.
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3. Bring in nature
If you’re lucky to have a blooming garden right now – make the most of it!
“Just don’t leave flowers so tall on the table that they disrupt the conversation because people can’t see each other properly,” says Nina.
Don’t have a garden? Fruit can work just as well as a beautiful centrepiece – a bowl of lemons adds instant Meditarranean vibes.
Mini potted herbs and succulents can make great favours for your guests to take home, too.
4. Shop your cupboards
“You’ll be amazed at what you can find in your own home to add something unique to your table so that no occasion ever feels the same,” says Nina.
That could be as simple as a vintage watering can that you fill with blooms.
Or, like Nina suggests, a favourite ornament from the mantelpiece.
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5. Think glassware
In the market for beautiful wine glasses?
Nina’s meadow set have a hint of the designer Baccarat glassware – a brand that sells its single glasses for hundreds of pounds.
To hold, they feel expensive – yet they are a steal at £30 for four, and come in matching flutes too.
“I added a coloured rim for interest – but it won’t be so awful if the kids accidentally break one at this price,” she explains.
Even if you’re only going to fill the glasses with sparkling water, glassware like this instantly adds height and a sense of occasion.
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Finally, if you do need a nod to the Easter bunny himself, these are all £5 and under…
- Napkin rings, £2 for two, Dunelm – BUY NOW
- Ceramic bowl, £5, B&M – BUY NOW
- Tumbler, £4, John Lewis – BUY NOW
- Gift bags, £1.50 for two, Flying Tiger – BUY NOW
Now bring on the Easter eggs!