Festive table design with Megan Morton

Megan Morton is one of Australia’s leading interior stylists. Her work has featured on the covers of international glossies around the world and she regularly shares her home styling tips to celebrities and next-door neighbours alike.

Alongside her busy schedule, Morton also established The School where she shares her wisdom with aspiring stylists. This Saturday, Morton will be extending her lessons to Canberra, at a masterclass on how to decorate your festive table at the Canberra Centre.

Allhomes caught up with Megan Morton to chat all things festive styling and home decor.

Megan Morton will be at Canberra Centre on Saturday morning. Photo: Aimee Thompson

What do you have planned for your Christmas table this year?

This year I am going to Norway to spend Christmas Eve with my salmon fisherman brother and his young family. It will be the quintessential white Christmas with reindeers, small thatched cottages, eggnog and temperatures of minus 10 degrees.

What are the most important elements when decorating your festive table?

Height and space! Most tables become overly loaded once food and guests are in place. I like to leave adequate room and ensure there is a real topography to the table itself – so I spend a lot of time planning how high and low things are and the nuances between the guest’s eye and the table itself.

Morton likes to create an atmosphere that makes people obscenely happy. Photo: Morris Walker publicity

Away from the table, what are some other tips for decorating your home this festive season?

Make your effort in tucked away corners or surprise areas! In my guest bathroom I fill it simply with spruce and red grosgrain and it looks amazing, low effort for maximum impact. The same ribbon and spruce combination looks amazing in crystal and glassware dotting down mantles, at front entries, bedsides and guest rooms.

When it comes to Christmas styling, Morton says you should make your effort in tucked away corners. Photo: Morris Walker publicity

What is the key to creating an atmosphere that makes people obscenely happy?

The dressing/styling is just one layer, it is always down to the people, it is always the company you keep!

• Related: Q&A: top3 creator Terri Winter 
• Related: Rebecca Judd shares bedroom styling tips with Canberra 
• Related: From the tree to the table: Stylist-approved Christmas tips 

Why do you love unconventional colour?

Because it shows that anything is possible and that something you were told would not “go” together, actually does! And more often than not, brilliantly well!

Tell me about The School, why do you love sharing your knowledge?

Because styling for a long time was such a closed-door industry. No one shared intel and we were kept very much a trade resource. Styling is for everyone, and whether you do it for pleasure or professionally, the same rules apply. With my studio space, I felt there was an opportunity to share this with people of all levels of enthusiasm.

Morton shares her knowledge with The School. Photo: Morris Walker publicity

You’ve had a huge career and your work has featured on the covers of international glossies, what has been a highlight so far?

I feel my best is yet to come!

You’ve released four books, including your most recent, It’s Beautiful Here, do you have plans for any more?

Yes, I have so many ideas for books. I am waiting for some mental R&R to pull the best ideas down. Does the world need another book on beautiful spaces? I actually believe so.

Morton will be presenting her masterclass “The Festive Table” this Saturday, December 9, at Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre from 11am to noon.