What better way to embrace the spirit of the season than with a dinner table gathering chock full of moreish bites and flavoursome sips - a festive feast with all the trimmings. From clinking champagne flutes to pulling crackers, there’s magic in moments shared, which is why it’s important to create the perfect setting to make those memories. In this post, we’ll delve into the delightfulness of Christmas table decor ideas, filling you with heaps of inspiration ahead of the big day. From traditional Christmas table centrepiece decorations to elegant, modern and unexpected choices, we’re here to make this 25th December the most wonderful to date.
Traditional Christmas
Christmas table decor ideas take on many different themes, but one in particular that’s made a huge comeback in recent years is that of the traditional Christmas. Christmas table decorations in red, green and gold are having more than just a moment right now, and an increasing number of us are reverting back to those timeless festive hues.
If you’re planning on creating a traditional Christmas tablescape, be sure to stock up on all things scarlet, emerald and glittery. Add an authentic touch by foraging holly and ivy from outside, and don’t forget to dot pinecones and nutcrackers from here to there. Cinnamon bark grouped and wrapped in tonal ribbons make for the most delightful adornments, all while adding a fragrant touch that’s bound to draw compliments from your guests. Don’t forget to add a scent that works in harmony with those natural aromas, with notes of pine and festive spice.
Rustic Charm
Create a warm and cosy ambience by marrying a medley of natural textures and putting them proudly on display. Think pine cones, eucalyptus, fir tree trimmings and sticks, all weaved together and glamourised with touches of snow-white and glistening gold. The addition of tealights in mason jars will instantly illuminate the setting, while dried oranges will bring citrussy splendour.
Complete your rustic backdrop with tree trunk effect place mats and coasters, and place name cards bound with natural string.
White Winter
Keep it clean this Christmas with a crisp, all-white theme. The perfect pick for those that love a snowy setting, this contemporary aesthetic is monotonal yet magical.
Bring the outside in and forge the ultimate winter wonderland by bringing together a host of eye-catching adornments. The likes of faux fur table runners, artificial snow and gingerbread houses dusted in icing sugar will bring cosiness to the simplistic colour scheme. Occasional flashes of champagne gold from shiny baubles will make things all the more sumptuous, while twinkling strings of fairy lights will instantly warm things up.
Sparkling Silver Elegance
Are Christmas table decorations elegant? For those intent on keeping things chic, a sparkling silver setting is undoubtedly the way to go. Bringing together all that shimmers, this modern arrangement oozes luxe appeal, with pristine crystal and silver accents that instantly pull the eye.
For an enchanting scene that sparkles and shines, laden the tablescape with glistening glassware, and let the flicker of candle flames cast light upon every surface.
Nordic-Inspired
Sometimes less is more, and a classic-meets-contemporary Scandinavian Christmas table theme embodies exactly that. Fusing minimalistic decor with unique, evergreen-inspired touches, fashion an alluring display by bringing together pinecones, fir tree cuttings, unfinished wood and brown paper place names. Finally, to tie things together, add in some star-shaped paper lanterns, cream-coloured candles and unfinished wooden decorations.
Golden Glamour
Give into glamour this Christmas, with irresistible glimmers of gold. A lavish theme, the likes of gold-rimmed glassware and tablecloths promise to exude luxury, as chocolatey treats encased in sparkly foil wrappers make things all the more inviting.
While this setting is particularly fancy, it’s important to keep things inviting (after all, we want our guests to feel welcome!) Summon every guest in style by tying ribbons to their chair backs and writing out place names using a metallic pen.
Nature’s Christmas Table
Let nature’s beauty take the lead as you furnish your table with evergreen branches, pinecones, berries and dried citrus fruits. A setting that’s sure to inspire your guests, this theme is all about embracing the elements and bringing the outside in. Think cascading sage cuttings, holly berries and faux robins, all illuminated by the flickering flame of towering candlelight. For an extra magical touch, add a scattering of star anise to the table before inviting your guests to be seated.
Santa’s Workshop
A wonderfully whimsical theme, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Santa’s workshop would excite only the youngsters around the table - but trust us, the whole family will appreciate the fun.
Recreate Father Christmas’ famous workshop by gathering a selection of miniature tools and toys, and watch as your guests marvel at the perfectly playful display. We love the addition of nutcrackers, candy canes, gingerbread men and supersized lollipops. Colour-wise, we’re talking classic reds, greens and golds, giving the arrangement an authentic, traditional feel.
Whimsical Wonderland
With colour and patterns aplenty, this maximalist theme is ideal for those with young children in the family. A setting that truly embraces the magic of the Christmas season, this aesthetic is undeniably over-the-top, but when executed well, won’t look overbearing.
Keep things from becoming ‘too much’ by choosing 2 patterns - spots and candy stripes, for example, and sticking to a 3-4 part colour scheme. Traditional colours always work a treat with this theme and the assortment of greens, golds, reds and whites marry together perfectly.
This setting can be both visually and sensorially spectacular, so turn your attention to textures as well as things that look pretty. The addition of a natural garland, real sweets, mismatched glassware and glittering fairy lights will make for the most mesmerising scape.
Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, so however you’re spending it, be sure to relish the magic of every moment and don’t be afraid to get carried away with the fun of it all. A day spent decorating the home with beautiful ornaments and trinkets will fill you with festive cheer, all whilst making a merry setting to enjoy with family and friends all season long.
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