The holidays are on the horizon, so you're probably starting to think about hosting duties. One of the most common questions is always how to set a Christmas table – especially if Christmas dinner is the center of your festivities.
Setting a table for any occasion requires a few simple steps that ensure your tablescape feels cohesive, balanced, and functional. And when it comes to Christmas table ideas, it's all about blending practical style with seasonal decor.
If you're looking for some guidance on how to set a Christmas table this year, you're in the right place. We've asked an interior designer to share her foolproof guide to creating the perfect festive table from start to finish.
How to set a Christmas table in five easy steps
Your Christmas table is at the center of the holiday celebrations, so how choose to design and set it will have a huge effect on your overall Christmas dining room decor. Whether you prefer something in keeping with your existing scheme or want to try new colors, this step-by-step guide by Rosie Ward, creative director of Ward & Co Interiors, will help you to create an inspiring scheme.
1. Prepare the canvas
On the day – or better still, before, if the room won't be used again before Christmas – the first step in setting the perfect Christmas table is to prepare the backdrop. And to make the colors of the setting pop, use a crisp white tablecloth.
‘I would always recommend a washable linen and, for a look like this, I would invest in a thicker, cotton tablecloth,’ says Rosie. 'The tablecloth should be generous in its proportions. Be careful to measure. The tablecloth should be large making sure you cover the full table, and it drapes elegantly off the edge of the table.'
2. Choose a color scheme
Choosing a Holiday color scheme is an important step – it sets the scene and dictates the overall decorative style of your dining area. To maintain a cohesive look, try to keep your chosen palette to no more than three colors. Opt for red, white, and gold for a classic, elegant Christmas scheme.
There are so many ways to decorate with your chosen colors. Rosie has chosen to keep things classic and sophisticated with a white tablecloth forming the base of the table.
‘For this particular table, we wanted red to be the standout color and to make the flowers the focal point with soft gold tones supporting it. It was important to consider the exact tone of gold to complement the red – it shouldn’t be a yellow-toned gold as this can look too dominant,' says Rosie.
‘As you can see, the central space in this tablescape is the only element of red so it really stands out and “pops”, drawing your attention, and is balanced perfectly with the gold mats and cutlery which surround it.’
Gold flatware offers a festive alternative for the holidays and an easy way to introduce your color scheme in an unexpected way. This set from McGee & Co is sure to stand the test of time.
This tablecloth is a festive alternative to plain white. Made from linen and decorated with embroidered gold stars, it's a subtle way to bring holiday cheer to your tablescape.
Napkins are a great way to add a bolder color. This set of four deep red napkins are the perfect addition if you're going for a more classic scheme and can easily be washed and reused.
3. Prepare the floral decorations
While it isn’t the first element on the table, when it comes to setting a Christmas table, it is better to prepare the Christmas plants and flowers or floral arrangements the day before so they can simply be positioned at its center on the day.
Here, to generate maximum impact, just one type of flower has been used with Red Naomi, Black Baccara and Red Piano spray roses then teamed with gold grasses to add texture and movement. Red berries and blue and Weymouth pine complete the arrangements.
Follow the lead of this design by opting for a series of vases rather than a solo centerpiece or Christmas table garland, setting aside some stems for each of the place settings.
Why opt for individual vases? ‘Multiple arrangements allow you to adapt the table setting and other family members or friends staying with you for the festive period can easily help you to put them together,’ explains Rosie. ‘The individual arrangements also create more space for candles and dishes if serving at the table itself.
‘The other reason why I am inclined to have individual arrangements is that they can be much more easily re-used or repositioned in other areas of the house for the rest of the Christmas period, lighting up a side table in a hallway, for example, when not on your main dining room table.’
4. Create place settings
When considering how to set a Christmas table, the place setting for each of the diners comes next, as well as the addition of candlesticks for the centerpiece. Here, gold candlesticks continue the color theme, with white candles to complement the tablecloth. They’re slim enough to avoid obscuring views across the table.
‘For me, candles and tealights in this look should always be white,’ says Rosie. ‘It works well when they blend in and create a warm, soft ambiance. A tip to consider is to buy good quality candles as they are likely to be lit for a long time and shouldn’t then burn out too quickly. Be careful with the placement of your candles as you don’t want to set any of the foliage alight.’
Use a placemat at each setting and on top, layer a plate and set the cutlery to either side. Again, it’s gold here to continue the tablescape’s combination, but the same effect can be created with any color palette.
Set a folded white napkin on top of the plate. For fun, you might want to learn how to fold a Christmas tree napkin here instead. It’s at this stage that you can add a few floral stems tied informally with ribbon.
If you’re pulling crackers before dining, one of these can be set on the plate as well to create a V-shape with the napkin. However, if they’re to be enjoyed later, set them to one side. Or perhaps you want to introduce Christmas table gifts here instead?
Don't forget to set glassware for each diner, too, including a glass for water as well as the number of different options for wine or your drink of choice.
Classic gold candle holders like these can be used every Christmas. This range from Pottery Barn offers a few different sizes for both tapers and pillar candles, so you can create a fun display.
White taper candles work beautifully in almost any color scheme. These skinny candles are great if you have narrow taper holders and add visual interest when paired with candles of varying thickness.
Taper candles aren't the only option. Recreate the look of Rosie's table with smaller scented candles in your centerpiece, like this fruity-but-festive scented candle that features the colors of the palette.
5. Position the floral centerpiece
Add the floral arrangements to the center of the table. Be conscious that diners should be able to see across the centerpiece. ‘The number one rule with floral arrangements is not to add too much height and therefore block your guests’ views,’ says Ming Veevers Carter, founder of Veevers Carter.
‘When organizing your arrangement, sit down in a chair so you can see clearly and gauge the right height.’
Use tealight holders to fill the gaps between the individual floral arrangements and to add soft illumination at a lower level of the table.
Tealight holders can continue the table’s palette, and if you’re replicating this color scheme, be aware that it’s important to make sure all the golds of the table are of the same shade for maximum impact. Antique, 24-carat, or bright golds are much better than lighter, more tinny tones.
For consistency, you might want to use gold spray paint on existing tealight holders, use it on dried grasses, and for flower vases, too. Gold leaf is also an option.
What should be on a Christmas table?
A Christmas table centerpiece will create a sense of occasion – if you don't have a side table to take serving dishes, you can remove it once guests are seated. Other musts to include are candles – never to be left unattended, but vital for creating a festive mood; if youngsters are at the table, battery-operated tealights in pretty sconces can safely perform the same function. Crackers and festive napkins are a must-have, too.
Where do crackers go on a Christmas table?
Christmas crackers are usually placed to the left of the place setting, either on or next to the side plate you might serve bread on as part of a Christmas table setting. If there is no space to the left, the crackers can be placed above the dessert cutlery, which is positioned at the top of the place setting, above the plate.
In five simple steps, you can set a Christmas table ahead of the holidays. Whatever your color scheme, centerpiece, or table size, this guide is guaranteed to work every time.
