India, Dec. 12 -- This Christmas season, a holiday-ready table has become the design world's newest obsession. Instead of showy decor, the focus has shifted to craftsmanship, materials and personal touches. From textures to patterns to lighting, here are some unique ways to make your holiday table stand out this year: Choose a soft linen tablecloth in sand, ivory, or stone as a neutral backdrop. Layer it with a tartan or runner in deep green, burgundy, navy, or muted gold. For napkins, choose jacquard, silk-blend, or embroidered ones, and tie them with a velvet ribbon. Classic gold napkin rings instantly lift the look, and you can even attach personalised name cards to the napkins. Bring in hand-thrown bowls, asymmetrical platters, or sculptural vases in cloud white to hold seasonal elements such as berries, citrus, or small evergreen sprigs. Stack them or group them at different heights to create depth. Christmassy ceramics, like a gingerbread cookie jar, can be turned into a centrepiece. This adds charm and colour to the table. Manasvi Pillai of Stax Living explains, "One or two sculptural pieces are enough to give the table its visual anchor." Soft lighting is the easiest way to transform a table into something inviting and luxurious. Sculptural candles and crystal votives create a gentle glow. Try mixing candle heights for an artistic look. Place three small votives close together and balance them with a single tall taper candle nearby. Add a few ribbons to your candle jars or tie a small bow around the base of a taper candle. Start with natural elements. Pine tree needles scattered along the runner create a woodland feel. Fresh eucalyptus brings fragrance and a soft silvery green tone that complements brushed metals and ceramics. Seasonal fruits double as decor. A bowl of oranges, pomegranates or figs adds rich, warm colour. "Fresh foliage, branches or seasonal fruits are beautiful zero-waste decor," explains Hardesh Chawla of Essentia Environments. The trick is to use what you have and let it feel natural rather than overly arranged....