Christmas Table Ideas: How to Decorate a Table for Christmas

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve get-together or making a meal for your family on the big day, your dining table deserves to shine.

From metallics and vibrant colours to showstopping centrepieces and warm lighting, there’s no shortage of ways to give your table a festive flourish. Keep reading for tips on how to make your dining room the star of the show this Christmas.

20 ideas for table settings for Christmas

Here are 20 of the best Christmas table setting ideas that will have your guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing all through the holiday season!

  • Centrepiece garlands

Incorporate a Christmas garland to make your dining table the star of the season. For a striking effect, drape a pre-lit garland down the middle of your table, weaving it between serving dishes for a seamless flow.

Add extra sparkle by tucking in glass ornaments or scattering faux snow along its length. You could also nestle some festive candles within the garland for a glowing, magical touch.

  • Icy blues and metallics

For a modern twist on this year's décor, combine icy blues and silvery metallics. Lay a faux fur table runner and scatter sparkly silver baubles and ornaments across the length. Add white or silver Christmas tree decorations like reindeer figurines for a winter wonderland vibe.

Pair blue-and-white plates with snowflake-shaped napkin rings to complete the cool look. It’s a frosty yet festive scene for your holiday table.

  • Christmas table wreath

Why hang a wreath when you can use it as a stunning centrepiece? Place a wreath  in the middle of your table and secure a few candle cups to the wreath form.

Add greenery, red berries, and pillar candles to bring the look together. This Christmas table idea will surely be the focal point of your dining room.

  • Mini tabletop Christmas trees

Mini tabletop trees add a playful touch to your dining table. Mix and match bottle brush trees, wooden trees, and paper trees to create texture.

These mini decorations can be placed along the centre or grouped in threes for a magical display.

  • Plaid details

Add a touch of rustic charm with plaid prints. Use a variety of patterns like buffalo check or tartan for napkins and table runners.

For an even more festive look, tuck an evergreen sprig and a cinnamon stick into each napkin ring. It’s a Christmas table setting idea that’s full of joy and colour.

  • Accent with gold cutlery

Add a dash of elegance with gold cutlery and jewel-toned ribbons. Tying a silky ribbon around your cutlery, stemmed glassware, or candles instantly creates a festive touch.

The gold accents will give your table an effortlessly luxurious feel.

  • Rustic Christmas table decorations

If you want to bring the outdoors in, go for a rustic theme. Use circular wood slices as placemats, arrange pinecones, mistletoe, and mini tree decorations across the centre of the table, and add pillar candles of various heights.

You can create a woodsy wonderland without leaving your cosy dining room (except to nip to the shops for your decorations).

  • Winter wonderland table

Create a snow-covered scene indoors by focusing on white and silver accents. Think snowflake ornaments, frosted baubles, and faux snow scattered across the table.

Keep the centrepiece simple with white candles and clear glass vases. Bonus points if you add twinkly lights for a magical winter effect!

  • Vintage Christmas charm

Go back in time with vintage-style table settings. Think lace table runners, antique glassware, and old-fashioned ornaments.

Pair these with classic red and green napkins and brass candle holders for nostalgic warmth.

  • Candy cane craze

Sweeten up your table with a candy cane theme! Use red and white striped napkins and table runners, and place a candy cane on each place setting as a sweet treat.

You can even create mini candy cane bouquets as centrepieces—because what’s Christmas without a little sugar rush?

  • Scandi-inspired

Embrace the minimalist Scandinavian style with natural wood, simple lines, and neutral colours. A simple linen tablecloth, wooden candle holders, and a few sprigs of fresh greenery will give your table an effortlessly chic look. Who said less isn’t more?

  • Red and green with a modern twist

Give the classic red-and-green palette a modern update with bold, solid-coloured table runners and napkins in deep ruby red and vibrant green. Use white or metallic plates to keep the look sleek and contemporary. Add some simple glassware to keep it fresh.

  • Jingle all the way

Add a musical twist to your table with red jingle bells scattered throughout. Attach a small bell to each napkin ring or place setting so every guest has a little jingle to ring.

We don't recommend this one if the unending sound of bells is likely to distract you from cooking.

  • Festive florals

Florals? For Christmas? Groundbreaking. Use a mix of seasonal flowers like poinsettias, amaryllis, and red roses to create a vibrant, fresh floral centrepiece.

Add some holly, berries, or sprigs of evergreen for fresh greenery that keeps it feeling festive.

  • Glamorous gold

Deck out your table in shimmering gold for an elegant touch. Gold cutlery, gold-rimmed plates, and glittery gold candle holders can instantly add a luxe feel.

Top it off with a few gold baubles and stars scattered across the table for that extra sparkle!

  • Minimalist magic

Sometimes, less is more. For a chic, minimalist look, opt for a simple white tablecloth, clean-lined plates, and one single decorative element, such as a candle or a small vase of greenery.

This modern, understated style is perfect for those who want something low-key but classy.

  • Personalised place settings

Make your guests feel extra special with personalised name cards or even small custom gifts at each place setting. You could use wooden name tags or festive ornaments with their names on them.

It’s a fun and thoughtful touch that won’t go unnoticed!

  • Monochrome

Stick to a monochrome colour scheme for a sleek and modern Christmas table. Whether it’s all-white, black and gold, or even silver and blue, keeping your colours consistent will make your table look polished and elegant.

  • Tropical Christmas

Who says Christmas has to be cold? Create a tropical-inspired table with palm fronds, gold accents, and bright flowers.

Replace traditional colours with tropical reds, greens, and pinks for a sunny twist on your festive meal!

  • Glitter, glitter, and more glitter

Glitter and Christmas go hand in hand. Use glittering placemats, shimmering napkins, and sparkly baubles to bring a little extra magic to your table.

Just remember: a little glitter goes a long way—so sprinkle with caution!

Decorate your dining table with Christmas Tree World

Bring the magic of Christmas to your dining table with stunning decorations from Christmas Tree World!

Whether you're looking for shimmering baubles, realistic wreaths, twinkling lights, or elegant garlands, we have everything you need to create Christmas tables that’ll wow your guests.

From festive finishing touches to bold centrepieces, our collection will help you spread joy and cheer all season long.