How to Decorate a Christmas Dining Table

Start With a Theme or Colour Palette

Before you pull out the plates and napkins, it helps to settle on a theme. This gives your table a sense of flow rather than feeling like a mix of random decorations.

Some simple and stylish options include:

• Classic red and green: Great if you like traditional Christmas charm.
• Gold and white: Elegant and works beautifully for evening dinners.
• Coastal Christmas: Soft blues, whites, and natural textures for a breezy look.
• Rustic style: Timber elements, greenery, and linen for a relaxed, homely feel.

Once your palette is set, everything else, plates, candles, runners, and flowers, becomes easier to coordinate.

Choose the Right Base: Runner, Cloth, or Bare Table

Your base sets the entire mood of your setting. You can go in a few directions:

• Tablecloth: Great for formal gatherings. A plain white cloth is timeless, while patterned ones bring a bit more personality.
• Table runner: Works when you want the natural texture of the table to show. Linen and jute runners suit rustic or coastal looks.
• Bare table: Perfect if you have a beautiful timber table. Add placemats or charger plates for structure.

If your Christmas lunch is outdoors, choose fabrics that won’t blow around too easily and materials that won’t fade in the sun.

Layer Your Place Settings

Layering is key to making any dining table look “finished.” You don’t need fancy plates or expensive cutlery, just use the pieces you already own and combine them thoughtfully.

Here’s a simple layering formula:

• Charger plate or placemat as the base
• Dinner plate
• Salad or entrée plate
• Napkin
• Cutlery arranged neatly
• Glassware, one for water, one for wine or a festive drink

If you want to add a personal touch, place handwritten name cards or small ornaments on top of each setting.

Add Greenery and Natural Elements

Greenery looks beautiful on a Christmas table and feels fresher than artificial garlands. Eucalyptus leaves, native flowers, rosemary sprigs, and small branches can be scattered or woven into a simple centrepiece.

Some ideas:

• A long eucalyptus garland running down the centre
• A vase filled with native flowers like banksia or protea
• Small sprigs of rosemary tied to napkins with twine
• Wooden serving boards and woven placemats

Natural elements soften the table and add a gentle fragrance without overwhelming the food.

Create a Standout Centrepiece

A centrepiece doesn’t have to be extraordinary. It just needs to bring the table together visually.

A few options that always work:

• A cluster of different-sized candles in the middle
• A low floral arrangement so guests can still see each other
• Mini Christmas trees for a playful touch
• A bowl of ornaments in your colour palette
• A long tray decorated with candles, baubles, and greenery

If you’re hosting outdoors, opt for weighted or low-profile centrepieces so they don’t topple over in the breeze.

Incorporate Candles and Soft Lighting

Lighting can change the whole atmosphere of the dining experience. For evening dinners, soft lighting feels warm and intimate.

Ideas to try:

• Tealight candles in glass holders
• Taper candles for a more formal look
• LED candles if kids are around or if it’s windy
• A string of fairy lights weaving through the centrepiece

Make sure nothing too tall blocks your guests from seeing each other across the table.

Bring in Christmas Touches Without Overcrowding

While it’s tempting to load the table with ornaments, resist the urge to overdo it. The dining table still needs space for dishes, drinks, and movement.

A few understated Christmas details go a long way:

• A couple of baubles in each place setting
• Mini wreaths tied to the back of chairs
• A small bowl of candy canes
• Festive napkin rings
• Subtle touches of gold or silver

Aim for balance, our décor should enhance the meal, not compete with it.

Think About Practicality

A beautifully decorated table still needs to function well. Here are a few practical tips:

• Keep the centrepiece low so no one’s view is blocked.
• Leave space for serving platters or plan to serve food from a side table.
• Use coasters and heat mats to protect the table.
• If eating outside, secure lightweight items or use weighted napkin rings.

Good styling always blends practicality with aesthetics.

Add Personal or Handmade Details

Thoughtful touches make your table feel truly special. If you enjoy crafting or want to involve the kids, handmade elements can add charm and warmth.

Consider:

• Hand-written place cards
• Homemade crackers
• DIY napkin rings
• A printed menu for Christmas meals
• Family photos placed at each setting

These small gestures often become the most memorable part of the table.

Match Your Table to the Rest of Your Space

If the decorations in your living room or outdoor area follow a particular theme, echo that on your dining table. Consistency creates a sense of flow and makes the entire space feel cohesive.

For example:

• If your tree is decorated in gold, add gold accents to the table.
• If your outdoor area uses lots of natural wood, lean into rustic accents.
• If your home décor is minimal, choose a simple and elegant table layout.

Final Touch: Add Something for the Senses

A dining table doesn’t just look festive, it can feel and smell festive too. You can do this subtly:

• Add a lightly scented candle (avoid anything too strong near food).
• Place fresh herbs or flowers that give off a gentle aroma.
• Play soft background music that suits your theme.
• Use textured fabrics for an inviting feel.

It’s these small sensory details that transform a meal into a memorable Christmas experience. You can also check out our Christmas party supplies on the website to shop all kinds of Christmas essentials.