Christmas in Kerala is a table affair. There's appam and stew at breakfast, a long family lunch, plum cake with tea, and friends dropping in all day. If you're hosting this year, the table is where everyone gathers, so it's worth making it feel special.
The good news: you don't need a full makeover. A good table runner, a set of placemats and a few cushions do most of the work. Here's how to set a beautiful Christmas table with handloom and hand-embroidered textiles, plus two looks to copy.
Why textiles make the table
Plates and glasses come and go, but the runner and mats set the mood for everything on top. Natural cotton textiles also have a warmth and texture that plastic mats and printed tablecloths can't match, and they're reusable year after year.
Look 1: The Kerala red-and-gold Christmas table
Red and gold are classic Christmas colours, and they're also deeply rooted in Kerala's own festive palette. This look feels traditional, warm and celebratory.
- The base: the Swarna Nira Runners & Placemats, with delicate red and gold floral motifs and fine linear detailing on a soft ivory base. The set includes a runner and four placemats.
- An alternative: the Chembarathi Runners & Placemats, with a grid pattern and vibrant red hibiscus motifs that are bright, artistic and festive.
- On top: brass serveware, white crockery, a bowl of red flowers and a few diyas or candles down the centre.
- Finishing touch: a paper star hung above the table. No Kerala Christmas is complete without one.
Look 2: The coastal blue Christmas table
Perfect for a seaside lunch, a Fort Kochi home, or anyone who wants a fresher take on Christmas.
- The runner: the Embroidered Wave Table Runner, airjet cotton with a continuous line of embroidered scallops like waves. At 60 inches, it anchors a full dining table.
- The placemats: mix the Seahorse Embroidered Placemat, bordered in traditional chawal takka (grain-of-rice) stitch, with the Kantha Embroidered Scorpion Placemat, which features Bengal's classic running-stitch embroidery.
- On top: white or blue crockery, glass jars with candles, and a little greenery.
Don't forget the seating
Cushions make long lunches more comfortable and tie the room together. Choose prints that echo the table:
- The Starfish Screen-Print Cushion Cover in sailor and heritage blue suits the coastal look.
- The Striped Scorpion Cushion Cover, with block-printed stripes and a screen-printed motif, adds a playful touch to either look.
Five Christmas table styling tips
- Start with the runner. Lay it first, then build your settings around it.
- Keep the centre low. Low flowers and candles let guests see and talk to each other.
- Repeat one colour. Pick one accent colour, like red, gold or blue, and use it in the napkins, flowers and candles.
- Mix textures. Embroidered cotton, brass, glass and fresh leaves look richer together than any one material on its own.
- Protect your textiles. These pieces are dry-clean only, so use coasters and keep a cloth handy for spills.
Order early
Our Swarna Nira and Chembarathi runner sets dispatch in 7–10 working days, and most of our embroidered pieces are made in small batches. If you're hosting this Christmas, order soon. And if you're a guest rather than the host, a runner or a set of placemats makes a thoughtful hostess gift. See more ideas in our handmade Christmas gifts under ₹1,500.
See the textiles in person
Colours and embroidery always look better up close. Visit our Panampilly Nagar boutique or our Fort Kochi store next to Lila Cafe, Ridsdale Road to see and feel our home décor before you choose. Check our latest opening hours on Google Maps before you visit. And once the table is set, here are our Christmas party outfit ideas for you.