20 Christmas table decor ideas to elevate your holiday dining

When it comes to decorating for the holidays, the tree is always the first to come to mind. But your Christmas table decor ideas are just as impactful, especially as so much of the celebrating centers around dining.

Whether you're looking for table inspiration to match your Christmas decor ideas or a statement Christmas centerpiece, balancing style with function is key to a successful design.

From traditional to unexpected curations, we've turned to experts to discover their favorite Christmas table decor ideas to elevate your festive dining this year – and there's plenty to feast your eyes on.

20 Christmas table decor ideas to inspire your scheme

‘Whether the setting is casual or formal, minimal or maximalist, monochromatic or colorful – it's the smallest of details, the tablecloths and napkins, crockery and glassware as well as the candles and flowers that have the ability to make the day truly wonderful and memorable for guests,' says Tricia Guild, founder and creative director of Designers Guild.

No matter how large or small your festive celebration may be this year, your dining table can always look sublime with stylish Christmas table decor.

1. Create a layered design

Your Christmas table decor ideas are the perfect opportunity to create a full, layered design. From displaying collected pieces to fun tableware, there are so many ways to have fun with your design.

'I like my holiday table to feel infinitely abundant and joyful. I start with vases of seasonal florals, sprigs of greenery, and my favorite gold-accented festive dishware,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.

'I also love to add clusters of glass evergreen trees on the table for some shimmer and just that extra dose of luxe festivity. Finally, you can't go wrong with some chic candle holders filled with classic tapers. Every holiday meal is made better by candlelight!'

2. Embrace seasonal fruit and foliage

The Christmas season also boasts beautiful seasonal foliage and fruits, which can add a festive touch to your table decor. 'For a truly special Christmas table, embrace the beauty of seasonal accents like fresh greenery, rich fruits, and the gentle glow of candlelight to set an inviting and organic scene,' suggests interior designer Marie Flanigan.

'Scatter pine branches, pomegranates, or clusters of cranberries along the table runner, letting the colors and textures speak to the season’s warmth. Adding ribbons around chair backs is an effortless touch that brings a layer of charm and elegance,' she adds.

Or, rather than a fabric runner, use a pine or evergreen garland to create a similar effect – layered with candles, fruit bowls, and potted plants, you can create a stylish, natural table decor idea.

3. Take the opportunity to display your favorite tableware

If there's ever a time to bring out your favorite tableware, it's Christmas. Even if your 'best' is something plain or white, it can offer some much-needed relief in busier tablescapes or simply feel cohesive in a more neutral display.

'Don't hesitate to use your finest china. There are only a handful of moments each year when those special pieces can come out, so make the most of them! These elements will create a memorable, magical table setting that feels both festive and timeless,' says Marie.

This Christmas table decor is pared-back and simple but offers a more sophisticated take on festive designs. The addition of mistletoe and berries scattered along the center adds a subtle nod to the holidays.

4. Keep your Christmas table decor neutral

While there are certain colors most synonymous with Christmas – deep reds and greens in particular – a neutral palette can be just as striking for your table decor. Plus, a base of white and cream allows any greenery to really pop.

'Dressing the table is something we love to do as a family, the table for Christmas Day starts with a white tablecloth and napkins, lovely white china, and sparkling glassware. Next, I run a mixture of both tall and low pillar candles in candle holders down the center of the table and add a scented candle or two. Lots of very simply arranged white flowers and greenery look so special: ranunculus, hyacinths, white roses, flowering eucalyptus, snowberries, and fresh rosemary are all favorites,' says Chrissie Rucker OBE, owner at The White Company.

'We lay each place setting, tying the napkin with some lovely ribbon, a piece of greenery, a small decoration, and a named gift tag, so everyone knows where they are sitting. I love to use beaded place mats and mirrored chargers for a touch of sparkle, and this really does bounce the lights around the room.'

5. Add a mix of faux and foraged greenery

It can be tempting to just decorate your Christmas table with faux greenery that you can bring out year after year. And while this is a fool-proof approach, mixing in foraged pieces can really bring your tablescape to life.

'I love to run greenery down the center of the table or create a centerpiece with the candles - often in storm lanterns or glass vases work just as well,' says Chrissie.

'I often mix faux with real greenery; the faux finishes today are incredible and if you set your table pre-Christmas day you can add in your real foraged greenery easily in the morning which is a real time saver.'

6. Lay a beautiful tablecloth

A stylish tablecloth can act as a beautiful foundation for your festive tablescape; enhancing your dining table with inviting texture, color and eye-catching pattern and print.

Whether you keep things seasonal and traditional and pick a tablecloth that embodies traditional colors of Christmas, such as this red and white Musetta Linen Table Runner from Lulu and Georgia.

Or, go for a more modern, artistic look, like with this striking Verdant Floral Tablecloth from Tuckernuck, laying a beautiful tablecloth is one of the easiest ways you can spruce up your dining table for the festive season.

7. Layer up your tableware

Christmas day dinner calls for only the best tableware and serveware, so get creative with your collections and create elegant, layered looks with plates, placemats, napkins, and more – all will go to good use during the many courses and components of Christmas dinner.

We love the use of traditional Christmas colors on this festive table, and how the layered tableware is beautifully complemented with layers of winter flowers and foliage, creating an eye-catching Christmas table garland in the center of the table.

8. Display your best glassware

Glassware can take a starring role on your Christmas table too – especially eye-catching colored glassware, perfect for creating a note of colorful contrast, as shown on this joyful red and blue dining table which beautifully takes color inspiration from the patterned curtains.

We further explore the best glassware to shop this hosting season in our dedicated feature.

9. Make it personal with a name setting

From simple, hand-written name cards delicately placed over plates and napkins, to fun place-card ornaments, like these adorable Gingerbread House Place Card Holders from Pottery Barn, a name setting is a simple way to make your guests feel instantly welcomed and as they sit down at the Christmas table.

10. Add an inviting touch with a menu

Thoughtful additions can really bring the whole Christmas dining table together, and providing a menu so that friends and family know what to expect of their meal is always a welcome addition.

Hand-written menus can add a wonderfully personal touch, but there are of course many other design options to choose from, like Etsy's extensive selection.

11. Choose a stylish table centerpiece

A Christmas table centerpiece can consist of all sorts of components, but some of our favorite looks are created through beautiful natural accents, such as vases of foliage, flowers – and even Christmas wreaths.

‘Traditionally, we think of wreaths for front doors but this year you could use it on the Christmas dining table as a centerpiece, or on the wall as a festive focal point,’ says Meaghan Hunter, senior stylist and art director at Neptune. ‘For use on the table, simply add candles at regular intervals for a gorgeous glow when entertaining. For an added layer of detail, use a richly scented seasonal candle in the center to add a festive pine and cinnamon fragrance.’

12. Style your table with winter flowers and taper candles

From traditional poinsettias, amaryllis, holly, and ivy, to more modern displays using dried flowers, enriching your home with winter flowers and Christmas foliage is a timeless Christmas tradition.

Chrissie says, 'When it comes to flowers for a Christmas table, I like them to be super simple, not too arranged, I love them to feel loose and natural, sometimes, I use just greenery and mix in one white stem. For larger displays, I mix lots of seasonal greenery or herbs into my arrangements and finish with favorite festive flowers.'

Scattering floral arrangements down the table and layering with tall taper candles creates a beautiful ambiance and adds vibrancy to the table decor.

13. Create a cozy atmosphere with candles

There is nothing better than using candles to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere on a dining table. Candles can not only create warming light, they can make your home smell good for Christmas, and they act as stylish decorations, adding beautiful height, color and shape to your Christmas table.

Content creator Rosanna Falconer says, 'Lighting is so important on a Christmas table. Avoid artificial lighting and instead, turn to the romance of the best candles. Taper candles look beautiful, particularly down the center of a long banqueting table – just ensure they don’t obscure guests’ views.'

'Pillar candles also look spectacular clustered together in different heights and colors, and I never go without tea lights in glass votives. They cast a gorgeous light and can last for hours.'

14. Take the lead from your room’s existing decor

If you're unsure on where to start with you Christmas table decor, why not take the lead from the color scheme and style of your existing decorating ideas? Guaranteed to create a cohesive, coordinate and elegant look.

Beautifully shown in this large open-plan living and dining room, the dining table perfectly complements the blue and white decor of the space.

Swapping a traditional Christmas color palette for one that echoes your existing home decor can create a more contemporary and fresh festive feel.

15. Create a rustic look with natural accents

Anyone looking for an antidote to the excess of bold and bright at this time of year might consider a more pared-back style with a calming color palette and rustic elements – the result will still be beautiful and uplifting.

Tapping into nature with fresh foliage, rustic materials and simple adornments for your Christmas table decor ideas is a fuss-free way to decorate your home for the holidays while creating a warm and welcoming look. The key is to opt for a cohesive style for maximum impact.

Rustic decorations are appealing because of their effortless, authentic appearance, while a palette of natural greens and whites paired with materials such as linen and hessian complements almost every interior.

16. Establish a more relaxed, Scandi-inspired look

A simple, neutral look for you Christmas table decor is far from dull and uninspiring, rather the serene simplicity of Scandinavian decor can lend a light and airy mood to the overtly busy, bold and bright festive period.

The key ingredients for the more minimalist Christmas decor shown here are plain, slub linens, tablecloths in a natural, neutral shades, classic, white tableware and traditional candlesticks with tall beeswax candles.

Small festive accents, by means of the ceramic trees and the green runner and napkins are all that’s needed to make this table by Layered Lounge a restful yet uplifting place to enjoy good food with good company.

17. Create a coordinated look

If you want your Christmas table to create a strong visual impact, then stick to a color scheme. From traditional red, gold and green, to red, white and blue, you can be as bold or as subtle as your like with your chosen theme – just keep it coordinated.

'I always start with a theme or color palette and try to ensure every element of my Christmas table taps into that,' says Rosanna Falconer. 'Don't be afraid of color – it brings so much joy and personality! Monochrome always works well – think shades of green from eau de nil to jade. If you're feeling more adventurous, warm and cool colors contrast beautifully like a deep magenta with a punchy turquoise. I tend to begin with a white tablecloth – providing a blank canvas for the creativity on top.'

Paula Sutton of Hill House Vintage also adds 'my advice would be to decide on your color scheme first and once you have this the accessories can follow. Napkins, plates, glassware and decorations can all be chosen with your palette of choice in mind; I advise sticking to a three-color combination so that it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. Also don’t forget that you don’t have to be too strict; the important thing is to be surrounded by treasures that you love and that bring you joy, after all it’s meant to be the happiest time of the year!'

18. Embrace a maximalist style

What better time to embrace a maximalist tablescape than at Christmas? Styling a Christmas table provides the perfect time to really get creative with colors, patterns and a mix of tableware, serveware and accessories; it will be sure to add a layer of joyful fun to your festive celebrations – and make your dining table a real talking point.

Here, a traditional red and white scheme has been elegantly exaggerated through a modern mix of tableware and stylish accessories. A classic striped tablecloth has been paired with with bold gloss furniture, rustic geometrics and vibrant berries for a contemporary take on the traditional red and white scheme.'

19. Add Christmas table favors

Adding Christmas table gifts to your tablescape can add a wonderfully thoughtful decoration to the space – and they can double up as decorations and table settings, too.

On this beautifully bright table, wrapped presents are not only used as decorations, but each guest has been gift a fun, festive ornament, delicately placed on their plates – who wouldn't want to be greeted by a gift at the table?

When searching for innovative place setting and gift ideas, be sure to take inspiration from wherever you go – there’s no reason why you canot make something spotted at a wedding, for example, make the transgression to the Christmas table.

20. Style your table with Christmas ornaments

Christmas ornaments do not jus belong on your Christmas tree, they make for fabulous Christmas table decorations, too.

Whether you adorn vases of flowers and foliage with a few hanging ornaments, or go for a more rustic, scattered approach like on the colorful dining table above, these decorations are guaranteed to make your Christmas table feel more festive.

If you’re looking to give both your Christmas dining room decor and tree a new look for this year but are keen to limit waste, think about migrating beloved ornaments to the dining table instead.

FAQs

However you're decorating this year, there are plenty of fun, unique, and traditional Christmas table decor ideas to inspire your space. For more inspiration, check out our edits of Anthropologie's holiday collection and West Elm's Christmas collection.