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Design 101
Your Guide To Christmas Table Decor
September 05, 2024
The dining table becomes a hub of activity during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, you might leave a carefully arranged plate of cookies out for Santa. The next morning, the family can gather for a delicious brunch after opening presents. And, of course, no Christmas is complete without a festive dinner shared with loved ones.
Set the scene for these traditional meals with Christmas table decor. Your family and friends can dine in style with themed dinnerware, centerpieces, and other decorations. This décor will help you create a joyful atmosphere and give you a stunning backdrop for holiday photos. Get inspired by exploring our top Christmas table decoration ideas.
What Should Be on a Christmas Table?
Every Christmas table needs a few staple items to set the stage for holiday dining. Make sure to include these five essential elements in your design:
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Themed dinnerware
Hosting a Christmas dinner is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to fun dinnerware. Many retailers offer holiday-themed bowls, plates, serving platters, and other dishes. This dinnerware will add a festive flair to your table and provide the foundation for your color palette. When shopping around, look for themed plates and bowls that fit your preferred aesthetic. For example, create an elegant Christmas table by choosing white plates with subtle gold accents. If you prefer a more eclectic look, mix and match dishes with different holiday designs.
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Cloth napkins
Elevate your Christmas table with luxurious cloth napkins. These accessories come in many colors, from bold red to white snowflake patterns. Pick cloth napkins that match the dominant color of your dinnerware for a cohesive look, or create contrast with opposite shades.
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Tablecloth or runner
Set the backdrop for your Christmas table with a beautiful tablecloth or runner. A tablecloth protects the entire table from spills, while a runner showcases the furniture’s surface. For a cohesive tablescape, choose a tablecloth or runner that fits your color scheme and style. For instance, a red plaid tablecloth complements a farmhouse Christmas table. By contrast, a white embroidered runner fits a more sophisticated design.
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Place card
Guide your loved ones to their seats with custom place cards, a thoughtful detail to make guests feel welcomed and cared for. You can easily find Christmas-themed templates online or draw your own holiday designs. Or you can attach a festive candy cane or ornament to each place card as a small souvenir for your guests.
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Centerpiece
A gorgeous holiday centerpiece will awe your guests and pull your Christmas table together. Layer accessories with different colors and textures for a stunning display. Popular arrangements include berries, pine branches, and mistletoe, or a series of vintage glass jars and mini wreaths with candles inside. If you have favorite ornaments that didn’t make it onto the tree, you can also showcase them at the center of the table or in a vase.
How To Set a Formal Holiday Table
Want to create a memorable table setting befitting a special occasion? Follow these easy rules to set a formal table in a matter of minutes as you get ready to host.
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Put the plate in the center of each place setting.
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Set napkins on the left side or center of the plate.
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Set napkins on the left side or center of the plate. Include different utensils for salad, soup, entrees, and dessert. Typically, forks go on the left, while knives and spoons go on the right.
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Add place cards above the plates.
Christmas Table Decor Ideas
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to holiday decor. Pick accessories that appeal to your personal taste and make you smile. But if you need some inspiration to get started, see all our common Christmas table decorating ideas to complement a range of interior design styles.
Classic Christmas table
Show off your refined tastes with a classic Christmas table. Combine neutral colors with metallic accents for an understated, elegant design. For instance, pair white linen napkins with gold napkin rings and serve dinner on white-and-gold platters. You can also add a vintage lace tablecloth or white runner to complete the look.
Nostalgic Christmas table
Hark back to your childhood with nostalgic Christmas decorations that introduce an extra layer of warmth to your home. Some old-timey pieces of decor include artificial poinsettia centerpieces, kitschy Santa placements, ceramic Christmas wreath napkin holders, or vintage dinnerware with snowmen, reindeer, and other beloved Christmas symbols. To decorate a nostalgic Christmas table on a budget, raid Grandma’s garage or your local thrift store for authentic elements.
Earthy Christmas table
Get cozy with a nature-inspired Christmas table. Adorn your table with organic decor, such as a miniature driftwood Christmas tree or foliage centerpieces made of branches and pinecones. Rattan napkin rings bring in another natural texture while complementing napkins and tablecloths in earthy hues like forest green and rustic brown.
Gingerbread house Christmas table
Transform your home into a life-sized gingerbread house with charming decorations. Choose a red checkered or plaid tablecloth as the foundation for your table. Add scalloped napkins with red edges resembling icing on cookies.
Of course, every gingerbread house needs sumptuous desserts on full display. Set out cookies and other goodies on a three-tier cake stand or a platter decorated with gingerbread men.
Eclectic Christmas Table
Celebrate all the vibrant colors of the season with an eclectic Christmas display. Try an elegant red and white tablecloth with lavender or emerald green napkins. Use placemats, plates, and decorations in contrasting colors for a vibrant and whimsical look. For bonus points, consider mixing and matching the plates and chairs to create a homier and more informal vibe.
Rustic Christmas table
Embrace a country chic design with a Christmas table. Choose a red and white buffalo check tablecloth or one with a country-themed imagery, such as a truck carrying a Christmas tree. Though the hearth and fireplace may be situated all the way in the living, bring more cozy warmth to your dining room with charming farmhouse accessories like lanterns and mason jars.
Simple Christmas table
A simple Christmas table theme creates a calm and meditative ambiance. Instead of leaning hard on bright and festive colors, go more subtle and timeless with neutral-colored fabrics, such as a black and white tablecloth and matching napkins. Finish the look with minimal decorations like a trio of brass candle holders or a vase with elegant white flowers.
Sparkly Christmas table
Glam up your Christmas table with sparkling holiday accessories. Reach for an intricate snowflake runner paired with matching silver napkin rings. Try a silver or brass bowl filled with ornaments that catch the light. Statement pieces like a handcrafted silver nutcracker or chrome candle holder can stand loud and proud in the center to brighten the entire dining room.
Enjoy Christmas Dinner in Style
There are countless ways to deck out your Christmas table. Narrow your options by choosing a color palette and design style. For instance, you can create a rustic design with organic elements and a classic red-and-white color scheme. If you prefer a more eclectic look, pick metallic accents and luxurious accents.
Next, browse holiday decor to find candles, figurines, Christmas trees, and other accessories. With a little creativity, you’ll create a joyful and memorable dining experience for your holiday guests.
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