Christmas table decor can look polished and stylish without breaking the bank or relying on complicated, layered decor. Using a simple formula allows you to create a table that looks intentional and elegant with minimal effort. My Christmas table this year blends the latest trends and classic choices with a hint of coastal flair. My dining table features a bow motif and a palette of mint green, bold red, pops of pink, white, and gold accents.
Color Palette and Style Inspiration
This year’s color palette pairs my favorite traditional Christmas reds and greens with fresh pops of mint green, pink, white, and gold accents. Classic touches include a faux Christmas tree adorned in red velvet bows flanked by gold candlesticks. Modern appetizer plates in an array of colors over scalloped mint green plates are a great mix of vintage and new. The bow runner is on trend and pairs nicely with the bows on the tree. Woven placemats add a subtle, coastal touch.
How to Curate Christmas Table Decor
Creating a memorable table doesn’t have to be complicated. Using a few key elements, you can quickly Creating a memorable dining room table doesn’t have to be complicated. Using a few different elements, you can quickly assemble a polished and colorful setting:
- Pick a central item: a vase, bowl, or sculpture works well in the middle of the table
- Candles: add a pair of tapers, tea lights, or pedestal-style candles to frame the centerpiece
- Decorative objects: arrange small accents on either side to add interest and balance
- Runner: use a runner to contrast with the table and add visual texture
- Place settings: select placemats, china, glassware, or napkins, depending on how layered you want the look
By following this simple formula, you can effortlessly create your ideal Christmas table setting.
Centerpiece and Candles
The centerpiece sets the tone for the table. I placed a thrifted white soup tureen at the center and filled it with a small faux Christmas tree decorated with velvet bows and a strand of battery-operated twinkle lights. I also flanked the centerpiece with gold taper candlesticks from Goodwill to add height and elegance. Although the table features white candles this year, I plan to try red candles next year to make a bolder statement. Additional elements like glass vases and floral arrangements work with many styles and color palettes.
Table Runner and Place Settings
A red embroidered bow runner from Target last year anchors the table and reinforces the holiday theme. I combined thrifted mint green plates with Kate Spade accent plates, woven placemats, glass goblets, and simple white napkins. This combination adds a modern touch while keeping the overall look approachable. I’m hoping to find a great set of Christmas napkins this year to add to the place settings next year. You can always stick with your basic white dishes and add small pops of holiday color to the place settings with placecard holders, napkins and napkin rings.
Modern Colorful Details
Small touches make the table feel personal and curated for the holiday season. I placed vintage ornament place card holders at each seat to add charm and character. I also arranged vintage vases filled with faux red berry balls on the shelves surrounding the wall art. The red berries are a great way to bring in a pop of color next to the blue wall art and against the white walls. A subtle, but coordinating detail – the scalloped placemats and scalloped mint green plates – add character and cohesion to the place settings. Next year, I’d like to add additional bow and berry details to continue the coordinating theme.
Creating polished Christmas table decorations doesn’t require overspending or complicated layering. By following the simple formula I outline above, using a centerpiece, candles, runner, decorative accents, and thoughtful place settings, you can assemble any style of Christmas table decor you’d like.
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