Decorating your Dining Table for Christmas

Christmas is a special time surrounded by family and friends, and this year may be particularly special for many as we gather around the table and celebrate for the first time in a while. Whether you’re entertaining for a group of friends or your immediate family, Christmas dinner is a core part of the festive season. The table setting becomes a backdrop for memories and laying your table out in a Christmas theme is important to give the day an extra festive feel. 

Choose your Christmas Theme

Start off with the theme you want to go with. You might stick with the same tradition every year, or you may switch it up annually, which could be a particularly good idea this year since Christmas is extra special. 

Traditional schemes include red & green, red & gold, and white & gold combinations. More contemporary schemes are a little different with non-traditional pops of colour like pinks and purples. You may not be going for colours but rather a theme of woodland animals or a more religious display.

If there is a recurring theme around your home, you may want to stick with that. Take a look at our tips for decorating your whole home here.

Tablecloths & Centrepieces

Many people take out the tablecloth on the special occasion that is Christmas. You can go for a bold one with festive leaves or a floral pattern. Alternatively, a plain white, gold, or silver one could be ideal, especially if you add a runner on top. If you don’t want to go down the traditional route, a moss runner could add a natural touch to your Winter display.

The centrepiece of the dining table is arguable the most important part (after the food!). There are so many different kinds to choose from to fit your theme and you can even make your own. You can make your own Christmas wreath or buy a plain one which you can decorate yourself with pinecones, holly, and other floral decorations. Learn how to make you own Christmas wreath. Add a candle to the middle to create a warm glow.

If the natural look isn’t what you’re going for, add two or three lanterns on the table filled with baubles and string lights and some ribbon or twins around the table. The different materials and patterns will create a magical Christmas setting.

Accessories

After getting the centre of the table right, look around at the rest of the space. Place tealights down to create a cosy atmosphere. Use battery powered tealights if you’re worried about young kids or the table being so full of food and holiday cheer that it’s dangerous!

Festive napkins are another easy way to add to the Christmas theme. You can have elegant gold ones or fun patterned ones. Some origami napkin work can add an instant dose of holiday cheer! Choosing a festive napkin ring is another way to dress up your table – you could choose the same colours of your tablecloth and runner for your napkins and rings.

Dress up Your Place Settings

The final step before everyone gathers around the table is to put your place settings down. Take time choosing special Christmas ones out. We have a variety on our website here. Make sure to polish your silverware before setting the table and take our any special dishes. 

If it’s a large affair, get creative with handmade place cards, which you can customise and make unique to each guest. You could include a small, personal gift for each person, especially if you’re doing something like a ‘Friend Christmas’ and it’s too expensive for everyone to buy each other a large present. Add some Christmas crackers for a fun activity to do before or after your dinner!

However you and your loved ones decorate your Christmas table this season, make sure not to get overwhelmed by trying to get the theme perfect and remember to enjoy the most wonderful day of the year!