How to Create a Unique + Festive Christmas Tablescape
If there was a female version of Buddy the Elf, I would hands down be it! I LOVE decorating for the holidays.
Your Christmas tablescape sets the mood for the memories to be made. A warm and inviting atmosphere makes your Christmas dinner even more special.
Whether you're a fan of classic Christmas decor or enjoy more modern holiday table settings, I've put together this list of Christmas tablescape ideas to inspire you.
From simple ideas to elaborate designs, we'll cover everything you need to create a beautiful Christmas tablescape that will wow your guests.
Planning Your Christmas Tablescape
Before diving into specific Christmas tablescape ideas, let's cover the basics. There are some important things to keep in mind when planning your table decor:
1. Choose Your Color Palette:
Traditional Red and Green: This classic Christmas color palette never fails to bring some holiday cheer at Christmas time. Incorporate red berries, plaid napkins, and touches of gold for a timeless look.
Winter Wonderland: Use icy blues, silvers, and whites for a frosty, elegant feel. Add sparkle with mercury glass candle holders and crystal accents.
Natural Elements: Get inspired by nature with more neutral colors like greens, browns, and creams. Use pine cones, evergreen branches (gathered from your own yard, perhaps!), and other rustic elements for a nature-inspired tablescape.
Modern Minimalism: For a sleek and contemporary look, go with a monochromatic palette such as all white or black and gold.
2. Select Your Table Linens:
Table Cloth: If you'd like to cover your entire table, start with a quality tablecloth. Make a crisp white tablecloth the base for your Christmas dinner table, or choose a color or pattern that complements your theme.
Table Runner: A festive table runner is like the foundation of your holiday tablescape. Consider a classic red plaid runner for a traditional look, a burlap runner for a rustic feel, or a luxurious velvet runner for a more elegant setting.
Placemats and Napkins: Coordinate your placemats and napkins with your chosen color palette and theme. Cloth napkins are beautiful but will need to be washed, while festive paper napkins can be a fun and practical choice.
3. Decide on Your Christmas Table Centerpiece:
Festive Centerpieces: The centerpiece is the focal point of your Christmas tablescape. For a festive look, a beautiful cloche ornament filled with pinecones and red berries would make the perfect centerpiece. A vase of fresh winter flowers or a collection of snow-dusted bottle brush trees in varying sizes would make beautiful centerpieces too.
Natural Elements: For a rustic feel, create a centerpiece with pine cones, evergreen branches, and simple white candles in the middle of the table. You can also incorporate fresh greenery and red berries for a natural and festive look.
DIY Christmas Centerpiece: You don't need to buy an expensive centerpiece. Get creative with a DIY centerpiece! Arrange pinecones and candles on a cake stand, or fill a vintage bowl with ornaments and faux cedar garland.
4. Add Christmas Table Decorations:
Christmas Tree: Mini trees placed on the center of your table or a small Christmas tree on a side table adds a festive touch. Decorate it with ornaments that coordinate with your tablescape.
Candles: Candlelight creates a warm and intimate ambiance. Scatter clear glass votive candles throughout your tablescape or use tall pillar candles in mercury glass candle holders for more elegant Christmas table decor.
Fairy Lights: If open flames don't work for you, fairy lights are the perfect choice for lighting. Weave the lights throughout your centerpiece for a soft glow along the dining room table.
Pine Cones: Pine cones are an inexpensive way to add a natural touch to your Christmas tablescape. Sprinkle them around your centerpiece or use them to create place card holders. (Tip: Get the scented ones with a delicious holiday smell!)
Candy Canes: Add a pop of color with candy canes. I love to tie them to napkins with a festive ribbon and place card instead of using traditional napkin rings.
5. Set the Table:
Place Settings: Your place settings should include dinner plates, salad plates, silverware, and glasses. Use gold flatware to match gold candlesticks or vintage silverware for a more rustic look.
Place Cards: Place cards add a personal touch and help guests find their seats. Get creative with your place card holders! Use pine cones, candy canes, or even sprigs of rosemary.
Charger Plates: Charger plates add a layer of depth to your place settings. Silver chargers are a classic choice, but you can also find chargers in a variety of colors and materials to match your color scheme.
Christmas Tablescape Ideas for Every Style
If you're struggling to put together a festive tablescape this year, you'll find some inspiration form these Christmas table decoration ideas for every style:
1. Classic Christmas Tablescape:
Create a beautiful Christmas table setting with traditional red and green themes. Use a plaid table runner, white dishes, gold flatware, and green napkins. Incorporate natural materials like pine branches or red berries, and add classic Christmas decorations like ornaments.
2. Vintage Christmas Tablescape:
Take your guests back in time with a vintage Christmas tablescape. Incorporate vintage collections, such as antique silverware, mercury glass candle holders, and vintage Christmas ornaments. Look for unique pieces at a thrift store or antique shop.
3. Rustic Christmas Tablescape:
Bring the outdoors in with a rustic Christmas tablescape. Use natural elements like pine cones and holiday greens. Skip the tablecloth and use a burlap table runner with wooden chargers. Decorate with candles in mason jars and simple place cards made from kraft paper.
4. Winter Wonderland Tablescape:
Think frosty and elegant with a winter wonderland tablescape. Use a white or silver table runner and white plates. Decorate with silver goblets, crystal candle holders, and faux snow. Add a little sparkle with silver ornaments and glitter.
5. Modern Minimalist Tablescape:
If you have a more modern style, go with a simple Christmas tablescape. Use a white or black table runner and white dishes. Keep your table arrangements simple with a single vase of white roses or a few carefully placed ornaments.
Tips for Creating a Beautiful Christmas Tablescape
Don't be afraid to mix and match. Combine different patterns and textures to create a unique and visually interesting tablescape.
Add height to your centerpiece. Use a cake stand or tiered tray to raise it above the different elements on the table.
Use personal touches. Add family heirlooms, DIY decorations, or handwritten place cards to make your tablescape special.
Think about the lighting. Candlelight or fairy lights creates a warm and intimate ambiance.
Don't forget the finishing touches. Add a sprig of rosemary to each place setting or tie a festive ribbon around your napkins.
DIY Christmas Tablescape Ideas
You don't have to buy expensive new pieces to decorate your holiday table. DIY Christmas table decorations are a great way to add a personal touch to beautiful Christmas tablescapes without breaking the bank!
DIY Place Card Holders: Create your own place card holders using pine cones, small ornaments, or even candy canes.
DIY Centerpieces: Make DIY mason jar centerpieces or fill a vintage bowl with ornaments and greenery.
DIY Napkin Rings: Make your own napkin rings using twine, ribbon, or even cinnamon sticks.
Get Inspired by Interior Designer Tracy Svendsen
Interior designer Tracy Svendsen is known for her beautiful and festive tablescapes during the Christmas season. Tracy's work can be found on her blog and Instagram. I absolutely love her set of silver deer napkin rings and her creative ideas, like incorporating Epsom salt into your Christmas decor. (She did this on her fireplace mantel last year.)
Creating a beautiful Christmas tablescape is the perfect way to tie together a memorable holiday celebration. Whether you prefer a classic, vintage, rustic, or modern look, there are endless possibilities for creating a festive and inviting table.
Use the Christmas tablescape ideas in this article as inspiration and get creative with your own style! Remember to add your own personal touch to make your tablescape truly special. Happy decorating!
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Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
