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How to set up your Christmas Table Décor: Expert Tips

Published: 01/12/2025

Christmas Dinner is possibly the most anticipated meal of the entire year, and your table décor is a part of that experience. Whether you’re hosting a 12-person banquet or a cosy festive table for two, let the merriment commence and make spending time with your loved ones around the dinner table all the more special by creating a beautiful and inviting tablescape.

We’ve got everything you need to know to make it a memorable scene, including the use of artificial garlands, berries, named place holders and more.

1. First, pick a theme

Before diving into the details, consider settling on a theme for your tablescape. This will help you stay focused and keep your setting looking cohesive. This could be a single colour choice that appears across your accessories and linens, or a commitment to a specific material for a certain look. By making clear choices, you give your Christmas table a look of being professionally styled, no matter your experience level.

If you don’t know where to begin, consider who will be gathering around your table and what you want from the experience. Will it be a glamourous affair or will everyone still be in their pyjamas? Will there be masses of in-laws or a more quiet, romantic dinner for two? Do you want to incorporate items you’ve already got, or set up something entirely new?

The overarching theme already used for your Christmas décor may also guide your choices for tableware, linens, and decorations if they’re in the same room. We opt for five different themes each year, which are perfect avenues for inspiration – so if you need a few ideas for your Christmas look, you’ll find plenty in our Christmas Collections!

2. Start with a base for your tablescape

Begin to build your table with a beautiful tablecloth or runner that perfectly complements your theme. To anchor your scheme and make it all the more festive, we suggest laying a luscious artificial garland along the length of your table that you can use as a base for further decoration. You can also drape it over the edges or intertwine with fairy lights for an enchanting ambience. These make a perfect foundation to work around each year, as your themes and styles change with the trends.

Artificial garlands are a versatile and durable option for decorating tables, and they have the added bonus of being reusable for multiple events, or in new ways with each new Christmas season. There are many styles available, each creating a different look, so consider your theme before choosing.

Add texture and layers with placemats or chargers. Woven placemats are great for a casual setting, while metallic chargers add a touch of sophistication.

3. Create the perfect Christmas place setting

Choose plates, bowls and glassware that complement your theme. For a cohesive look, stick to a consistent colour palette. You can experiment by adding patterned crockery, or opt for classic crockery with coloured linens. For added fun, consider including a cracker or a small gift for each guest. This could be a cracker filled with truffles, a jar of homemade chutney, or a bauble for your guests to keep. With the latter, it’s fun to pick different decorations for each guest and let them guess which one is theirs – novelty baubles are especially good for this.

Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful set of named place holders, which will help to avoid any squabbles over who sits next to whom, and are classic enough to suit a wide range of Christmas themes.

Lay out your cutlery and napkins. Cloth napkins add a sophisticated touch. Use napkin rings or try creative folds to enhance your tablescape. You can even tuck in a pretty berry, flower or foliage stem for an extra festive feel, either combined or as a simple statement.

One idea is to buy a number of stems that work well throughout the winter season but can be separated for use on the big day – woven into garlands for colour or displayed in vases for maximum impact. Or, instead of changing them by the day, change how you use them each year, giving your decorating fresh variety thanks to our long-lasting, high-quality artificial flower options.

4. Add finishing touches

Choosing the finishing touches is the most important part of table styling. These elements tie your scheme together, and you can add as much or as little drama as you like. Remember that your guests still need to be able to converse, so try to vary your heights without blocking eye level with multiple vases or large items.

Candles add warmth and ambience. Place them in lanterns, seasonal candle holders, or even jam jars depending on your theme. We especially love the Hemsley candle holder, as you can also find complementing wreath and garlands, helping your décor to flow seamlessly throughout your home.

Artificial flower arrangements can be just as stunning as real ones and can really add to the wow factor of your table. Use a mix of vases in different heights and styles to create visual interest, and ensure balance by mixing larger blooms with smaller filler flowers and greenery. Alternatively, we love our Faux Frosted Snowdrop Plant which adds a gentle snowy look.

When styling candles and vases together, pair taller vases with tealights or short candle holders, and elevate smaller bud vases with traditional pillar or tapered candles. Position arrangements in the center of your table or use multiple pieces spaced evenly along a longer table.

Lastly, consider additional elements like decorative items or small seasonal pieces including pinecones, ceramic houses, and vintage ornaments. We are partial to adding a sweet felt mouse or classic reindeer here and there!

Your Christmas Table Décor: Complete

Creating the perfect Christmas tablescape is all about attention to detail and creativity. By incorporating artificial garlands, floral arrangements and decorative items, you can craft a stunning centrepiece that sets the tone for your Christmas Dinner. Don’t forget to balance your aesthetics with functionality to ensure your guests are comfortable and the table is both beautiful and practical.

Now off you go to entertain, eat, drink and of course be merry!

This article was originally written 4th December 2024, and has been updated for 2025 with our best new tips and products.