If you're hosting guests this Christmas, creating the right impression at the dinner table is a must. How do you achieve this? These five tips from Highland Springs and cook and food writer, Rosie Birkett will help...

1 Light candles

There's nothing quite like the flicker of a naked flame to create a cosy winter feeling, and if you don't have an open fire at home, candles will be the next best thing. Candles of different shapes, sizes and heights can create a sparkly, intimate ambience and a feeling of warmth. If you recycle your jars, you can place tea lights inside them, and they will work as the perfect table decorations.

2 Give a chic twinkle with white fairy lights

Who says you need coloured Christmas lights? Strings of white fairy lights pinned to the wall behind the dining table will add a special, stylish festive vibe. Another option is to string festoon lights outside to create a wintry welcome.

3 Use linen to create a soft, rustic feel

Visit your local haberdashery and keep your eyes peeled for rolls of discounted linen or natural fabric that can be torn up to create makeshift napkins. There's something indulgent about having fabric napkins - tearing them up you get a rough edge which will keep things both fun and informal, and also shows off the natural texture of the fabric.

4 Forage some table decorations

This time of year, it's worth hitting the local park or any other communal green space to gather greenery or foliage that can be used to dress the table. I love collecting and drying rosehips, autumn leaves and ivy stems.

5 Handmade ceramics

These can really add something special to the dining table, as they are handmade and more organic in their shape and texture. Food looks beautiful when served on unique artistic creations instead of on uniform dining plates.