Create the Perfect Christmas Table Setting: 56 Festive Ideas for Holiday Cheer

Introduction

Is there anything more magical than a beautifully set Christmas table? It’s a simple way to infuse your home with holiday spirit and show your loved ones some extra love. Whether you’re a fan of minimalist decor or love to go all out, there are endless ways to dress up your holiday table to create a festive atmosphere. From hosting a holiday brunch to a family dinner, or just adding a touch of magic to your dining room, we’ve got you covered with these 56 Christmas table decorating ideas in a range of styles.

Table of Contents

Keep It Minimalist Chic

UK-based stylist Abi Dare created a chic modern minimalist Christmas table using sober tones of white, black, and gray.
White tablecloth, gray dishware, linen napkins, candles, black cutlery, and clear glass create a neutral base.
Add seasonal notes with pine cones and fir trimmings for a touch of holiday spirit.
Hang simple black-and-white paper stars above the table for a whimsical touch.

Add Wintry Vibes

Emily Henderson Design created a Scandi-inspired holiday scene with simple table linens, a vase of pine leaves, tiny tree figurines, and house-shaped porcelain votive candles.

Hang a Wall Garland

Interior designer Anita Yokota used a dramatic green and white garland hung on the wall behind the dinner table for a festive yet not overly Christmassy look.

Mix Blue and Gold

Mel Bean Interiors played with a blue color scheme for a spacious dining room with icy blue and white tones accented by golden tones on the Christmas tree nearby.

Use Black and White Stripes

Designer Annie Sloan’s sophisticated Christmas table features a black-and-white striped table skirt paired with simple white china, greenery, and candle accents.

Keep It Fruity

Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop created a fresh Christmas table setting with vivid greens, pomegranates, dried orange slices, and simple candles for a modern and effortless look.

Suspend the Centerpiece

Designer Annie Sloan’s suspended natural garland made of greens and dried orange slices adds a dramatic touch to the off-duty Christmas table.

Accent with Silver

Cedar Hill Farmhouse created a light and airy Christmas table with a white and silver palette and added sparkly silver studded deer figurines for a festive vibe.

Add Woodsy Charm

Sugar and Charm decorated a Tennessee cabin Christmas table with forest green candles, vases of white flowers, and olive wood accents for a modern, woodsy theme.

Decorate with Pine Cone Trees

My 100 Year Old Home created painted pine cone tree centerpieces for a rustic Christmas table with bright red holiday berries and playful polka dot accents.

Add Whimsy

Courtney St. John Studio designed a small round Nordic wooden dining table for Christmas with a traditional red and green color scheme alongside collectibles and antiques.

Backlight the Curtains

Lobster & Swan created a dreamy Christmas tea table with candlelight and fairy lights strung up in the window for a soft, inviting atmosphere.

Add DIY Mini Cranberry Wreaths

Say Yes shared cute DIY place cards made from fresh cranberries, tree trimmings, and stamped brown kraft paper name tags for a festive Christmas brunch setting.

Try Taupe

These Four Walls used a chic color palette of taupe, black, and white with preserved nicoly leaves and dried grasses arranged in bud vases for an elevated holiday atmosphere.

Decorate the Dessert Table

Emily Henderson Design decorated a linen tablecloth with bushy branches, paper Christmas trees, votive candles, and treats for a festive dessert table.

Add Mini Birch Branch Trees

Most Lovely Things created sweet birch branch mini tree holders for a touch of DIY charm on the family Christmas table.

Pair Black and Gold

Emily Henderson Design contributor Ajai Guyot used black dishware and gold accents for a chic holiday patio table setting.

Tie It Up in a Bow

Cedar Hill Farmhouse added fluffy white fur pillows and large bows made from silver ribbon for a glittery silver, white, and green color palette.

Set the Kids’ Table

Say Yes set a special place for the kids with classic red, white, and green accents and extra surprises like tiny wrapped gifts and candy canes.

Add Some Starlight

Lobster & Swan used LED lights on copper wire for a mesmerizing holiday table setting with warm, cheerful ambience.

Hang Some Garlands

Emily Henderson Design hung bushy branch garlands to create a festive dining room atmosphere, balanced with simple table decor.

Mix White and Gold

Sugar and Charm created a gold and white Christmas brunch table setting with gold flatware, white dishes, and flocked greens for a modern, elegant look.

Fold Some Origami Napkins

Sugar and Charm set each place with origami napkins folded into Christmas trees for a fun and festive touch.

Make It Rustic

My 100 Year Old Home used vintage ceramic crocks filled with seasonal berries for an inexpensive, rustic farmhouse table centerpiece.

Invite Some Woodland Creatures

Lobster & Swan added miniature cacti and woodland animal tree ornaments for a whimsical Christmas table setting.

Up the Holiday Sparkle

My 100 Year Old Home created a glittery centerpiece with sparkly crystal tree ornaments that catch the light for a festive touch.

Mix Oranges, Cedar, and Walnuts

Maison de Cinq decorated a cozy Christmas centerpiece with oranges, cedar, and walnuts for a natural, elegant look.

Set a Christmas Tea Table

Lobster & Swan set a lovely Christmas tea table with linen fabric, seasonal berries, and vintage tableware for a charming setting.

Save Space

A Beautiful Mess used a small vase of flowers and a mini Christmas tree ornament for a bistro table to keep the surface free and clear.

Be Thrifty

Lobster & Swan created a layered Christmas table with elegant dinnerware and junk store finds for a collected-over-time look.

Build a Mandarin Tower Centerpiece

A Beautiful Mess made DIY centerpieces with mandarins and curly kale for a fun and festive holiday table.

Tie It Up in a Knot

These Four Walls styled napkins in a simple, elegant knot across plates for a relaxed and stylish look.

Add Romantic Blush Tones

Maison de Cinq decorated a romantic dining room Christmas tree with white and blush tones for a soft, lovely ambiance.

Decorate the Kitchen Island

Home Made by Carmona created a simple holiday vignette on the kitchen island for a festive touch while leaving room for prepping and cooking.

Pretty Up the Peninsula

Mel Bean Interiors created a dramatic Christmas installation on the kitchen peninsula for a festive, lively kitchen atmosphere.

Add Stripes

Thistlewood Farms added red accents to a blue-and-white dining room with striped linens and tabletop ornaments for a cheerful holiday look.

Make an LED Centerpiece

Home Made by Carmona created an easy holiday display on the dining table with mini trees and ornaments lit with LED lights.

Choose Royal Purple

SheSez mixed a green and red centerpiece with royal purple napkins for a unique, unexpected holiday table setting.

Grow a Forest

Thistlewood Farms used tall wood tree decorations to create a forest-like centerpiece in a neutral dining room for a festive look.

Celebrate Christmas Eve

Home Made by Carmona decorated the table for a Christmas Eve dinner with candles, greenery, ornaments, and small gifts for guests to open.

Decorate the Chandelier

Thistlewood Farms added battery-operated tea lights in house-shaped votives on the dining room chandelier for a whimsical touch.

Go Outside

SheSez created a non-traditional outdoor table setting with vintage candlesticks, wood plates, and a natural centerpiece for a laid-back festive vibe.

Make It Ornamental

Thistlewood Farms used decorative serving pieces filled with ornaments and oversized snowflake ornaments for a cheerful holiday table.

Create a Focal Point

Mel Bean Interiors decorated the kitchen island with gold Christmas tree statuettes and a silver, cream, and pale pink centerpiece for a festive, inviting space.

Be Fruity

SheSez made easy holiday place settings with gift tags and seasonal fruit for a breezy, festive touch.

Explore Icy Blues

Marlaina Teich Designs created a festive table with icy blue and white tones, highlighted by pinkish red flowers for a traditional Christmas look.

Mix White Roses, Pine Cones, and Greenery

Maison de Cinq created a simple, traditional Christmas table setting with white roses, pine cones, and greenery for a classic festive vibe.

Add an Edible Centerpiece

The Residency Bureau used pomegranates and satsumas in a silver tureen alongside vintage dishware for a classic Christmas table setting.

Make It Fresh

Bria Hammel Interiors designed a fresh, uplifting Christmas table with white, green, and natural tones for a modern and elegant look.

Go All Out

Kibler & Kirch created a lush and luxurious Montana Christmas table with velvet ribbon bows, magnolia boughs, and a sepia-toned mural for a lavish holiday setting.

Conclusion

Transforming your Christmas table into a festive wonderland doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer a minimalist chic look, a rustic farmhouse feel, or a whimsical woodland theme, there are endless possibilities to create a magical holiday atmosphere for your loved ones. With these 56 Christmas table decorating ideas, you can find inspiration to add a touch of magic and cheer to your end-of-year celebrations. Let your creativity and personal style shine as you set the perfect holiday table for a season filled with love, joy, and good cheer.