Holly reds and greens look set to become the face of Christmas Past as an increasing number of restaurateurs appear to be opting for more restrained, monotone shades of table linen for special occasions – like black.

Table linen and chefs’ wear supplier Johnsons Stalbridge has noted a marked shift towards simpler, more striking colour schemes, particularly in “the more fashionable shades of the ‘three Bs – black, buttermilk and biscuit”.

“A celebration table laid with a black linen tablecloth and buttermilk-coloured napkins, and teamed with sparkling gold or silver festive accessories, definitely has the wow factor and creates a lasting first impression with your customers,” commented David Hill, sales and marketing director at Johnsons Stalbridge.

But for diners yearning for a bit more glitter and glitz to light up these times of austerity, Cream Supplies has come up with the unusual solution of glamming up the food itself.

Its edible glimmering pigment powder (called Perlazoon) can be sprinkled onto food, added to jellies or cocktails, or mixed with vodka to create a paste with which to paint on sparkly designs.

Perlazoon comes in bright, festive shades of gold or red in 300g tubs that wholesale for £8.50.