I've always loved a good table setting almost as much as i love a good dinner spread - so i've decided to share with you my inspirations in a new little segment which i hope will become a regular feature i call 'on the table'. i've titled this edition festive brass as i feel it sums up the vibe of the table, it's simple and relaxed and gives a nod to the holiday season with it's slight touch of glam. think warm day, cold drinks, alfresco dining, and a lunch that lasts til everyone is full of food and laughs.

this table is super easy to throw together and yet it looks purposeful and thought out, best of all the servingware, tableware and decor are all from kmart! don't worry i didn't raid the party section, and i'm not about to suggest you use plastic plates and disposable cups, but i wanted to keep this setting simple and achievable. so stress less this year and take a little inspo for your holiday table from this festive table setting.

onthetable - festive brass | mrtimothyjames

this look is very much about simplicity, when it comes to hosting the last thing you want to do is be stressed about how long it's going to take you to set the table. so with a few simple tips and tricks i'll show you just how easy it can be to set a simple table that will still wow your guests.

step one - create a base

this is where you start and your choice of table covering will set the tone and mood of your setting. consider neutral colours that won't distract from your tableware and decor. think about how much time you have before and after your event, a table cloth is great but needs to be ironed before and washed after. while disposable table cloths are convenient they can also look tacky, consider a roll of plain gift wrap which will span the width of your table and eliminate the need for washing a table cloth. also consider a table runner or garland, this is your chance to start introducing your theme or colour scheme to the table whether it's with textiles or foliage.

step two - set the table

now is the time to get your tableware onto the table because apart from being necessary to eat with, this will then dictate how much space you have for decor and serving ware. consider layers, textures and height when setting your tableware as these are all subtle ways to add interest to your overall look. Start with a placemat, charger plate or simply your dinner plate - this is your first opportunity to start layering so consider materials such as metals vs porcelain/china and finishes such as gloss vs matte.

consider cutlery placement as this can help dictate the tone of your event - formal vs informal. consider the beverages you will be serving as this will allow you to select the necessary glassware and it's placement. don't forget napkins, think about the type - fabric vs paper, the colour - dark vs light and the way you display them - do you need napkin rings or will you fold them.

step three - style it up

all the practical stuff is out of the way now, so consider how you will complete your look. think about lighting and ambience, consider fresh florals/foliage, add decor pieces of different heights to help break things up. try to stick to one idea/theme with your styling and keep it running throughout the table - you don't want to get too carried away, it is a dining table after all not a living room credenza. again consider textures, scents and visuals you want to keep your guests interested in the effort you've put in by connecting them to your styling through their senses.

I hope these visuals and tips help you to get some inspiration for your holiday dining table, and i look forward to sharing more from 'on my table' in future posts.

do you have any table setting steps or tips you use? what other style of setting would you like to see in the series? tell me all the things in the comments below!

with love, timothy x

it's no secret that while many of us look forward to the extravagance of christmas and all that it offers, there are others within our communities that are less fortunate than us. for many, christmas is a time of giving and sharing, of joy and laughter and happy memories; unfortunately that isn't the case in every family. some just aren't as blessed as we are and for them christmas can be lonely, that's why it's so important to remember others during this festive time and if we can - give back to them. enter the kmart wishing tree appeal, a chance to give back and show others that they are not alone this christmas.

the idea behind the appeal is that gifts are purchased or made by those who are able, to be given to those in need. at this time of year there is always a need to spread more joy and cheer and the kmart wishing tree is an easy way to do just that - bring a little more magic into the world.

how you can participate.

you can make a financial contribution - online and in-store.

you can give a gift - by simply attaching a wishing tree tag to a gift and placing under the tree in any kmart store.

you can purchase a bauble gift tag - for a $1 donation to the appeal you can purchase a stylish gift tag to add to your gifts this year. not only do they look fab, but they add a little magic to your gift because your recipient will know you made a donation on their behalf.

you can host a fundraiser - organise your own event such as a gold coin donation morning tea at your workplace or school and donate the proceeds to the appeal.

how distribution works.

the funds raised from cash donations and coin collections are given to the kmart wishing tree charity partners 'the salvation army' and 'mission australia' to fund such things as christmas lunch, basic necessities, education expenses and shelter.

the gifts received in kmart stores are collected by the charity partners and then distributed to less fortunate families. parents are given the choice to select from the gift pool the items which will best suits their families needs this christmas.

how to give a gift.

kmart on behalf of their charity partners, accept any new gifts for donation - they can be purchased from any retailer or handmade. all gifts are checked for suitability by the charity partners before being passed on for donation, so it's best to donate an unwrapped gift or consider a gift box or bag for easy re-wrapping.

step one - take your gift to your local kmart store

step two - take a tag from wishing tree, fill it out, attach one half to your gift - keep the other to hang on your tree, and place the gift under the tree or in the drop off sleigh.

step three - share that giving feeling with others by sharing a pic or your story on social media using the hashtags #kmartwishingtree and/or #thatgivingfeeling

the wishing tree is an awesome way to teach kids about the importance of giving, and the wishing tree tags are designed to help them understand that they really have helped someone else. the tags are designed to tear away to two parts - one for the gift and one for your tree. the idea behind this is much like a best friend locket, in the fact that on christmas day both you and the person who receives your gift will be looking at one half of the same tag.

do you have a christmas tradition for giving back? what's your favourite thing to do to get that giving feeling? tell me all of the things in the comments below.

timothy x