The Christmas season is the perfect time of year to gather with friends and family and celebrate the joy of the holidays. If you’re planning a festive dinner party, setting a charming Christmas table is a must. 

From choosing the perfect tablecloth to arranging festive decorations, we’ll walk you through the 4 easy steps you need to take to create a beautiful setting for your holiday dinner.

Step 1. Choose the right tablecloth

The first step in setting a festive table is choosing the right tablecloth. The best way to do this is to match the colors of your room to the colors of your fabric. 

Look for one that is durable and easy to clean, as spills are bound to happen. If you haven’t yet, consider adding a synthetic leather tablecloth to your table-setting toolkit – it’s an excellent option for holiday parties.

A white or neutral-colored tablecloth is a classic choice, as you can easily layer on accessories and make the table setting as colorful or as understated as you wish.

Table runners are also a great option and I especially like using themed runners that are appropriate for the season. When choosing a table runner, make it blend and match the color of your table when possible. 

Check out this snowflake runner I used in a recent tablescape I created. 

Step 2.  Create a festive centerpiece

A beautiful centerpiece can transform a simple table into something truly special. To create a festive centerpiece, the key is to layer on different textures and colors. 

Here are a few ideas to inspire you

1. Simple and classic

We all have Christmas decorations we can repurpose in our centerpieces. 

This simple centerpiece can be created using whatever festive decor you have on hand. In my case, I used this beautiful birdcage, a length of pine garland, and a cake stand. 

Place your decor piece in the middle of the cake stand, and wrap the garland around it. You can even place small ornaments on the garland or add some colorful flowers to complete the look.

2. Rustic and natural

Driftwood, succulents, pine cones, and moss provide a stunning combination of natural elements that can be used to create beautiful centerpieces. 

The natural texture and colors of each element create a unique look and feel that is truly one of a kind. The driftwood provides a neutral base, while the succulents add a pop of color and the pinecones and moss bring a sense of texture and earthiness.

Find a large piece of driftwood you can use and bring it home to clean it. Once it is clean, work with the organic shape of your piece to determine how you would like to arrange your elements.

The combination of these elements creates a centerpiece that is sure to be the perfect addition to any room.

My favorite part about this centerpiece is that it can last looking fresh from a few months up to a year. 

3. Easy and elegant

This beautiful winter centerpiece was created using a long wreath garland, pine cones, and winter flowers. The garland is the perfect base to hold the pine cones creating a lush and full look. 

For the flower vases, I simply selected a container I liked, laid down my floral foam, and arranged the winter flowers to my liking. The beauty of tablescaping is that you can use your imagination and creativity to create something beautiful and unique.

Step 3.  Setting the plates, utensils, and napkins

With the centerpiece and the tablecloth set, it’s time to start setting the plates and utensils. 

When it comes to plates, white is classic and timeless. For utensils, choose stainless steel utensils that are durable, elegant, and easy to clean.

I like to use festive cloth napkins this time of year. I invested in some napkins that were winter-themed a few years back and I’m so glad I did because they truly elevate my winter tables. 

You can also create a very simple yet incredibly elevated tablescape by decorating your napkin with leftover Christmas flowers or garland as you see in the pictures below. 

Step 4.  Adding decorations beyond the dinner table 

Once you have finished setting the tablescape, it’s time to add decorations beyond the dinner table. 

Simple touches of greenery, candles, and Christmas decorations can really take your tablescape to the next level.

This could include a festive wreath on the wall, a garland along the mantel, or a perfectly decorated Christmas tree. 

Setting a charming table is an easy way to make your Christmas dinner special. With a few simple steps and a little bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful and memorable space for your family to enjoy the holiday. 

Whether you’re looking for something rustic or modern, adding a little holiday cheer to your table will make your Christmas dinner truly special. 

This year, take a few minutes to make your Christmas table shine and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.

I also wanted to wish you a very happy holiday season! If you’d like to stay in touch with my latest tablescapes and daily updates, follow me on Instagram. 

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