14 Last-Minute Christmas Table Decoration Ideas That Will Impress Your Guests This Year
Whether hosting a gathering for 50 or five, setting the spirit for the holiday dinner is important. After all, you want your guests to have fun and for the night to be memorable for everyone. Of course, the main event is the meal, but gathering around a beautiful table only enhances the experience.
If you're looking to branch out from tradition this year, try incorporating meaning into your table. That could range from including something in the centerpiece, including pieces from travels and adventures, or adding personal touches such as place cards decorated by the children in the family for guests to take home. You can also honor furry family members. "If you love dogs, you might find a creative and elegant way to incorporate them into your table theme," suggests ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ghislaine Viñas. Designer David Ries of Ries Hayes recommends decorating the centerpiece with treats that guests can indulge in later, like pomegranates, citrus, and other fruits. This also makes cleaning up a tiny bit easier.
However you decorate, keeping the table carefree is key. "If everything is too perfect, it can feel stuffy," adds interior designer Sally Wilkinson. Centerpieces should be kept low so as not to obstruct conversation across the table, and party crackers can be used as ice breakers for guests. All of this serves to make entertaining smoother. "Company, conversation, and a glass that is somehow always magically replenished is what makes a holiday table standout," Ries says.
In that spirit, we've gathered 14 Christmas table decoration ideas to try this holiday.
Heavy on the Candlesticks
Flowers are not always as readily available as they are during warmer holidays. Anchor the table with a group of tapered candles to set the holiday mood, as with this look from Serena & Lily.
Opt for a Decorative Linen
David Ries of Ries Hayes always opts for a decorative linen for setting the table. The pattern on this berry printed tablecloth from Summerill & Bishop makes for decorating the rest of the table a light lift.
Include Party Crackers
Party crackers are not only fun, but serve as an ice breaker for guests to get to know each other. Setting the table with party crackers at each place setting is sure to make the evening memorable. This festive look from Tuckernuck Home shows us how its done.
Go Low with the Centerpieces
Centerpieces should never obstruct conversation. Make sure to keep the pieces in the center of the table low, as with this look from Blackberry Farm, so that guests can easily chat across the table. David Ries suggests using pomegranates and fruit on the table.
Pick a Color Palette
While many opt for red and green for a Christmas table, you can also think outside the box. Ghislaine Viñas suggests approaching your table the same way you would a design project. "Think of a fresh and unique idea," Viñas says.
Mix and Match the China
Mix china patterns to keep things fun. Different patterns, sizes, and colors keep the setting interesting and not-so-serious. The owners of Punctilious Mr. P's Place Card Co. show us how its done.
Make the Centerpiece Off-Balance
Vary your candlesticks or centerpieces so that they are not in a straight line. It helps keep the table setting a little less rigid.
Carry the Centerpiece to the Place Settings
Taking a small element from the table's centerpiece and carrying it over to each place setting is a great way to make the whole table feel cohesive. Here, small sprigs of greenery from the centerpiece are used as decorative touches on each plate.
Try an Analogous Color Scheme
Rather than picking two colors on the color wheel, opt for a single one and use varying shades throughout. Here, different shades of green are used in the place settings and centerpiece. "I gravitate toward classic white paired with different shades of green or white with varying red tones," Viñas tells us.
Keep it Simple
Simple greenery is always elegant for the holiday table. "Less is more," designer Sally Wilkinson says.
Bathe Guests in Candlelight
Everyone looks great in candlelight. Set the scene with plenty of candles and dim the lights to make the table glow for your holiday dinner.
Incorporate Objects
"For place settings, I always use what I already have and dig into my tchotchke collection," Viñas says. Here, candlelit ceramic houses add a festive touch to the holiday table.
Make Sure the Table Is Approachable
Sally Wilkinson says to make sure the table is approachable. "If everything is too perfect, it can feel stuffy," Wilkinson says.
Incorporate Seasonal Items
Wilkinson suggests setting the table with small party favors that guests can take home. Use ornaments, gingerbread cookies, or hand-written notes as place cards that guests can keep well after the meal is over.
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