The kitchen is one of the trickier rooms to decorate for the holidays. It's a functional space that needs to remain uncluttered – especially around the cooker – which is why your island is the perfect place to focus your attention.
There are a few fun ways to decorate your kitchen, but there are some Christmas decor ideas that feel perfectly suited to your kitchen island. From garlands and countertop trees to candles and festive tableware, there's plenty to consider.
To discover the best ways to blend seasonal style and everyday functionality, we've asked designers to share their favorite kitchen island Christmas decor ideas – and they don't disappoint.
5 kitchen island Christmas decor ideas
The island is at the center of your kitchen and the social hub of your space, so why not add a few Christmas decorations to celebrate the festivities? From small nods to the holidays to more statement designs, there's a kitchen Christmas decor idea for every scheme.
1. Introduce taper candles for a festive ambiance
If your kitchen island provides the most useable countertop space, it's best to choose Christmas decor that feels festive without taking up huge amounts of space.
'If you are lucky enough to have a kitchen island, it can be a great place to carefully choose some Christmas decorations to strategically place. From Christmas signs to candles and chunky blankets placed over stools, all of these items can help to create a more cozy environment during the colder months,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.
Taper candles in classic holders are the kitchen island Christmas decor of choice here. While they're a subtle choice, they add the flickering ambiance synonymous with Christmas and tie in with the decor in the connecting dining room.
Iron has been big news in kitchen trends this year and it's a timeless finish. These iron taper holders have a stylish twisted detail that gives them a unique appeal.
This set of two glass candlestick holders offers a truly decorative choice. Offered in clear, pink, and green, there's a color for every kitchen style and color scheme.
Gold is a timeless classic that can be used for Christmas and beyond. The elegant silhouette of this set of six is a lovely choice for your kitchen island Christmas decor.
2. Add festive ornaments
Even the smallest kitchen islands can benefit from a festive touch. Nods to the holidays don't have to be grand pieces; rather, smaller decorative objects can add plenty of joy to your kitchen island.
This butcher's block island is small, so decorating for the holidays requires smaller yet impactful pieces. A mini Christmas tree has been displayed with a ceramic light-up Christmas house decoration beside it.
Though this kitchen island Christmas decor is more modest in size, it instantly infuses seasonal style into the space. To add a sense of cohesion throughout the room, introduce similar pieces in various areas of the kitchen, like shelving or countertops.
Metal is a great choice for the kitchen thanks to its durability – and these metal house decorations are the perfect addition to your kitchen island Christmas decor.
Instead of a classic spruce or pine Christmas tree, these wooden trees are a lovely alternative. Featuring light and dark wood, they're the perfect size for an island.
Nostalgic Christmas decor is making a comeback this year – this light-up clay gingerbread house is a charming addition to your kitchen island decor.
3. Display Christmas tree branches in an oversized vase
Vases and floral displays are a favored way to decorate a kitchen island all year round, so why not update your arrangement with something more festive? Pine or spruce branches decorated with ornaments are a lovely way to introduce the holidays.
'Pick your favorite large vase or choose a new holiday favorite and put in a healthy arrangement of pine branches, just as you would flowers,' says Patricia Knight, founder and creative director at Zinnia Design Studio.
'You can add colorful festive accents like ribbons on the vase or ornaments on the branches. Get creative! Using pine is also a nice way to add a fresh, seasonal scent to your home.'
A classic, neutral vase works as kitchen island decor for the holidays and beyond. This oversized style is perfect for displaying Christmas branches.
This artificial pine bundle is a festive addition to your kitchen island decor. Add one branch for a small display or create a bundle for something more grand.
This set of four paper ornaments comes in classic Christmas colors – green and red. These are a more durable and smash-free choice for your kitchen island decor.
4. Create a festive tray display
If you want to bring the festivities into your kitchen in a smaller way, there are plenty of simple options. Consider a small tray filled with candles or bud vases with individual sprigs.
'An alternative is to use a smaller arrangement paired with a candle or other decorations that you like to have on display during the holidays. The kitchen is where everyone gathers, so why not add decor to your island,' says Patricia.
In this kitchen, a round marble tray has been used to create a mini display of greenery and candles. It adds a subtle dose of festivities without taking up too much of the kitchen island countertop space.
This idea can't be done without a beautiful tray. This decorative marble design can be used throughout the year and topped with various seasonal decor.
If you opt for a small tray display, a big vase is the ideal size for a small festive branch. This white design allows the greenery or flowers to truly shine.
There's something about Mercury glass that feels so Christmassy. This set of two tea light holders will add a warm glow to your kitchen island Christmas decor.
5. Hang your kitchen island Christmas decor from the ceiling
Not everyone has the space on their Christmas island to introduce Christmas decor – even in a small way. Instead, consider ways you can decorate the area without using your countertops.
Decorations hung from the ceiling are becoming a popular way to add interest to the fifth wall and a fun way to bring the holidays into your kitchen in a less-expected way.
In this kitchen, a mistletoe cutting has been hung from beams using a piece of twine. It's simple, subtle, and natural, but instantly brings the festivities into your cooking space.
There are plenty of kitchen island Christmas decor ideas to add seasonal style to your scheme. Whether you make your island the center of your decorations or add subtle holiday pieces, there's no reason your kitchen island can't be decorated as beautifully as a mantel or dining table.
