20 Christmas Table Decoration Ideas
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Quick answer: 20 Christmas Table Decoration Ideas. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Place Settings That Feel Special; Centrepieces and Table Runners; Crackers, Napkins and Small Touches; The Kids Table and Cosy Extras.
A pretty table turns Christmas dinner from a meal into an occasion. The good news is that a few well chosen touches do far more than an expensive spread of matching sets.
Here are twenty ideas, from place settings and centrepieces to napkin tricks and a table just for the children. Choose a colour or two, repeat them, and keep the middle low so everyone can chat.
Place Settings That Feel Special
Guests notice the details at their own seat first.
- Personalised name cards: Handwrite each guest’s name on a small card and tuck it into a napkin ring. It helps with seating and makes everyone feel expected.
- Linen style napkins: Cloth napkins in deep green, cream or red look instantly smarter than paper. Fold them into a simple rectangle and rest a sprig of greenery on top.
- Napkin rings: Wooden or gold rings keep things tidy. A loop of ribbon or twine works nearly as well if you want to save money.
- Mini gift at each seat: A small wrapped sweet or a pretty bauble at every place doubles as a decoration and a thank you. Check allergies before adding any edible gifts.
- Chargers under the plates: A coloured or woven charger plate frames your dinnerware and adds texture. Rattan and gold are both popular choices.
Centrepieces and Table Runners
Keep the middle low enough to see over, and leave room for the serving dishes.
- Table runner: A long runner in tartan, velvet or plain linen ties the whole table together. Iron it first, as creases show up under the candlelight.
- Battery candle display: Cluster a few flameless candles in different heights down the middle. Flickering bulbs look cosy with no worry about wax or hot flames.
- Greenery garland: Lay a fir garland along the centre and weave in fairy lights. Faux garlands last for many Christmases and need no watering.
- Glass bowl of baubles: Fill a wide glass bowl with baubles in your table colours. It is quick, low effort and easy to pack away afterwards.
- Candle holders with tea lights: Short glass holders with battery tea lights glow beautifully. Set them in groups of three for a relaxed, sparkling effect.
Crackers, Napkins and Small Touches
Little extras are where the festive feeling really builds.
- Christmas crackers: A cracker at every place is a British tradition and a bit of fun. Check what is inside before giving them to toddlers, as some contents are small.
- Make your own crackers: Reusable cracker kits let you add your own jokes and small gifts. You can choose treats that suit each guest and cut down on throwaway plastic.
- Cinnamon sticks on napkins: Tie a cinnamon stick or two with twine around each napkin. They smell gorgeous and cost very little.
- Gold cutlery: Matching gold cutlery adds a festive gleam. If it is not in your budget, wipe silver cutlery well and polish it for a similar sparkle.
- Sparkly confetti: Scatter table confetti in stars or snowflakes. It brightens the cloth, though sweep it up before you serve food.
The Kids Table and Cosy Extras
Give the children a table of their own and they will feel very grown up.
- Paper tablecloth to doodle on: Roll out plain paper and leave crayons at each place. The children can draw as they wait for dinner and you can bin the whole thing afterwards.
- Colourful plastic plates: Bright, tough plates and cups make serving and clearing quicker. Choose child friendly sets that go in the dishwasher.
- Christmas placemats: Wipe clean placemats with festive patterns protect the table and add a splash of colour. Some even double as activity sheets.
- Mini crackers: Smaller crackers are ideal for little hands. Supervise young children with any contents and remove tiny items for under threes.
- Table top Christmas tree: A little tree in the centre of the kids table makes it feel like a proper celebration. Let the children add their own paper decorations.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- Recycle Now: Find out what you can recycle and where, including wrapping and cards.
- WRAP: An environmental charity with ideas for cutting waste and food waste.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead can I set the table?
Most people lay the table the evening before Christmas Day. Cover it with a clean sheet to keep off dust, and add candles and food just before sitting down.
How do I choose a colour scheme?
Pick one main colour, one accent and a neutral. For example, deep green, gold and cream. Repeat them in the napkins, runner and any greenery for a polished look.
How tall should a centrepiece be?
Keep it low or very slim so guests can see each other across the table. A good guide is below eye level when seated.
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