The holidays are the perfect time to go all out with your decorations. While many of us swap our everyday décor for a wintry wreath or a lush garland, Ina Garten has taught me that some things are best left unchanged – even at Christmas.
Whether you’re dressing your table with an embroidered tablecloth or adding a scattering of green napkins, thoughtful Christmas table decor ideas are the key to elevating your dining space and making the annual festive feast feel truly special. And while nothing quite matches the magic of a beautifully styled tablescape, Ina reminds us that one element should always stay simple: your dinnerware.
Ina swears by classic white dishes on her table. They let the food take center stage and never compete with the rest of the decor – plus, they remain timeless for decades. Inspired by her approach, I’ve put together a list of six of the best pieces for a classic, enduring table that will shine long after the holidays have passed.
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No matter the occasion, Ina keeps her tableware simple yet timeless. She relies on crisp white plates, serving bowls, and platters to create an elegant tablescape that lets the food take center stage. For an Ina-inspired look, choose high-quality pieces – like these six favorites – that combine enduring style with effortless sophistication.
From roasted vegetables to a curated cheese plate, this Le Creuset serving platter is a timeless choice that showcases every dish with effortless elegance.
Featuring a charming floral border, this porcelain dinnerware will bring charm and homeliness to your table. No matter the occasion, you'll be proud to bring this vintage-style set out.
With a ruffled, wide-reaching rim, this serving bowl is the perfect vessel for multiple hungry guests. Use it for whatever you desire, from salads to side dishes.
A long-loved classic, this casserole dish is the perfect choice for those wintry nights. Use it for stews, soups or a ragu and place it at the heart of your table for an impressive centerpiece.
Crafted from fine china, this Villeroy & Boch dinner plate brings understated elegance to any table. Its delicate scalloped border adds a touch of refinement, ensuring it remains a classic favorite for years to come.
Perfect for wintry salads, this Lenox bowl is a subtle yet intricate addition to a table. Place it at the center of your tablescape for a dose of quiet luxury.
In the video, Ina says, 'I personally love white dishes, I just think it shows the food best. And then you can put fresh herbs on it. You can do a buffet, which I prefer in general, so you don't have half-eaten dishes of things on the table. But if you like the family-style quality of the table being filled with dishes of food, it's great too.'
To create an Ina-inspired table for the holidays, experiment with all your usual Christmas decor like whimsical tablecloths, warm candles, and festive napkins, but keep your dinnerware (plates, bowls, and side dishes) simple. A matching fine china set is a timeless choice, best for a cohesive, clean look. Alternatively, for a more lived-in feel, slowly collect vintage white ceramics such as platters, casserole dishes, and dinner plates for a homely yet balanced Christmas table layout.
For occasions where multiple guests are over (like Christmas day), keep your table as simple as possible with communal dinnerware. Depending on your dish of choice (be it a casserole or a roast chicken), use platters and dishes designed to make serving simple and fuss-free, steering clear of half-eaten plates.
Ina Garten demonstrates the enduring appeal of the classics. Even during the holidays, crisp white dinnerware remains a timeless choice, letting your meal take center stage. As the perfect canvas for festive accents, it allows your Christmas decor to shine effortlessly.
