Christmas: 9 Festive Ways to Dress Your Christmas Table
Twinkling candlelight, seasonal greenery and gleaming metallics – Christmas is a great excuse to go all out on a gorgeous table setting
Gabrielle Orcutt
21 December 2014
I'm a writer and editor, working as part of the Houzz UK editorial team. I love good design, doing things myself, and learning how to!
I'm a writer and editor, working as part of the Houzz UK editorial team. I love good... More
When it comes to Christmas celebrations, feasting with friends and family is always a central part of the day. Whether you serve Christmas lunch before going out for a wintry walk, or an elaborate Christmas dinner in the evening, getting the table right is an important part of setting the mood. From Scandi-inspired simplicity to traditional glitz and glamour, here are nine ideas to inspire you come the big day.
Present food beautifully
Nothing says Christmas better than a table laden with lovingly prepared food. And you can make your table setting really special by ensuring all the dishes are elegantly presented. Here, meringues are piled sumptuously on a high stand and goodies are displayed under glass domes.
Nothing says Christmas better than a table laden with lovingly prepared food. And you can make your table setting really special by ensuring all the dishes are elegantly presented. Here, meringues are piled sumptuously on a high stand and goodies are displayed under glass domes.
Decorate with atmospheric candlelight
The glimmer of lit candles on the table is the perfect festive touch, especially if they’re displayed in seasonal candlesticks like this reindeer one. Make sure that any tall candles are positioned carefully so your guests can still see each other and reach across the table. Tea-light holders can be scattered around, too.
The glimmer of lit candles on the table is the perfect festive touch, especially if they’re displayed in seasonal candlesticks like this reindeer one. Make sure that any tall candles are positioned carefully so your guests can still see each other and reach across the table. Tea-light holders can be scattered around, too.
Bring out your glistening glassware
Whether it’s mulled wine, eggnog or bubbles, you’ll need suitable receptacles from which to drink that Christmas tipple! If you’re having lots of guests at your celebration, consider personalising your glasses – try wine glass charms or beautifully tied ribbons in different colours.
Whether it’s mulled wine, eggnog or bubbles, you’ll need suitable receptacles from which to drink that Christmas tipple! If you’re having lots of guests at your celebration, consider personalising your glasses – try wine glass charms or beautifully tied ribbons in different colours.
Select simple but elegant tableware
A relatively simple setting is a wonderful way to show off elegant cutlery and beautiful seasonal hues. Here, the stone-coloured linen table cloth, dark charcoal napkins and white plates really set off the beautiful cutlery and green foliage and ribbon.
A relatively simple setting is a wonderful way to show off elegant cutlery and beautiful seasonal hues. Here, the stone-coloured linen table cloth, dark charcoal napkins and white plates really set off the beautiful cutlery and green foliage and ribbon.
Celebrate with crackers
No Christmas table would be complete without the crackers. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, you can even buy kits that allow you to make your own, and then can insert home-made gifts and personalised jokes for friends and family.
Check out 10 festive traditions for families to start at home and browse more traditional dining room photos.
No Christmas table would be complete without the crackers. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, you can even buy kits that allow you to make your own, and then can insert home-made gifts and personalised jokes for friends and family.
Check out 10 festive traditions for families to start at home and browse more traditional dining room photos.
Big up a wreath
Wreaths look so beautiful on the front door, so why not bring one inside, too, and use it as a dining table decoration? Here, a wreath is cleverly used as a centrepiece, hanging over the middle of the table. You could also easily hang a wreath on the wall to one side of the table, or use it as a centrepiece on the table itself.
Wreaths look so beautiful on the front door, so why not bring one inside, too, and use it as a dining table decoration? Here, a wreath is cleverly used as a centrepiece, hanging over the middle of the table. You could also easily hang a wreath on the wall to one side of the table, or use it as a centrepiece on the table itself.
Say yes to comfy seating
While preparing your Christmas table plans, don’t forget the chairs. Adding a special touch, like these luxurious sheepskins, will make it all the easier to linger over a happy meal with family and friends. It’s also a great way to change the look and feel of a room, adding a cosy note, or try red, green and white seat cushions for a thoroughly festive mood.
Like this Scandi-inspired room? Find more Scandinavian dining rooms here.
While preparing your Christmas table plans, don’t forget the chairs. Adding a special touch, like these luxurious sheepskins, will make it all the easier to linger over a happy meal with family and friends. It’s also a great way to change the look and feel of a room, adding a cosy note, or try red, green and white seat cushions for a thoroughly festive mood.
Like this Scandi-inspired room? Find more Scandinavian dining rooms here.
Be arty with branches
Decorations on the table should reflect your personal aesthetic while bringing a touch of festive charm to the meal. This Scandinavian-inspired Christmas look proves that less really can be more. The combination of witty Christmas ornaments, the warm glow of a pillar candle and the bare branch hung with white baubles gives a cleanly modern but delightfully festive look.
See more contemporary Christmas decorating ideas
Decorations on the table should reflect your personal aesthetic while bringing a touch of festive charm to the meal. This Scandinavian-inspired Christmas look proves that less really can be more. The combination of witty Christmas ornaments, the warm glow of a pillar candle and the bare branch hung with white baubles gives a cleanly modern but delightfully festive look.
See more contemporary Christmas decorating ideas
Hang seasonal pendant lamps
This star-inspired pendant light adds the perfect finishing touch to a traditional Christmas look. A pendant light, whether lit by a bulb or candle, is a wonderful way to change your room style and add a festive touch to your lighting without having candles on the table. If you have a pendant light over your table, consider swapping the shade to something festive over the holidays, or hang lanterns for a similar effect.
TELL US…
Do you have a favourite tradition when it comes to your Christmas table setting? Please share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
This star-inspired pendant light adds the perfect finishing touch to a traditional Christmas look. A pendant light, whether lit by a bulb or candle, is a wonderful way to change your room style and add a festive touch to your lighting without having candles on the table. If you have a pendant light over your table, consider swapping the shade to something festive over the holidays, or hang lanterns for a similar effect.
TELL US…
Do you have a favourite tradition when it comes to your Christmas table setting? Please share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Related Stories
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
By Kate Burt
Vintage furniture, great lighting and top tables – feast your eyes on dining room ideas collated from your own clicks
Full Story
Colour
8 Clever Ways to Use Strategic Colour Blocking in Your Home
By Kate Burt
Paint can do so much more than refresh your walls. Explore ways to highlight features, zone areas and trick the eye
Full Story
Utility Rooms
15 Richly Coloured Utility Rooms
The trend for strong, earthy tones has reached the utility room, with hues from plum to ochre to deep green adding depth
Full Story
Kitchens
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Colour
8 Ways to Work a Rust Red and Blue Palette in the Bedroom
By Kate Burt
We’re seeing variations of this combination all over Houzz right now. Check out these tips for trying it yourself
Full Story
Colour
Creative Ways to Make a Feature of Structural Beams
Turn your RSJ into something more than just functional with these clever ideas from our Houzz Tours
Full Story
Gardens
9 Ways to Enjoy Colour in Your Garden All Year Round
By Kate Burt
However your garden grows, you can add colour with hardscaping, furniture and accessories
Full Story
Gardens
What Will We Want in Our Gardens in 2024?
Discover the gardening trends homeowners will be bringing into their outdoor spaces this spring and summer
Full Story
Kitchens
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Wow, Sherbert Barnes – all the arrangements look beautiful