How to lay the perfect modern Christmas table setting

With only a few days left until Christmas many of us are preparing to host festive gatherings and create memorable moments with our loved ones. Whether you're hosting a small family dinner or a larger party, setting the perfect Christmas table is a wonderful way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In this blog, we'll share Cleaning Queens Ltd's trends and tips for creating a stunning and contemporary Christmas table setting that will impress your guests and make your celebrations truly special.

1. Embrace Minimalism with a Scandinavian Touch

A popular trend in modern table settings is the embrace of minimalism with a touch of Scandinavian design. This approach focuses on clean lines, natural materials, and a simple colour palette. Start by using a neutral tablecloth or runner as a base, and then layer with natural elements such as wooden chargers, woven placemats, and simple white or light-coloured dinnerware. Incorporate touches of greenery, such as eucalyptus or pine, to add a festive and organic feel to the table. Complete the look with modern, understated flatware and stemware for a sleek and sophisticated finish.

2. Mix and Match Dinnerware for an Eclectic Vibe

Another popular trend that adds an eclectic and modern touch to Christmas table settings is the art of mixing and matching dinnerware. Embrace the beauty of imperfection by combining different plate designs, textures, and colours to create a visually dynamic table. Consider layering different sizes and shapes of plates for each place setting, and mix in complementary patterns and colours for a playful and personalised look. This approach allows for creativity and individuality, making each place setting unique and interesting.

3. Incorporate Metallic Accents for a Touch of Glamour

To add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your Christmas table, consider incorporating metallic accents into your table setting. Gold, silver, and copper accents can elevate the look of your table and create a festive and luxurious atmosphere. Introduce metallic elements through charger plates, flatware, napkin rings, or even decorative accents such as candle holders or place card holders. These subtle touches of shine can instantly elevate the overall aesthetic of your table and create a sense of opulence that is perfect for the holiday season.

4. Personalize with Thoughtful Place Cards and Favors

Personalization is a key element of modern table settings, and Christmas is the perfect time to incorporate thoughtful details that make your guests feel special. Create personalized place cards using modern calligraphy, or opt for unique and unexpected materials such as acrylic or wood for a contemporary twist. Additionally, consider offering small, personalized favors at each place setting as a token of appreciation for your guests. These could be anything from homemade treats to small, meaningful gifts that tie into the overall theme of your table setting.

5. Create an Eye-Catching Centerpiece

No Christmas table is complete without a show-stopping centerpiece. Instead of the traditional floral arrangement, consider creating a modern and eye-catching centerpiece using unexpected elements. For a contemporary look, consider using a mix of candles, geometric candleholders, and metallic accents to create a visually striking focal point. Alternatively, you could incorporate natural elements such as a lush garland, adorned with twinkling lights or ornaments, for a festive and modern touch.

We hope our tips help to create a magical space for your Christmas celebrations!

Merry Christmas from all of the team at Cleaning Queen Ltd!

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New year cleans in September!

by Danielle Navarro • 3 September 2025

New year cleans in September!

Should I prep for my cleaner?

by Danielle Navarro • 4 August 2025

Whether you're welcoming a cleaner for the first time or having a regular clean, knowing how to prepare your home for a cleaning service can save time, reduce stress, and improve results. As an established cleaning company serving homes across East Anglia, we’ve compiled our top recommendations to help you get the most from every visit. We understand that not everyone is able to prep and you definitely don't have to, it's your own preference but it does save time, therefore money and your cleaner can complete more cleaning rather than tidying. Why Preparation Matters Hiring a professional cleaning service doesn’t mean you need to scrub before they arrive—but a few simple steps can help cleaners focus on the cleaning. Our customers often ask: Do I need to tidy up before a cleaner arrives? Should I leave out my own cleaning products? Will they clean around clutter or organise things? This blog answers those questions and more. 1. Tidy Up, Don’t Deep Clean You don’t need to clean before the cleaners—that’s our job! But light tidying is highly recommended. What to do: Pick up toys, clothes, paperwork, or other clutter from floors and countertops. Wash up any dishes and put away. Remove personal items from bathroom counters. Why? Tidying frees up surfaces and floors so cleaners c an vacuum, dust and polish eff iciently without needing to move lots of items. 2. Clear Kitchen & Bathroom Surfaces Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most time-intensive areas to clean—especially in UK homes where limescale and grime build up quickly. What helps: Remove dirty dishes and food items from counters. Take toothbrushes, razors, or cosmetics off the sink area. Keep on top of stray hairs. Pro tip: use a squeegee after showering to remove the water and reduce limescale building up. 3. Secure Pets & Provide Access At Cleaning Queen we love pets—but they can be distracting. On the day of cleaning: Let us know if pets will be home (especially if they’re reactive or nervous). Keep pets in a separate room or garden if possible. Ensure keys, alarm codes, or access instructions are communicated in advance if you won’t be in. Some clients also leave out pet-safe floor sprays—we're happy to use these when requested. 4. Make Special Requests in Advance Want us to focus on skirting boards, deep bathroom scrubbing, or skip a certain room? Just let us know. Best practice: Message or email requests or you can let your cleaner know on the day if you wish as long as it fits within the timescale booked. Label any areas that should be avoided (e.g. work-from-home offices) 5. Leave Out Products (If Required) While Cleaning Queen bring their own products, clients w ith allergies, eco concerns, or pets may prefer to supply their own. We use our clients vacuum and mop so please either advise us where these are kept or leave them out for your cleaner. Options: Leave out preferred products (e.g. Method, Ecover, Zoflora) and tools (like your own mop or vacuum). Speak to your cleaner or leave a note if certain products should or shouldn't be used in certain rooms. If you’d like us to use your own products just let us know—we’re happy to do this. 6. Prep Payment & Instructions (If You're Out) If you won’t be home during the clean: Provide us with detailed instructions on access and any specific requests in advance Leave payment (if paying by cash) in a clearly labelled envelope. Ensure doors, gates or alarm systems can be operated easily. 7. Don’t Worry About Perfection! Your cleaner isn’t judging your home. We’re here to make life easier, not harder. Life gets messy—especially with children, pets, or a busy schedule. That’s exactly why you asked us to help. We recommend: Keeping open communication. Letting us know what’s most important to you. Booking regular cleans (weekly or fortnightly) for consistently clean results. Preparing for your cleaner’s visit doesn’t need to take long—but a small effort can make a big difference. With a clear space to work and clear instructions, your cleaner can deliver the sparkling results you’re paying for.

The Dark Side of Viral Cleaning Hacks

by Danielle Navarro • 29 June 2025

The Dark Side of Viral Cleaning Hacks: What TikTok Won’t Tell You! In the age of social media, cleaning has gone from a chore to a trend. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are full of cleaning hacks, DIY solutions, and “CleanTok” time-lapses that promise miraculous results with minimal effort. But while some of these tips are genuinely helpful, others are risky, misleading, or even dangerous. As a professional domestic cleaning company, we’ve seen first hand the consequences of viral cleaning advice gone wrong. Here’s what you—and your home—need to be cautious about. 1. Mixing Chemicals = Hidden Danger One of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes seen in viral videos is mixing household cleaners without understanding the chemical reactions involved. Examples: Bleach + vinegar = chlorine gas (toxic when inhaled) Bleach + toilet cleaner = fumes that can burn the lungs Baking soda + vinegar = dramatic fizz, but neutralizes both and does little actual cleaning Just because it foams or smells fresh doesn’t mean it’s effective—or safe! 2. TikTok = Entertainment, Not Expertise Many creators aren’t cleaning professionals. Their content is often designed for views and likes, not safe or effective results. Unvetted advice : Some “hacks” are based on myths or half-truths. One-size-fits-all tips : Using lemon on stone surfaces, for instance, can etch and damage natural materials like marble or granite. Overuse of products : Soaking fabric in disinfectants may lead to skin irritation or fabric damage. Your home deserves more than internet guesswork! 3. Damage to Surfaces & Appliances What looks satisfying in a 15-second video can cost you in repairs. Common Issues: Magic erasers scratch glossy or delicate surfaces if used too harshly. Toilet cleaning bombs (often with blue food dye) stain ceramic and plastic. Foil in the dishwasher trick (to make cutlery “shinier”) can void your warranty or harm filters. What seems like a “cheap trick” can become an expensive mistake! 4. Wasteful or Overcomplicated Routines Some viral hacks involve multiple steps or excessive use of products you don’t need: Using six products where one will do Cleaning routines that take 3–4 hours daily —unrealistic for most Highly fragranced items that trigger allergies or asthma in small homes with poor ventilation Minimalism often wins. Less product, more technique! Safer Alternatives: What We Recommend Instead of jumping on the latest trend, try: Microfibre cloths + warm soapy water for most surfaces Using eco-certified, fragrance-free products for kitchens and bathrooms Following manufacturer guidelines for ovens, floors, and furniture Consulting a professional (like us!) for deep cleans, limescale build up and maintenance cleans Final Thought TikTok hacks might look impressive—but they’re no substitute for real knowledge, experience, and care. At Cleaning Queen, we love innovation—but only when it’s safe, proven, and actually effective. Let’s leave the entertainment to influencers and the elbow grease to the experts!