23 Christmas Tablescape Ideas from Elegant to Rustic
By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDSEN | Published on September 09, 2022 | Updated on October 15, 2024 |
Christmas Tablescape Ideas: Step into a winter wonderland and let the magic of Christmas come alive right at your dining table with these enchanting tablescape ideas. As the festive season approaches, transform your dining space into a captivating scene that will leave your guests in awe.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner for your loved ones or a grand feast for friends and family, these creative ideas will help you create a breathtaking setting that captures the spirit of Christmas. Every detail, from shimmering candlelight to elegant centerpieces and festive table linens, will contribute to the enchantment. Get ready to be inspired as we dive into a world of sparkling decorations, lush greenery, and touches of gold and silver.
Here, you’ll find stunning Christmas tablescape ideas – from Christmas centerpieces to how to layer linen, serving ware, table decor, and textiles. When it comes to the holiday season, creating a beautiful environment makes all the difference in the gathering experience.
Rustic Christmas Table Setting
Image courtesy of Splendid Sass (Selina Van Der Geest Design)
How to Create a Beautiful Christmas Tablescape
The holidays are all about entertaining, and if you’re planning a holiday feast this Christmas, the table should be as memorable as the menu. Whether planning a tablescape for two or hosting an intimate dinner party, setting the scene for a celebratory night can be simplified with a few key ingredients.
1. Plan Ahead
Start planning your tablescape well in advance to ensure you have enough time to gather all the necessary decorations and make any DIY creations.
2. Choose a Color Theme
Choose a color theme to lay the foundation of your Christmas tablescape. Red, green, and white are the traditional choices, but the sky is the limit here. Anything goes with holiday tablescape design, from warm earth tones to jeweled hues. Find inspiration for a color palette from Christmas tree decorations you already have on hand, browsing through images and taking cues from nature.
A Rustic Christmas Tablescape with Evergreen Branches, Oranges & Linen Table Runner
Image courtesy of Blesser House Blog
Lauren of the Blesser House Blog suggests adding evergreen branches (cedar, pine, hemlock, or spruce) with winter berry clusters, in-season fruit (oranges, pomegranates, cranberries, figs, or pears) with taper candle holders, and a simple linen striped table runner.
She lays the evergreen branches in different directions for interest, letting nature do its work. Berry branches are tucked throughout the branches to provide pops of color. The fruit is randomly staggered out to fill in any remaining gaps. A sprig of rosemary on each plate adds the finishing touch.
3. Bring the Outdoors in to Set the Scene
Elevate your Christmas tablescape with fragrant cedar branches, eucalyptus, mistletoe stems, and pinecones. Build your palette with greenery or foraged pieces from your surroundings to create a natural, warm welcome for your guests.
There are many unique ways to incorporate greenery into a holiday tablescape – from weaving branches into the centerpiece to enhancing an overhead chandelier. Select pieces with various shapes, textures, and colors to create interest and dimension.
A Rustic Holiday Tablescape with Copper, Brass & Red Pears
Image courtesy of Ella Claire Inspired
This gorgeous rustic holiday tablescape combines copper, brass, candlelight, twinkle lights, white hydrangeas, red pears, and green napkins. Ella, the curator of the Ella Claire Inspired blog, recommends starting with a runner or table square, adding a centerpiece, then layering place settings with chargers, plates, napkins, and flatware. She likes to add something unique at each place setting, such as an ornament, gift, printable, or ribbon. Pretty glasses and candlelight are the finishing touch.
Beautifully Designed Rustic Christmas Tablescape
Image courtesy of McGee & Co
4. Add Plaid Accents
Nothing says Christmas like a few plaid accents. There are many ways to incorporate plaid, from pretty plaid table runners and tablecloths to napkins and classic tartan dinnerware. Timeless, festive, and inviting, plaid is perfect for the holidays.
Bringing holiday cheer into the dining room is easy with a blend of classic tartan, buffalo, and gingham check patterns in bright holiday colors. Plaids look lovely layered and work well with solid colors and other patterns.
Traditional Christmas Tablescape
Image courtesy of Craftberry Bush
Lucy of the Craftberry Bush Blog created a stunning traditional Christmas tablescape by contrasting crisp white with plaid napkins. Added to the mix are mini battery-operated string lights, satin ribbon to tie the cutlery, and a deer antler as a rustic centerpiece.
5. Add Centerpieces to Create a Focal Point
A centerpiece creates the perfect focal point for a Christmas tablescape and ties the color scheme together. Fresh-cut roses, tulips, magnolia leaves, evergreen stems, pine cones, and berries bring color, texture, and delightful fragrance.