Our Creative Director has created a beautiful collection of 100% Irish linen table linen (woven in Donegal and made by We Make Good) it’s set to inspire you for the festive season ahead. She shares her tips on Christmas tablescaping photographed in her childhood family home in Donegal.

What inspires your Christmas Tablescape?

I love to work with natural elements from the garden at this time of year – the classics – ivy & holly mixed with a variety of winter greenery and glittery decorations – large glass baubles & nutcrackers – we all need some sparkle at Christmas! For me traditional colours are the best and don’t date – red, green & gold.

How did the new Christmas table linen colour palette evolve?

Our first Christmas table collection is very much inspired by tradition and my love of what we see in nature during an Irish winter – the colours are inspired by hedgerows with deep burgundy hawthorn berries & winter evergreen leaves on a bright, frosty morning.

Why do Irish linen tablecloths make a difference to the table?

The Irish linen industry is steeped in history, as is Christmas. I think adding something truly Irish to your table is that little bit special. Our napkins & table cloths are designed and woven in Donegal and made by We Make Good in Dublin – this product has not travelled far– so it’s green in every sense!I Also I find that the more you wash our Irish Linen napkins, the better they get, softer with each wash & iron so they can become something you bring out to enjoy this and every year.

 

“The Irish linen industry is steeped in history, as is Christmas. I think adding something truly Irish to your Christmas table is that little bit special.”

Charlotte Temple, Creative Director Magee 1866

 

What are your seasoned hosting tricks for Christmas - quick but high impact?

• Bowls of tangerines around the house – really quick & simple to do & they look beautiful.
• Lots of Champagne & mulled wine! (I add Cointreau to the mulled wine for an extra kick).
• Think team effort – my husband and I both love to cook so this makes it much easier.
• Enjoy the build up to Christmas – start early with your planning & preparation and it is so much more relaxing & enjoyable!

Favourite Christmas traditions?

Traditions are evolving as the children are growing!

• Hosting a family party on the last day of school.
• A ballet with my daughter – taking her to the Nutcracker Suite this year in the Gaiety Theatre.
• Christmas Eve is one of the best days of the year for me! Walks, excited children & we always have lobster in the evening, a long standing tradition from growing up by the sea in Donegal.

Christmas in Donegal is not complete without...

A swim in the sea first thing in the morning!

SHOP CHRISTMAS TABLE LINENS