How to: Make the perfect bed

As the old saying goes, "you made your bed, now you have to sleep in it" — literally. Recreate the five-star hotel bed-making you dream of by consulting our step-by-step guide that will have your bed looking fresh, taut and polished.

TIPS:

1. Gather your bed linen. This typically consists of a mattress cover, bottom sheet, top sheet, blanket (weight dependant on season), quilt or duvet, four standard pillowcases, two euro pillowcases and accent pillows (complementing the room's decor).

2. Matching linen is essential. While each layer doesn't have to be identical, when patterns and fabrics complement each other, the result is far more refined.

3. You should have 3 sets of linen per bed. While most of us don't have enough time to iron our sheets every week, it makes all the difference setting aside one Sunday every three weeks to dust off the iron and get the job done.

STEPS:

1. Make sure your bottom layers — the mattress cover and bottom sheet — are tightly tucked under the mattress. This will eliminate any lumps and bumps.

2. Tuck the end of the top sheet between the mattress and the frame at the foot of the bed.

3. Grab and lift up a piece of the sheet forming a 45-degree angle from the corner of the mattress, and tuck the lower drape of the sheet between the mattress and frame tightly.

4. Tuck the remaining flap of the sheet tightly over it and repeat on the other side.

5. Repeat the hospital fold with the top blanket, or, for a less structured look but equally alluring, leave it draping voluptuously over the bed.

10 fresh ideas for festive table settings

Whether it's for the big day that is Christmas, or the countless other alfresco soirées you will be indulging in this summer, creating a unique and memorable table setting will give your gathering the edge it needs.

Illuminate the table with a number of robust stainless steel laterns rather than just tea lights and candles.

Create a cheese and charcuterie board, using the entirety of a wooden table. The array of different antipasto items look indulgent and decorative especially when presented on butchers paper (brown) and a little greenery.

Invest in cutlery that has a point of difference, like rose gold, brass or charcoal.

Dress your wooden bench seats with sheepskins for comfort as well as a snug Scandinavian accent.

Manufacture a whole new meaning of festivity by including real fruit in your floral arrangements.

For naturists, a fresh and earthy setting is created with a dull form of greenery like olive leaves or branches.

Opt for Japanese arrangement by using orchards, pottery, blush tones and greys.

For those who prefer a monochromatic disposition, simply add some herbs/baby tears to the centre of the table.

Don't be afraid to forage flowers, herbs, leaves and branches on your morning walk. It is a meaningful way to put a personal spin on your festive table.