Setting the table for Christmas is no mere task; it's a canvas on which memories are painted, stories are shared and traditions come alive. This year, we asked Trine Andersen, our illustrious Creative Director and Founder, to share with us her approach to preparing a holiday gathering, where she doesn't merely set a table; she curates an unforgettable experience.
Prepare to be whisked away into a world where every detail, no matter how minute, tells a story of warmth, love and celebration.
“You invest so much time crafting exquisite kitchen creations;
why not display them proudly?”
Trine Andersen
It’s Christmastime! What makes this time of year special to you?
Winter can be such a dark, heavy time in Denmark, and the holiday season really leans into the famous Danish concept of hygge: lighting candles, decorating our homes and spending quality time with the people we love. There’s a focus on being present and appreciating each other’s company.
I start putting up holiday decorations on the first of December – anything before that and I’ll grow tired of it before Christmas Eve. I also love the whole process of giving gifts: the search for a thoughtful present, wrapping them up and then the actual giving part. There’s nothing better than finding the perfect gift for someone you care about!
Tell us about your table setting – what look are you going for this year?
My Christmas table is traditional with modern influences. In general, I like to embrace a more romantic feel in my home during the holiday season and I look for ways of combining the past and present through little details: silk ribbons on candlesticks, using the inherited silverware from my mother-in-law and purposely refraining from ironing the tablecloth for a more relaxed and rustic vibe.
What decorative elements have you used?
The Christmas season isn’t a time for minimalism – at least not at my house! This year I have used a mix of floral arrangements, Christmas decorations and an abundance of candles. I also like to display seasonal fruits and let some components of the meal serve as their own decorative elements, like the clementine sponge cake. You invest so much time crafting exquisite kitchen creations; why not display them proudly?
Do you have any family or cultural traditions that you incorporate into your table setting?
We make a traditional roast duck for Christmas, and this year I’ve put little paper cuffs on the legs – it’s cute and playful. Even though we live in Copenhagen and our children have grown up here, our family is originally from Jutland, where it’s custom to include salted crisps with the Christmas meal. The kids especially love that tradition!
Trine’s Top Tips:
Seat treats: Instead of place cards, consider placing a little gift that you have picked out for each of your guests – a thoughtful addition that will make them feel special and appreciated.
Food as décor: You spend so much time crafting beautiful creations in the kitchen – let them serve as decorative elements during your dinner.
Instant elegance: I always opt for fabric napkins when I host people for a meal – it’s a simple detail that instantly elevates the dining experience.
Trine’s Traditional Danish Christmas Menu
Welcome Snacks:
Crispy chicken skin with mayonnaise and a sprinkling of herbs
Duck rillettes served in endive leaves and pomegranate seeds
Olives and breadsticks
Welcome Drink:
Red vermouth and champagne served with orange peel
Main Course:
Roast duck stuffed with prunes and oranges
Roast potatoes served with a sprig of rosemary
Sugar glazed potatoes
Duck gravy
Kale salad with apple and almond
Red cabbage salad with vinaigrette, walnut, orange and pomegranate seeds
Waldorf salad
Salted chips, served warm
Dessert:
Assorted cheeses with fresh fig and fig marmalade
Risalamande (Danish rice pudding) served with warm cherry sauce and garnished with maraschino cherries
Sponge cake with sugar icing, lemon zest and garnished with peeled clementines
