Christmas brings a sense of magic and joy which inevitably converges around the table— the place where tradition, style, and conviviality come together to create unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a grand feast or a simple family meal, every detail plays a part in setting the scene. Scala archives offer not only stunning images of culinary masterpieces but also photographs that capture the essence of Christmas at and around the table. These images take you on a journey—from cherished recipes around the world to breathtaking holiday decorations.
Sitting down at the Christmas table isn’t just about the food — it’s about sharing precious moments. From vintage photos and classic paintings of families in traditional attire gathered around festive feasts, to contemporary photos of toasts and laughter, our archive tells the story of togetherness in all its forms.
The images highlight the warmth of home life: a couple sharing a toast, children savoring a holiday treat, and families celebrating with love and care. A thoughtfully set table becomes the perfect backdrop for capturing moments of joy and connection.
You’ll also find images of large, festive tables, where friends and family gather to embrace the spirit of the season. The camera captures simple, beautiful moments—passing a dish, clinking glasses—turning them into timeless symbols of unity and happiness.
Explore the carefully curated selection of images in this collection, all dedicated to the joy of conviviality.
Christmas is a celebration of flavors, with each country offering its own unique dishes to mark the occasion. In our archive, you’ll find photos and illustrations of iconic holiday meals, including:
Christmas Pudding: A cherished English dessert, rich with dried fruit and spices, often flambéed before guests for a dramatic and festive touch. Our collection captures every detail—from the intricate decorations on the pudding to the delighted expressions of those gathered around, along with recipes from the King’s chef, graciously shared by His Majesty.
Panettone: The undisputed star of Italian holiday tables. Our collection showcases the essence of this festive treat, from freshly baked loaves from historic bakeries to vintage advertisements and slices just waiting to be enjoyed.
Bûche de Noël: The iconic French Christmas log, adorned with intricate chocolate and cream decorations, is a perfect subject for elegant and sophisticated photography.
Our collection also highlights traditional festive meats, such as turkey which takes center stage in Christmas feasts around the world—from the United States and England to Brazil, France, and New Zealand. Similarly, pork appears in various traditional preparations across Spain, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Africa. Fish also holds a significant place, not only as a Christmas Eve dish for those following Catholic tradition but also as a Christmas Day specialty in places such as Portugal, where cod is a cherished holiday tradition.
Each recipe tells a story, and the images capture not just the finished dish but the moments of its preparation as well: hands kneading dough, fresh ingredients carefully arranged on the table, and kitchens beautifully adorned for the occasion. From photos to illustrations and paintings, our gallery celebrates the beauty of holiday food in all its stages.
The choice of plates, cutlery, and glasses goes beyond practicality; it’s an opportunity to transform every meal into an aesthetic experience. Our archive invites you to explore the elegance of design through the ages, with images that celebrate the craftsmanship of ceramics, porcelain, crystal, and other fine materials.
Dishes and Crockery
Plates and tableware are not just tools for eating — they are expressions of culture, art, and tradition. Around the world, the selection of materials and decorations tells stories of taste and identity.
Refined porcelain: from Italy, England, and other countries has shaped the history of tableware with elegant, timeless creations that continue to define the art of dining.
Rustic Ceramics: from the Mediterranean glazed plates to the terracotta objects of South American cultures, each piece tells a story of the natural environment and local traditions.
Art Tableware: In museums around the world, tableware is celebrated as a true works of art, from the intricately hand-decorated porcelain services of the Ming dynasty in China to the iconic, timeless designs of Made in Italy.
Discover the gallery featuring a curated selection of images and illustrations dedicated to plates and tableware.
Cutlery: Function, Art, and Tradition at the Table
Cutlery, essential tools for dining, reflect the evolution of culinary culture and the attention to detail in every society. From their origins to the present day, cutlery has taken on various shapes and styles, adapting to both the practical needs and aesthetic preferences of each era. In our archives, you can explore images, illustrations, and works of art that showcase these tools and their evolution.
Images of Historical Origins: The earliest cutlery, such as knives and spoons, dates back millennia and was made from materials like wood, bone, and metal. Forks, introduced to Europe only in the Middle Ages, revolutionized the way we eat and forever changed dining etiquette.
Silver and gold cutlery: often finely chiselled, have long been symbols of wealth and social status, gracing the tables of the elite. In contrast, stainless steel cutlery has made dining more accessible, democratizing its use across all social classes. In many cultures, materials like bamboo and ceramics bring a unique touch, enhancing both the aesthetic and tactile experience of the table.
Contemporary Design: Modern designers have taken cutlery to new heights, transforming it into true works of art. By blending functionality with aesthetics, they have created pieces with minimalist lines, bold shapes, and striking designs that push the boundaries of traditional tableware.
Discover a selection of images that celebrate the beauty and variety of cutlery: from the elaborate sets of royal banquets to the simple, rustic creations of everyday kitchens, each piece tells a story of taste, tradition, and culture.
Glasses are a universal symbol of conviviality, adapted and reinvented across cultures to meet both aesthetic and practical needs. Whether for a festive toast or a simple sip of water, glasses represent a harmonious balance of form and function.
Refined Crystals: Manufacturers like Baccarat and Lalique have set the standard for luxury with glasses featuring intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship.
Blown Glass: Traditional techniques, such as those from Venice or the Middle East, have been refined over centuries to create delicate, highly decorated glasses, often adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
Glasses in Art: Glasses are a common subject in art, frequently depicted in still-lives and works by great artists like Picasso, Dalí, and Magritte.
Explore the gallery for a selection of images showcasing how this everyday object has been reinterpreted across eras and styles, reflecting the traditions of diverse cultures.
The Art of Setting the Table
Setting the table is an art that blends functionality with aesthetics, creating a memorable and inviting experience. Every culture has developed its own unique traditions, transforming the table into a space of warmth, beauty, and hospitality.
On formal occasions, the art of setting the table follows precise guidelines, such as arranging cutlery in order of use and meticulously aligning glasses for wine, water, and sparkling wine. A well-set table begins with the careful selection of fabrics, followed by centerpieces, place cards, and small touches like candles or fresh flowers. These details add a personal and welcoming element, ensuring every meal feels like a special occasion.
The images in our archive celebrate this tradition, with photographs and illustrations that range from elegant and formal tables to more creative and contemporary interpretations.
Vintage Christmas advertisements offer a nostalgic look into a bygone era, where the spirit of the holidays seamlessly blended with the promotion of food. These images and illustrations celebrate biscuits, liqueurs, and sweets, often featuring vibrant colours and cheerful slogans that still evoke the warmth of festive traditions from the past. In our archive, you’ll find:
Illustrations of cookies and sweets, decorated with bright colours and joyful slogans, capturing the festive spirit and charm of holiday promotions from the past.
Advertisements for iconic beverages like wines, liquors, and champagnes, capturing the charm of elegant toasts.
Images of homemade products or essential ingredients for festive recipes, depicted as true treasures
These vintage advertisements not only transport us back in time but also offer graphic inspiration for those seeking a retro touch in their creative projects. Discover the full selection of images dedicated to Christmas advertisements.
Christmas greeting cards have long been a beloved way to send festive wishes of joy and prosperity. In our archive, you’ll find a unique collection of postcards that celebrate the holidays with illustrations centered around food. These charming designs feature laid tables with steaming dishes, lit candles, and Christmas decorations that capture the magic of the season. You’ll also discover artistic depictions of iconic sweets, such as English puddings, spiced biscuits, and decorated panettone, as well as scenes of domestic preparation—hands kneading cookies, families decorating cakes, and cooks creating festive meals.
These greeting cards were a stylish and creative way to share holiday joy, and today they serve as an inspiring source for modern designs or to add a nostalgic touch to digital greetings.
Christmas at the table is more than just about food; it’s a celebration of art, culture, and tradition. Browse our archive to discover images that showcase this rich story from every perspective. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for decorating your table or exploring the culinary traditions of different countries, our collection offers a visual treasure trove to make your Christmas project unforgettable. Contact us for a custom search.
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![Two figures seated on the rim of a champagne glass greeting card by Iris Weaver, in Basil Johnson's travel diary [South Africa] 1920s - E012008](https://scalarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/scala_E012008.jpg "Two figures seated on the rim of a champagne glass greeting card by Iris Weaver, in Basil Johnson's travel diary [South Africa] 1920s - E012008")
