Create a white Christmas in your dining room. Here's how;

* Dress your table with a sparkling palette of ice whites and silver against a backdrop of crisp white linen.

* Go for tableware with a silver pattern and glasses with a delicately etched pattern.

* Arrange silver and crystal decorations on a mantel, console or sideboard for a cool display.

* Add antiqued baubles to stylish place settings, and tie on hand-written tags with silver ribbon for an extra special touch.

Introduce rich wood tones for a look that's smart and welcoming. Here's how;

* Keep the setting simple with a linen tablecloth and chunky cream china.

* Add a touch of glamour with golden decorations and a vase of glittering branches.

* Aromatic pine cone-shaped candles scented with spicy cinnamon notes will enhance the natural woody atmosphere.

* Fill a glass vase with glitter-covered twigs and hang decorations to spell out seasonal wishes.

* Tie ribbon around the base of wine glasses so that guests can keep a track of their drinks.

Put together a relaxed, informal Scandinavian look. Here's how;

* Mix classic red and white gingham with pretty folk patterns

* Dress the table with embrodiered runners and lay them across the width of the table, rather than length ways, linking the dining chairs for a balanced feel.

*Combine plain white china with red-striped plates and bowls, and add iced gingerbread biscuits to each setting for a festive touch.

* Make a fabulous centrepiece by wrapping a Christmas pud in gingham fabric and displaying it on a ceramic cake stand.

* Add a touch of twinkle with tealights in glass votives that are decorated with simple gingham ribbon.