When it comes to Christmas, it’s time to go all out.
From Christmas party outfits to finding the perfect gift for your loved ones, the end-of-year celebrations is a time when most of us choose to go that extra mile to make the lead-up and the big day that much more special.
Decor is a huge part of that, with festive finery working to distinguish Christmas from all the other landmark occasions in the year. From the tree standing pride of place in your living room, to the wreath hanging on your front door, it all helps to create the cosy, winter wonderland atmosphere that is the pinnacle for the time of year.
It’s not all tinsel and baubles; table decorations can make things oh-so merry and bright too. Tablescaping took off big time in lockdown when we had little else to do but make a ceremony over meal times, and it’s a trend that’s stuck.
We’re talking table runners, centrepieces, candlestick holders; all the little details that, when put together, create an extraordinary look - and that’s before you’ve even set your Christmas feast down on the table.
Whether you’re picturing an intimate affair or you’re planning to host the whole family for Christmas lunch, we’ve found the details to elevate your Yuletide celebrations to the next level.
Get ready to have your nicest Christmas yet, and shop the edit below
Best Christmas wreaths for giving your door a festive feel
Best real Christmas tree to buy online and delivered to your door
Best Christmas candles 2022 to create a wonderful festive scent
Best Christmas food hampers for 2022: Fortnums, John Lewis, M&S and more
Best Christmas jumpers for adults in 2022
Best alternative advent calendars 2022: From popcorn to pork crackling
Dress for Dinner Tablescapes Evergreen Christmas Table Decoration Set
If you’re picturing a simple yet elegant lunch this Christmas, Dress for Dinner Tablescapes has the kit for you. On a snowdrop white and mossy green palette, the set includes a 200 x 40cm white linen table runner, along with a pair of faux mini trees and a trio of ribbed glass vases to fill with your own fresh or dried flowers or winter foliage to tie in with your Christmas tree.
The kit is a clever idea as it brings together elements you may not own with things you already have in your cupboards. You can add on the velvet napkin bows here, or head to a haberdashery and find suitable ribbon to cut and tie yourself.
Buy now £79.00, NOTHS
The Table Stylist Winter Forest Wonderland Festive Christmas Tablescape
This all-in-one kit makes Christmas tablescaping easy. Perfect for hosting pre-Christmas dinners like Friendmas, it’s got everything you need to transform your tables into a winter wonderland.
We’re talking bottle brush trees of varying heights, velvet napkin bows (not to mention proper napkins to tie them around), candles and candlestick holders, a pristine white table runner with silver confetti and fake snow to drizzle over the top - and plenty more besides. You’ll even get a kit to DIY your own Christmas crackers.
£199 for six place settings.
Buy now £199.00, NOTHS
Dibor Natural LED Garland Christmas Table Centrepiece
Create a stunning focal point without obscuring your guest’s faces with this pre-lit garland festooned with lights, glittery berries and plenty of faux foliage. It can be weaved around glasses and plate the table or draped over door frames or along mantle pieces and shelves to up the Christmassy levels.
Buy now £32.00, NOTHS
Dunelm Matt Black Over Table Display Bar
Event planners know that the key to a knockout tablescape is all about layers. Literally elevate your festive meal with this display bar that clamps to the sides and spans over the length of the table, allowing you to wrap fairy lights or suspend extra decorations from above. Not only will this free up valuable table space but it will frame your meal too, giving it an extra edge in those all-important family photos.
Buy now £35.00, Dunelm
Dunelm Boho Pillar Holder
Designed to accommodate a pillar-style candle, this holder is finished with classic wintry foliage: think evergreen tips, pinecones and white berries. Group a few together in the centre of the table to create an easy centrepiece, or position them on the mantle to bathe the room in a warm, flickering glow.
There’s also a twig and berry version (£15) here.
Buy now £15.00, Dunelm
Anthropologie Gingerbread Garland
If you thought bunting was for warm weather feasting like picnics and street parties - think again. This adorable garland is studded with gingerbread men in varying degrees of toastiness made from handcrafted wool felt and strung together with candy cane-esque red and white string. It’s 183cm long and can be trailed around a table or hung up along the table’s edge.
Buy now £36.00, Anthropologie
Christmas Time in the City Dessert Plate
Add a splash of colour to your tables with fun plates that depict Christmastime in various international cities. Made from 100 per cent descaled stoneware, these handwash-only plates are packed with so much detail you may forget about Christmas pud altogether. Choose from San Francisco, New York, Paris, London and Amsterdam.
Buy now £16.00, Anthropologie
Dunelm Set of 2 Gold Metallic Snowflake Placemats
The great thing about Christmas tablescaping is that you don’t necessarily need a lot to make an impact. Take these golden snowflake placemats, for instance. Sold as a set of two, they will bring instant glamour to your existing cutlery and tableware, while protecting surfaces from heat and scratches. Pair them with matching coasters (£2) or get snowflake table confetti (£2.98, Amazon) to continue the trend.
Buy now £4.00, Dunelm
Emily Maude Twelve Days of Christmas Platter
For serveware as nice as the food sitting on top of it, Anthropologie has options galore. If you’re on the hunt for a special Christmassy one, this platter themed on the 12 Days of Christmas hit the nail on the head with an illustrated partridge sitting in a pear tree stealing the spotlight. Drawn by Brighton-based artist, Emily Maude, the tray is microwave and dishwasher safe, made from 100 per cent decaled stoneware.
Buy now £78.00, Anthropologie
Blue & Red Christmas Nutcracker Decoration 51cm
There’s nothing like a traditional-looking Nutcracker at the table to make things feel jolly. This wooden fellow stands at 51cm tall so is best off at one end of the table, or perched on a side table.
Buy now £16.99, TK Maxx
Emma Bridgewater Christmas Cabin Mince Pies 8 1/2 Inch Plate
You might be more mince pie than human by the time December 25 rolls around, but if you can’t stuff yourself silly with the tiny, delicious pastries now - well, when can you? Keep them where you can see them on this dedicated plate made by legendary British potter Emma Bridgewater. In characteristically charming style, the plate is decorated with a border of cottages and evergreen trees.
Buy now £19.00, Emma Bridgewater
Emma Bridgewater London At Christmas Medium Oblong Plate
Christmas is magic, London is magic: put the two together, and you’ve got festive dynamite. There’s nowhere quite like the capital come Christmastime, but whether you’re commemorating a winter break or want a piece of the metropolis, this platter will help you bring it home. The illustrated scene groups together London’s architectural headliners, from the dome of St Paul’s, to Big Ben and the OXO Tower, all decked in their festive finest.
Buy now £42.00, Emma Bridgewater
Talking Tables Store Boho Pink Glass Candlestick Holder Height
Clean, classic and elegant, this candle holder gives a formal dinner party feel without a hefty price tag. It comes in a variety of colours, which you can mix or match for an eclectic look or coordinate for one with a little more polish.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
