Dressing Your Table For Christmas | Festive Tablescaping Ideas

The Christmas season is a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness. As families and friends gather to celebrate, the dining table becomes the heart of the festivities. Creating a beautifully dressed table really helps to enhance the festive atmosphere and put you in a Christmassy mood! 

Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a large holiday party, these Christmas tablescaping ideas and tips will help you create a beautiful and memorable festive table. Enjoy the process of decorating and celebrating with loved ones around a festive and thoughtfully dressed table.

Choose a Festive  Theme

Before you start decorating, decide on a theme that reflects your personal style and complements your home decor. Whether you prefer a classic, rustic, modern, or whimsical look, having a cohesive theme will guide your choices and create a harmonious table setting. Popular themes include:

• Classic Christmas: Think red, green, and gold with traditional elements like holly, poinsettias, and tartan patterns.
• Winter Wonderland: Embrace a palette of whites, silvers, and blues, incorporating snowflakes, frosted pine cones, and crystal accents.
• Festive Favourites: Theme your table decor around your favourite festive figure, whether that’s gingerbread men, the Nutcracker, snowmen or reindeer!  
• Rustic Charm: Use natural materials such as burlap, wood, and greenery, paired with candles and warm, earthy tones.
• Modern Glam: Opt for sleek lines, metallics, and minimalist decor with pops of bold colours.

Start with a Stunning Tablecloth

The tablecloth sets the foundation for your tablescape. Choose one that complements your theme and adds a touch of elegance. For a classic look, a crisp white or ivory tablecloth is always a safe choice. For something more festive, consider a red or tartan tablecloth. If you prefer a more rustic vibe, a burlap or linen table runner can add texture and warmth.

Layer with Placemats and Chargers

Placemats and chargers are an easy way to add depth and interest to your table. Choose materials and colours that enhance your theme. For example, gold or silver chargers add a touch of glam to a modern table, while woven or wooden placemats contribute to a rustic feel. 

Elegant Dinnerware

Your choice of dinnerware can make a significant impact on the overall look of your table. For a timeless and elegant setting, opt for classic white plates with a subtle design. If you want to add a festive touch, consider plates with holiday motifs or metallic accents. Mixing and matching vintage pieces can also add charm and character to your table.

Festive Glassware

Crystal or glassware with a bit of sparkle will elevate your table setting. Consider using coloured glassware that matches your theme, such as red or green glasses for a traditional look or clear glass with gold rims for a more sophisticated feel. Don’t forget to include special touches like wine goblets and champagne flutes for toasting.

Creative Centerpieces

A well-chosen centrepiece can be the star of your Christmas tablescape. Here are a few ideas. 

Floral Arrangements

Christmas feasts typically involve a lot of serving dishes added to the table, so you might not want to overwhelm your space with too many decorations. Instead, opt for a floral arrangement of fresh flowers in seasonal colours. This will provide an exciting visual and focal point for the table, without taking up too much table real estate. Popular foliage for Christmas arrangements includes poinsettia, holly, ivy, amaryllis and mistletoe. 

Candles

Candles create a warm and inviting ambience. Use a mix of pillar candles, votives, and taper candles of varying heights. 

You can create a candle centrepiece by placing a pillar candle in a dish or wide bowl and surrounding it with items like pine cones, baubles, candy canes, nuts or dried oranges. 

Consider candle holders that match your theme, such as rustic lanterns or elegant candelabras.

We love the Elagalu Pine Cone Candlesticks for a natural and seasonal feel, adding charm to the table with their delightful pinecone shape. These can be used year-round but are especially perfect for your table in the autumn and winter months. 

For a cosy and classic festive feel, the Muubs 3 Bar Iron Candle Holder offers a simple candle centrepiece that can easily be dressed up with seasonal foliage or left to stand as it is for an effective focal point on your table. 

If you’d prefer a more dramatic and bold centrepiece, the Mbata Antique Brass Cluster Candelabra is the perfect choice. Add in taper candles in a colour to suit your theme - red, green, gold or white are festive favourites! 

Natural Elements

Pine cones, berries, and nuts arranged in a decorative bowl or scattered along the table add a natural, festive touch. Again this doesn’t take up too much space but is quite effective at setting a festive vibe. 

Thoughtful Place Settings

Personalise each place setting with thoughtful details. Name cards, small gifts, or holiday crackers can make each guest feel special. We love these handmade biscuits with iced names for the place settings 

Napkin rings with festive motifs or folded napkins in festive shapes, such as Christmas trees or stars, add a fun and decorative element.

Finishing Touches

The little details can make a big difference. Sprinkle the table with confetti or snowflake sequins for a whimsical touch. Add a festive touch with miniature ornaments, garlands, or string lights. Don’t forget to set the mood with a carefully curated playlist of holiday music.

Happy tablescaping and Merry Christmas!