Christmas Tablescaping Tips: Create a Holiday Feast to Remember

As Christmas Eve draws nearer, I’ve begun to check off many of the to-do items that I’ve been avoiding, such as ironing napkins, tablecloths, and runners. Since I host Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Morning Brunch, and Christmas Day Dinner, that’s a lot of ironing! But beautiful linens are just the beginning of my Christmas tablescaping process. From china to centerpieces, I try to give each event its own signature look, making dining more memorable (and merry!).

Often, I draw inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram for unique Christmas tablescaping flourishes. However, I find that far too many of the images are unrealistic… at best. There are plenty of oh-so-beautiful photos, but the designs are simply not practical. If you’re ready to create a stunning table for your friends and family this holiday season, here are some easy tips (and some pitfalls to avoid) that will help you host the best Christmas ever!

Try Lovely Layers

Creating a lush, extravagant tablescape is simple if you think in layers. A tablecloth, runner, charger plates and dinner plates on top add dimension, color, and depth, all without taking up valuable table “real estate”.

If you are worried about pattern clashing, don’t be. According to House Beautiful authors Angela Belt and Jessica Cherner, “As long as there’s a cohesive element, like a color or motif, feel free to mix as many patterns as you’d like.” So, plaid charger plates and a pinecone patterned runner can peacefully coexist, as long as your colors blend.

One note about layering… unless you are serving a salad to start, do not place a salad plate on top of a dinner plate. This will only cause a pile up of extra plates on the table once the food has arrived.

Add Height

Height adds drama to your table. Candlesticks in varying heights and grouped in odd numbers make a big impact. Tapers (in hues other than simple white, if you are so inclined) can add a festive feel. If you have a bit of time, twine candlesticks or candelabra with seasonal foliage for an over-the top look.

Of course, it’s essential to make sure that your guests can see one another. Conventional wisdom says that centerpieces should not be taller than 12 inches to encourage easy conversation. (Keep larger and taller pieces on the sideboard, or at the very least, alternate guests across the table, so views are not obstructed.)

Photo by AJ Margulis Interiors  

Photo by Spallina Interiors  

Choose a Color and Theme

While it may be tempting to lavish the table with all manner of Christmas-y bits and bobs, choosing a color scheme and/or theme will keep your tablescape cohesive. This may be influenced by your china colors and pattern. Or, you may want to coordinate with your room’s existing color palette. Of course, this is Christmas, so if a riot of color or pattern is more your thing, go for it! Christmas is all about joy.

Photo by Jules Duffy Designs  

Photo by Leanne Michael L U X E lifestyle design  

Photo by Design Shop Interiors  

Place Card Holders Add Extra Interest

Want to include cute ornaments, candles, or other purely decorative items to further enhance your theme? Do not place them directly on a plate. In addition to the likelihood that these may be covered in glitter, the first thing your guest will need to do is move it off his or her plate. If table space is at a premium, this simply causes a mess. Instead, use place cards and holders in front of each person’s seat, for additional embellishment.

Try an Unusual Napkin Fold

YouTube is filled with innovative napkin folds that can be learned with just a bit of practice. Even if folded in a rectangle and placed on a plate, napkins also offer another layer of color, pattern, and texture to the table.

One look to avoid is a napkin or a napkin/utensil combination that is tied with a ribbon or twine (an exception is a buffet). Watching Great Aunt Matilda try to wrestle her fork free is never a good way to start a celebratory dinner. And, the wrappings will just create debris on your beautiful table. Instead, select simple napkin rings that make it easy to extricate linens.

Shop Your Home

Since Christmas Dinner comes but once a year, it seems a shame to have too many table items that are holiday theme specific. Instead, throughout your home, you are likely to have items that can do double duty as centerpieces, linens, and décor. For example, I once ordered drapes whose color was slightly off from what I had intended. As I was unable to return them, I turned them into dramatic tablecloths (since there were two panels, this was terrific for large gatherings when I need two long tables). Likewise, pretty red gingham cloth napkins can be laid in a row, diamond style, to create a runner. Get creative!

Centerpieces are even easier. Grouping is the key. Whilst two candlesticks look lovely, an assemblage of a dozen mismatched crystal candlesticks in varying heights makes a real statement! Or line up festive nutcrackers that you already own (varying the heights) to march down your holiday table.

Do you have additional ways to make a holiday table shine? Please share them in the comments!