Merry & Bright Holiday Table Decor Ideas
'Tis the season.
We know how busy the holiday season is, between last-minute visitors, shopping, and baking. Whether you're looking for holiday table decor ideas because you're planning on hosting Christmas brunch or ringing in the New Year, we are here to assist. The easiest way to perfect your holiday dinner table is to start with heirloom pieces that you already own (and love!) and then add in a few seasonal extras. Less shopping on your part will mean less stress in the end – and more time to enjoy a cup of cocoa with your guests. Keep reading for our favorite easy holiday table decoration ideas.
1. Pair White Dishes With a Festive Centerpiece
If you already own white dishes and serveware, keep your holiday table crisp and clean. Lay down a matching white table runner, preferably one made from machine-washable cotton or polyester (for easy cleanup). Choose a table runner that is long enough to leave 6" – 12" of material hanging over both ends of the table. If your table is super long, consider laying two shorter table runners down widthwise instead. Layer a table runner over a tablecloth for a simple, elegant look. Finally, set out a festive arrangement of holiday florals to complement the crisp white of your serveware and runner. We love this matching white ceramic vase because it really makes the spruce and berries pop.
If you have simple placemats or chargers, give them an eclectic twist by topping them with mismatched dinnerware for a bespoke tablescape. We suggest sticking to white or metallic chargers to keep the table setting cohesive. For dinnerware, select a couple of mixed plaid plates. You can't go wrong with anything in red, white, or green for the holiday season. Complete your chargers and dinnerware with plaid or tartan napkins. Opt for napkins that can be machine-washed and ironed to make your life easier. For the ultimate holiday party trick, loosely tie your napkins up with ribbon and insert a single sprig of rosemary. You won't have to worry about keeping track of napkin rings after dinner, and the meal will feel like a present in itself.
If you really want to impress your guests, there's no better time to get creative like the holidays. To bring truly whimsical holiday table decor ideas to life, you'll have to think about all of the tiny details. Consider splurging on new holiday-themed salt and pepper shakers to add to your tablescape. This steel reindeer set is so charming – and would make a perfect gift as well. Add a few decorative touches to your table setting that complement your style. We love these decorative antlers for a hint of rustic design. A cluster of miniature wood trees as the centerpiece will add a touch of traditional style to your tabletop decor. And if farmhouse style is what you gravitate toward, consider small tin buckets for hors d'oeuvres.
One of our favorite last-minute holiday table decoration ideas is adding a bit of personalization to your table setting. This extra touch goes a long way and ensures you'll be in charge of the seating arrangement. We love the way this brass bell napkin ring pops against the silver cutlery. Simply wipe down napkin rings with a cloth after use.
Holiday table setting ideas don't have to be limited to individual place settings. For a more casual option, serve your meal buffet-style. This way no one has to reach over anyone's plate for another scoop of mashed potatoes. Set out pre-filled glasses of wine to kick off the festivities. We suggest wide-bowled glasses for red wine and narrow-bowled glasses for whites. If you're going to be serving guests buffet-style, make sure to pull out plenty of serving dishes and platters. We love simple white platters or holiday-themed platters for a special touch. Put a few sprigs of greenery and holiday florals in with the serveware to keep the tablescape festive. Place plates at the front of the buffet table and cutlery at the end so that no one has to juggle silverware while serving themselves.
One of the easiest holiday table decor ideas is to add a touch of festive greenery to the dinner table or at each place setting. We gravitate toward a garland because it is versatile and it can be used year after year. Use a small piece as a table runner. If you are worried that the table might be filled with too many dishes, consider stringing the garland through the chandelier above your table or around the backs of chairs instead. Alternatively, you can place a holiday wreath in a decorative bowl and set it on the dining table. Simply remove the bowl to make room for an after-dinner game of cards.
Ready to set your holiday table?
