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Christmas Table Setting Ideas

Avoid last minute holiday stress by planning your Christmas table setting ahead of time. I’ve collected several ideas to inspire you and get your wheels turning. Whether you prefer a simple holiday table, or a more elaborate setting, you’re sure to find something here that suits your fancy.

When in doubt, turn to traditional holiday decor like red and green in plaid prints. Note the clever details like candles in coffee mugs and small presents on each plate wrapped in plaid wrapping paper.

Photo by Marks & Spencer

 

White is a safe choice for dinnerware because it goes with absolutely everything. Here, a fun pair of candy-striped candlesticks flank a pretty flower arrangement to create a festive centerpiece.

Photo by Susie Watson Designs

 

For those of you who have a beautiful chandelier, let it take center stage by keeping your table setting simple. Two architectural pieces get a holiday touch with simple boxwood wreaths placed at their base.

Photo by Casabella Interiors

 

Pair black candlesticks with white dinnerware to create a Fixer Upper style tablescape that would make Joanna Gaines proud. A couple sprigs of evergreens in water and a few shiny baubles complete the look.

Photo by sarah & bendrix

 

Tufted dining chairs lend a bit of elegance to a farmhouse Christmas table setting with antlers and a wooden white star creating an interesting centerpiece.

Photo by RedAgape Blog

 

Mix greens with ornaments to create a festive table runner. Tuck a holiday plant in a vintage crock for an easy-to-create centerpiece. Simple white tulips add a feminine touch at either end of the Christmas table setting.

Photo by AJ Margulis Interiors

 

If you prefer an elegant table setting, use crystal glasses, silver and gold candle holders, and gold-trimmed plates to entertain your guests. Candles and votives on a nearby vintage (and gorgeous) mantel enhance the elegant theme.

Photo by Houseology

 

 

Create a rustic Christmas table setting by placing white candles inside large glass holders. Pour a cupful of sugar inside to create the look of snow. Tree slices nestled inside burlap ribbon provides texture while red berries add holiday color.

Photo by Michelle Edwards

 

A champagne bucket is a unique candle holder. Shop your house to find items that might make a unique starting point for your Christmas table setting.

Photo by Houseology

 

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns on your holiday table. Keep things simple by using baker’s twine in lieu of fancy napkin rings and place an evergreen sprig at each place setting to enhance the holiday scene.

Photo by Houseology

 

Consider using three table runners placed across the shorter length of your table as opposed to laying a single runner down the center of your table. The table runners now serve double-duty as place mats. Candles and greens are all that’s needed to create cozy appeal.

Photo by Houseology

 

Place a clip-on bird ornament at each guest’s place setting. It looks pretty and each guest can take their bird home to decorate the Christmas tree. They’ll remember your dinner party for years to come each time they display their bird on the tree.

Photo by Houseology

 

A sure-fire way to reduce holiday stress is to set your table the day before your Christmas gathering. You’ll be busy in the kitchen and setting the table is one less thing you’ll need to worry about.

Pink Christmas Table Setting

 

Don’t like to fuss too much with your table?  Place a couple of small Christmas trees in a basket or serving tray and you’ve got an easy centerpiece.

Photo by Mackenzie Collier Interiors

 

Gold flatware is making a big comeback. If you don’t have any on hand, you can find nice sets on eBay. Tie a ribbon around your napkins and tuck red berries inside for a quick and festive look.

Photo by Jules Duffy Designs

 

 

Here’s my gilded table setting from last year. I paired gold with a bit of red. I didn’t have gold stemware so painted the stems of my water and wine glasses with gold acrylic paint. You can find small gold votive holders at low prices – or paint your glass votives with gold acrylic paint or embellish them with gold leaf.

Christmas Dinner Survival Tips. Set Your Table the Day Before!

 

For a traditional Christmas table setting, choose dinnerware with a holly border. You can hand it down to your children as a family heirloom.

Traditional Holiday Table Setting

 

I still have my mother’s Waechtersbach holiday dinnerware from my farmhouse Christmas tour and will someday hand it down to one of my children.

Waechtersbach Christmas Place Settings
 

 

Try a contemporary look at your holiday table by using darker colors. A red and white striped napkin adds holiday cheer, along with a bird ornament tucked inside each coffee cup.

Photo by Houseology

 

I love the sweet simplicity of this place setting. A linen napkin embroidered with holly cradles a pretty ornament.

Photo by Susie Watson Designs

 

Last year I found deer plates and used them as inspiration to create a forest-themed Christmas table setting.

Deer Table Setting for Christmas

 

 

I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your holiday table! I’ll be sharing my official Christmas tablescape in a couple of weeks on November 29th. I’m excited to share it with you!

 

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Christmas table setting ideas

 

 

 

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4 Comments

  1. I got some great ideas, thanks Jennifer you never let me down always giving me ideas. I love the more simpler ones and your mom’s dishes.