For a mask to work it has to be worn properly. Exposing the nose or inserting a hole around the mouth area defeats the object.

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The dining room really comes into its own over the festive season. Using Christmas dining room ideas you can transform your day-to-day space into something truly magical for friends and family to gather around.

From the table itself, to shelving and lighting, you can use these Christmas ideas to dress your dining room beautifully for the season. It may not make up for any cooking mishaps which are bound to happen, but at least you’ll be in perfectly festive surroundings, whatever happens!

Christmas dining room ideas

Whether you just want to add a few Yuletide touches, or are looking for a more all-encompassing change, read on to discover our favourite ways to upgrade your dining room this December.

1. Hang a branch to create a hanging centrepiece

Image credit: Future PLC

Leave space for festive fare by opting for an overhead centrepiece. Make sure the decorations are lightweight and hang from an existing light fixture, or fix to the ceiling using Command ceiling hooks and clear fishing wire.

Using a piece of wood with its natural undulations allows you to hang baubles from all different lengths, creating a more naturalistic and relaxed finish.

2. Create a cohesive scheme

Image credit: Future PLC

When dressing your Christmas dining room remember that, although important, it’s not all about the table. Make sure you include the other large pieces of furniture, such as dressers, cabinets and sideboards in your decorating. Christmas mantel decor can be linked in, too.

An easy way to integrate multiple pieces is by having a cohesive thread linking them all. For the festive season, an easy and pretty option is to continue whatever greenery you’re using on the table onto these other pieces. Sp if you have a eucalyptus garland on the table, add a jug of the foliage on a dresser, or a wreath hanging from a sideboard.

3. Choose a lengthy option

Image credit: Future PLC

Size isn’t everything. But it can make a difference! For the majority of the year you’re unlikely to need an especially large dining table, but if you’re hosting for the extended family at Christmas, then things change.

Extendable tables are a godsend for when you have a large influx of guests, just make sure that the room can still comfortably fit the table when at its full length. Integrate your dining room with another space that you can make use of over the rest of the year, when the table is smaller. Choose something easy to move out. Perhaps a small yoga area, a little oasis for houseplants, or a beanbag lounge area for the kids to read and relax.

4. Accessorise with seasonal shades

Image credit: Neptune

Choosing a strong colour scheme in your Christmas dining room not only makes finding pieces and decorating it much easier, but it creates a warmer, more finished space.

One must-have item can usually dictate this colour for you. Perhaps a cushion, a water jug or simply your absolute favourite bauble. Choose a couple of complementary shades and use your accessories to layer the colour throughout.

This is also a great option for people who love hosting, as changing the scheme of the room can simply come down to switching out a few small pieces for each different event.

5. Stick to a dominant material

Image credit: Future PLC

Colours aren’t the only way to create a cohesive look in your dining room. Texture and material are equally as useful.

Since the focal point of these spaces is, more often than not, the dining table, use this as your jumping off point. A rustic wood table can be echoed in your Christmas decorations throughout the room. Woven wreaths, naturalistic displays and wooden decorations all tie in to the table to create a considered room.

6. Add a festive glow

Image credit: Lights4Fun

Nothing quite adds atmosphere to a Christmas dining room than the use of lighting. Candles and Christmas lights create a sense of occasion, as well as making the room appear warmer, and creating extra sparkly details.

Weave fairy lights into centrepieces, garlands, wreaths and anywhere which needs a little extra something. If tying in with greenery, choose versions with green or clear wire so it blends in with the foliage.

7. Create a festive splash in an open-plan living space

Image credit: Lizzie Orme

If you have an open plan living space you can still add an extra festive flourish in the dining area. Capitalise on the proximity to the Christmas tree and keep the rest of the decorations simple.

A crystal reindeer as the table centrepiece and foliage over the mantlepiece keeps this space festive but elegant.

8. Keep the trimmings simple

Image credit: Polly Eltes

Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to hosting a laid-back rustic Christmas. When choosing your Christmas table decorating ideas, consider simple sprigs of seasonal foliage, crackers and a large bowl filled with baubles is just enough to set the scene without overpowering the table with decoration.

9. Tie in a colour scheme with bows on the back of chairs

Image credit: D. Blackmore

Ribbons on the back of chairs are a simple and cost effective way to add a little pizzazz to the dining table come Christmas time.

These are an easy way to tie your decorations into your Christmas colour schemes.

10. Delight guests with a balloon display

Image credit: David Brittain

While balloons might not be a typical Christmas decoration, if you have opted for a snow themed decor they are surprisingly effective decoration that will delight dinner guests.

A combination of white pearlescent helium balloons and see-through ones filled with confetti add to the snowy effect. Attach a garland of stars instead of the typical balloon string to add to the magic.

11. Hang a centre-piece from the ceiling

Image credit: David Brittain

Centre-pieces don’t need to be relocated to the table. Create a natural chandelier out of foraged foliate and hang above the dining room table for a naturally festive look. Finish the look with a relaxed tartan table cloth and old milk bottles with berries and roses scattered along the middle of the table

12. Put up a Christmas tree

Image credit: Joanna Henderson

If you are a family who prefers to open their presents after Christmas dinner, why not bundle all the festivities into the dining room. Decorate a real tree with paper lanterns and wooden decorations to match a rustic dining table covered with wooden tea light holders.

13. Fill a chandelier with foliage

Image credit: Brent Darby

Bring the outside in and decorating with seasonal foliage. We’re not just talking holly and mistletoe. Weave sprigs of pine and eucalyptus through chandeliers, on sideboards and along the table for a fresh and festive look.

14. Cast a rosy glow with scattered tea lights

Image credit: Dominic Blackmore

A Christmas Eve dinner calls for demure and subtle lighting. Dim the bright overhead lights, and scatter tea lights in mismatched silver holders across the table and sideboard.

The more the merrier, but if you’re also adding in foliage, go safe not sorry and look to battery powered LED tealights rather than the real deal.

15. Take a break from tradition with red roses

Image credit: Jonathan Gooch

If you want to create a splash on the dinner table a striking floral centrepiece will draw the eye, but remember to keep it low so your guests can see each other across the table.

A bowl of poinsettias will always look festive and colourful. However, why not take a break from tradition and opt for a display of red roses.

16. Hang traditional wreaths over a mantlepiece

Image credit: Dominic Blackmore

Wreaths aren’t just for the front door. Transform a chimney breast into a festive feature wall with three wreaths. In this dining room, rather than opting for a traditional red and green theme, more autumnal colours such as copper and amber have been used to compliment the existing room decor.

17. Create a Christmas scene on the mantelpiece

Image credit: Simon Whitmore

Sometimes only a jolly red will do when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Opt for a candy came red that will pop in your living room and bring a smile to adults and children alike. If you have a fireplace in your dining room, take full advantage of it by recreating a vibrant red Christmas village scene out of wooden decorations. Small lanterns spelling out Xmas on the table are a playful finishing touch.

How can I decorate my dining room for the holidays?

Decorate your dining nearly as liberally as you will when considering your Christmas living room decor. After all, the main event of Christmas dinner takes place here, so it needs to look good. That said, practicalities need to be taken into account. Christmas trees are lovely if there is space, but really work out if people can move around easily to get to their seats or leave the room. Similarly, layer up the table, but only once you’ve worked out how much space you need for your serving plates and platters.

How do you set up a Christmas dinner table?

Set up a Christmas dinner table as you would for any other large formal dining event in your home. All the key place setting elements must be there – place mats, coasters, cutlery, water jugs, candles and so on. To add that festive touch, a pretty Christmas centrepiece or garland harks nicely to the season. Similarly, place a small present, candy cane or personalised bauble at each place setting.

The post Christmas dining room ideas to create the perfect backdrop for festive dinners appeared first on Ideal Home.

The table is where one of the biggest events of the festivities comes into play, so make sure yours is looking the part. From elegant place settings to all-out party Christmas table decoration ideas, there’s a style to suit every home for the holidays.

Get ready to welcome friends and family in this year and display all of your fabulous Christmas ideas – just be prepared for the food to take second place.

Christmas table decoration ideas

‘Tablescaping is a great way to express your personality and inject individuality into the home at Christmas,’ says Rosie Ward, Creative Director at Ward & Co. ‘This year, many of us are hoping to go big with our festive scenery, pulling out all the stops as we finally get to enjoy time together and celebrate around the table.’

1. Add a personalised touch

Image credit: Future PLC

We’re all used to place settings at formal gatherings, but make sure you enhance the sense of occasion by including them at your Christmas table. If you’re having drinks before dinner, or will be moving to another room after eating, then consider attaching the name tags to ribbons.

These tags can be quickly and easily handmade in line with your Christmas dining room ideas design. Once your guests have been seated, encourage them to tie the ribbon around the base of their glass as a helpful way to identify glassware as people start to move around the home.

2. Make impact with simplicity

Image credit: Neptune

Berries and pomegranate brighten a simple table setting. Use clementines and physalis if you prefer zesty orange tones. These fruits will add impact to plain white china and neutral table linens.

Fruits and berries make a wonderful addition to any other rustic Christmas decorating ideas which you may be using.

3. Use festive flatware

Image credit: George Home

Layer Christmas-themes crockery for each place setting – a festive jumper-style snowflake design will never date! Team these with tartan placemats and crisp white table linen, both of which you can continue using well after the festivities are over.

To add a touch of texture and personality, make sure you think about coasters and placemats just as you do the crockery and glassware.

4. Combine flames with fresh produce

Image credit: Future PLC’Let there be light!,’ say the teams at Nyetimber and Lay London. ‘A simple way to elevate the table at home is with glowing candles or lanterns. Tall, glowing dinner candles in varying heights on the table adds a party mood. A colour-combo of candles can look sumptuous and liven up a simpler setting.’

Similarly, the flowers and foliage you choose can have a real impact. ‘Flowers make the table sing. These could be sprawling, banquet-like vines, or vases of blossomy hydrangeas in snow white. By picking out colours in the tableware for the florals, it really brings the scheme together. A quick cheat is having bowls of pomegranates or clementines on the table, for pops of bright colour.’

5 Choose an Art-Deco style

Image credit: Future PLC

The Art Deco look brings glamour to seasonal styling. Think flapper feathers and bugle beads, soft velvet ribbons and cool Jazz Age patterns, brimming with holiday spirit.

‘A dramatic blue tablescape is perfect for those that dine on Christmas evening, or could also work well for a New Year’s Eve party,’ adds Rosie Ward.

6. Go greener

Image credit: Toast

Presents are always a lovey touch to bring to a Christmas table but now, more than ever, it’s time to look at more eco-friendly ideas.

‘I like to bring warmth to the table with a Furoshiki table gift at each placing, which are the perfect alternative to crackers and can be re-used infinite times, making them a more sustainable option,’ says Judith Harris, Head of House & Home at TOAST.

‘Never underestimate the excitement of leaving little keepsakes for guests on the table,’ say the teams at Nyetimer and Lay London. ‘As it’s the festive season, you might add velvet bow napkin ties, candy-stripe bags of humbugs or ribbon-tied baubles at each place. No matter how small, guests will feel gleeful at their surprise, festive token.’

7. Make it work harder

Image credit: Marks & Spencer

If you’re decorating your table for Christmas, then it seems rather a shame to only use it for the one meal. Of course, many people adapt it slightly to use for a New Year’s setting, but that’s not all you can do.

Bring a true sense of occasion to your home, and add something extra to your Christmas countdown by setting the dining table for a festive breakfast, too. Some themed crockery can take the place of any more impressive or delicate centrepiece you’re bringing in the main event. Keep things simple so it’s easy to switch out when it’s time to prep for turkey time.

8. Welcome the outside in

Image credit: Dan Duchars

Bring a hint of greenery to the table. More than ever we’re looking for ways to connect with nature. Create a Christmas scene of natural joy, filled with gathered greenery made into beautiful arrangements along the dinner table.

String clustered bundles of sweetly scented herbs and foliage above the table using garden twine, that can scale the full length of the table to add both decoration and scent. Uses potted plants and thoughtfully placed sprigs on place settings to tie in further elements of nature at the table.

9. Set the tone with a muted palette

Image credit: Dan Duchars

Style a table filled with foliage and earthy toned textures to create a welcoming grounded essence to your festive celebrations. A muted colour palette helps to avoid overwhelming the scene, providing an understated elegant decorating scheme. Lay the table with considered crockery and glassware, interspersed with draped and potted festive foliage, buds and sprigs. Simple, sophisticated and stylish.

10. Decorate with warm and inviting shades

Image credit: Max Attenborough

Draw guests to the table with an alluring pull of festive shades. Get in the mood for entertaining with a dining room decorated in rich mulberry, gold and spice colours to conjure up the essence and spirit of Christmas.

Dress the table with simple dinnerware and create a runner of foliage down the middle to add a comforting touch of nature.

11. Make your own crackers

A little goes a long way when it come to decorating the Christmas table. This year why not make your own crackers? To save on budget and waste, because both are much-needed at this time of the year. Plus, who doesn’t love having a go at Christmas craft ideas? Aside from the bang of pulling a cracker, there’s nothing you’ll miss from making your own.

Simply place a treat inside a cardboard roll, wrap crepe paper or even fabric scraps around, then tie the ends with ribbon. You could even write your own jokes for inside, simply ask Google for the best cracker jokes.

12. Set up a drinks station

Image credit: Max Attenborough

Whatever the situation is for Christmas this year, one thing’s for sure…drinks will be required. Whether a Zoom celebration or a small number gathered still go all out and set up a dedicated drinks station.

Concoct classic cocktails with the help of a stylish home bar. Blend cocktails beautifully in delicate glass beakers with the aid of a handy mixologist set. Your Christmas party ideas have only just begun…

13. Welcome nature to the table

Image credit: Max Attenborough

Embrace the beauty of nature, beyond that of foliage and fresh flowers. Plump for seasonal fruits to help add a touch of colour to place settings.

With so many colours derived from nature, it’s a fabulous way to tie in all the accent colours that may already be present around the table, from textiles to stoneware. Plus a simple staged fruit for place settings is far more cost-effective than many other alternatives.

14. Add finesse with statement foliage

TI Media

Don’t underestimate the power of flowers, and they don’t have to be overly festive to still make the right impression. We’ve opted for beautiful hydrangea blooms to make a bold centrepiece that isn’t particularly festive, and yet it works. Whatever foliage you favour keep it in the same colour palette as your decorating scheme to tie it in seamlessly.

Sprigs of the same flowers are intertwined into the tree and on the metal wreath to create a co-ordinated look.

15. Enhance with reflective materials

Image credit: Maxwell Attenborough

Choose vessels that enhance your chosen foliage. Here warm sprigs of orange, yellow and pink flowers are off-set by a simple brass vase – adding a simple touch of glam to the table. While metallics also help to pick up light, reflecting a warming ambience around the surrounding table. so simple, yet so effective.

‘When it comes to creating your arrangement, remember not to add too much height and therefore block your guests’ views,’ says Ming Veevers Carter, Founder, Veevers Carter. ‘When organising your arrangement, sit down in a chair so you can see clearly and gauge the right height.’

16. Dot homemade candle bowls around the table

Image credit: Dan Duchars

Create your own festive lighting with candle bowls. Half fill a footed glass bowl with water and add floating candles. Place in a shallow glass dish and arrange sprigs of rosemary, snowberries and larch cones to create a woodland centrepiece.

17. Adorn the table with homemade mini trees

Image credit: Ti Media

Make a thoroughly festive statement by adorning the table with mini trees on place settings. You can cheat this effect by making homemade mini trees.

Simply take cuttings of branches from a real fir tree, and placing it in a tea light votive. If you have a real tree as your main tree you can easily snip branches from the back, they won’t be missed.  Add a further touch of personality by dressing the ‘trees’ with mini baubles.

18. Look to the north for decor inspiration

Image credit: Paul Raeside

Use cool wintery colours and icy glassware for a relaxed Scandi-style Christmas table. Stack white and smoky grey plates topped with gorgeous glass bell jars filled with treats or rustic star-shaped decorations, alternating the two colours around the table.

For informal dining and a pared-back look, eschew a tablecloth in favour of a rustic linen table runner and matching napkins in a textured taupe. Finish the scheme with frosted glasses wreathed in eucalyptus, foraged berries and woodland finds.

19. Keep it classic with country style

Image credit: David Brittain

Mix traditionally festive colours of red and green with cute country-style touches for a warm Christmas look. Start by dressing the table in tartan and plain tablecloths for colour and texture. Add natural rush placemats, wood-handled cutlery and a mix of pretty candle holders for a natural theme and stack patterned plates with a contrasting colour to add interest.

Finally, create a name holder from threading nuts, herbs and berries into a garland and dress a cracker in an embroidered linen napkin.

20. Pick a traditional colour palette

Image credit: Simon Scarboro

Give your dining room Nordic charm with crisp stripes and checks in red and white. Add snow-white highlights with ceramics and candles. Bring it all together with the gleam of glass and silver, and scarlet-berried greenery. Use striped ribbon to tie decorations to guests’ chairs and dress the table with a red and white striped cloth.

Top sparkling silver place mats with gingham check napkins and go for white tableware with green and red decoration and cranberry-coloured glassware. Make it all shimmer and shine with plenty of candlelight.

21. Go for striking shades of blue

Image credit: Paul Raeside

Mix rose gold metallics and soft velvet in midnight jewel tones for an effortless yet luxe Christmas table setting. Inky indigo tableware contrasts perfectly with warm copper.

Choose a cutlery set with a streamlined minimal design to really show of the beauty of the burnished metal and match to a hammered-effect copper coaster and button details on the table runner.

22. Get creative with cookies

Image credit: Jan Baldwin

Create a charming Christmas table centrepiece with a playful biscuit tree. Here, elaborately iced festive treats are strung with ribbon and hung from the branches of a vintage metal stand – a mug tree or jewellery stand will serve just as well.

Wreath the base in fresh foliage and add a touch of sparkle with gold accents on champagne glass and a nut dish. It’s a lovely way to decorate your table between sit-down dinners.

23. Simply set the scene with white and foliage

Image credit: Robert Welch

For any Christmas table, a smart white backdrop will give the room a real sense of occasion and sophistication. Ensuring your staple table elements are pristine gives you a perfect base to build upon. A neutral base also ensures that key dining elements, such as cutlery place settings and serveware are highlighted within the scheme.

Flowers, foliage and candles in complementary colours will help to create an eye-catching centrepiece, and really bring a sense of the season indoors, without being obtrusive.

Faux options can be just as stunning as fresh foliage and also allow you to enjoy the decorations for longer. Try pairing the soft green tones of faux eucalyptus intertwined with dark berries, thistles and subtle fairy lights.

24. Warm your cockles

Image credit: David Brittain

Celebrate the completion of a bracing winter walk with a hot drinks table set up outside. A batch of hot toddy adds a deep ruby glow to the table, labelled with the tempting ‘Alice in Wonderland’ invitation. Keep some extra boiling water in a cheering thermos for top ups and pile up the fruit and nuts for a quick pick-me-up before supper.

Decorate the table with fresh fruit, foliage and feathers for a hint of rustic country charm.

25. Embrace Victoriana

Image credit: Jan Baldwin

Go all out and create a dessert side table laden with sweet treats and spicy mulled wine in homage to the great Victorian Christmas tradition. To set the scene in a neutral dining room, create a festive focal point with a homemade garland of pecan nuts and an oversized bauble.

Add a miniature tree, decorated in the same nut brown colours to one end of the table and choose vintage inspired tableware to complete the look.

26. Give a nod to Narnia

Image credit: Paul Raeside

Be inspired by the majesty of a winter snowscape with a white and silver Christmas table scheme. Create Narnia-inspired centrepieces with glass hurricane lanterns, miniature fir trees and heaps of fake snow.

Play with scale by filling different sizes and create a tangle of silver winterberries down the centre of the table. Finish the look with frosted glass and grey candlesticks dotted around.

27. Go dark and dramatic

Image credit: Paul Raeside

Make the most of a dark stone table top to create a striking monochrome scheme with blush accents. Mix black and white patterned plates with marble serving platters and a soft grey charger plate to add to the contrasting tones. Choose modern amber glassware in a simple design, shell pink napkins and copper touches for a luxurious twinkle.

A small wrapped gift makes a thoughtful name setting and finishes the look.

How do you lay a table for Christmas?

Interior designer and influencer, Louise Roe, lets us in on her step-by-step guide.

1.Use one item to kick-start an idea – Whether that’s an old candlestick, some bright wine glasses, or even a vintage gravy boat! It’s a great way to build a theme

2. Think about the table in layers – I like to start with the tablecloth, then add the plates and glasses, and finally the flowers.

3. Get personal – Custom, bespoke pieces on a tabletop really make a meal extra special. Having a family member’s name engraved, or a special phrase or message, is such a beautiful touch when hosting.

4.Think outside the box – don’t just shop in the tabletop section, but decorations and toys work too. I stole a few of my daughter’s wooden Nutcracker soldiers to add to each place setting last Christmas! Baubles dotted around the centre of the table look fabulous too.

5. Don’t hide the napkins – Be creative with how you show them off – fold them on top of the plate, inside the glass, or tie a little ribbon around them – that’s my favourite look.

6. Keep vases low – It’s important guests can see each other across the table, so cut flowers shorter. It actually looks best having colour lower to the table. I love a mix of jam jars and little coloured vases.

7. Make it seasonal, but with a twist – I love using colours from the time of year, but not making it too predictable. For example, one festive tabletop is a mix of tonal greens.

8. I’m a maximalist, so more is more – You really can’t go wrong, just have fun.

How do you make a Christmas tablescape?

‘Christmas tables should be joyful and fun, with a little glamour.,’ say the teams at Nyetimber and Lay London. ‘You can create an exciting colour scheme for the table beyond the classic ‘green and red’ and add a festive feel by mixing in golden tones and velvet textures. “Tablescaping” has become a widely known term and a popular trend, with creativity at the table flourishing thanks to everyone spending more time at home. Now that we can host loved ones once again, people are taking extra care over presentation for long-awaited moments shared with friends and family.’

What’s trending for Christmas this year?

One of the biggest looks of the year has to be the Scandi style. ‘Less is more – Scandi is the perfect theme for the low key host due to its limited colour palette and minimal accessories,’ says Rosie Ward. You can utilise items you likely already have in your cupboards and fill in the gaps with locally sourced or faux foliage. Festive greenery should be the star of the show. You can easily forage for sprigs in the garden, on a walk or use offcuts from the Christmas tree. Two or three shorter pieces can be arranged together down the centre of the table to create the look of one single garland, just make sure to hide any cut ends within the foliage.’

‘Pine cones make a lovely addition and can be nestled amongst the foliage to build volume and texture.
Think ‘hygge’ and fill your space with cosy light and earthy tones. A natural linen tablecloth can be layered with rattan placemats or charger plates and simple clear crystal wear. Intersperse cream or white candles amongst the foliage and consider using a mixture of taller candlesticks, tealights and chunky pillar candles to create drama and variety.’

The post Christmas table decoration ideas for a showstopper of a festive meal appeared first on Ideal Home.

With so much to think about in the run-up to Christmas, why make life more complicated with an overly-fussy table arrangement? Simple Christmas table decor ideas that are easy to put together will save you time and energy on the big day, so you can better enjoy the festivities with family and friends.

From easy to arrange table centrepiece ideas to simple place settings and chair decorations, there are lots of fuss-free tricks and Christmas table decoration ideas to make your dining room decor look extra special without taking too much time and effort.

Simple Christmas table decor ideas

‘Now that we can host loved ones once again, people are taking extra care over presentation for long-awaited moments shared with friends and family,’ say the expert tablescapers at Lay London.

‘Christmas tables should be joyful and fun, with a little glamour. And never underestimate the excitement of leaving little keepsakes for guests on the table. As it’s the festive season, you might add velvet bow napkin ties, candy-stripe bags of humbugs or ribbon-tied baubles at each place. No matter how small, guests will feel gleeful at their surprise, festive token.’

1. Create a relaxed, rustic setting

Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby

Go for a stylish but simple scheme by dressing up key basics that you already have. A classic linen-striped table runner feels suitably festive with the addition of jolly red charger plates at each setting. And adding sparkly red candles as part of the centrepiece ties the colour theme together.

While the Christmas table centrepiece looks striking, it’s actually super-easy to put together. Just cluster together a collection of candlesticks in assorted colours and sizes and stand them on a rustic, low-sided basket. Using a tray or basket allows the centrepiece to be lifted off the table more easily when space is needed for serving dishes.

2. Make an easy table centrepiece

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore

For a quick and easy table centrepiece, try using a simple door wreath, perhaps one that you have from a previous Christmas. It’s a great way of re-using decorations and is perfectly-sized if your dining table is on the small size. Just add a few extra sprigs of foliage or baubles if it needs sprucing up.

Position a couple of candles in the centre of your wreath, to give the display extra sparkle. For safety, make sure that the candles are at least 15-20cm above the foliage to avoid the materials catching fire. Alternatively, use LED candles that mimic the look of real – try Lights4fun for a selection.

3. Add a fruity, festive fragrance

Image credit: Tori Murphy

Make simple Christmas place settings look extra special with a few extra additions. Tie ticking-striped napkins with co-ordinating ribbon in plush velvet and set one at each place. Tuck in a sprig of fragrant rosemary, together with a cinnamon stick and slice of dried citrus fruit, that will add Christmas colour and a delicious aroma too.

Fill the centre of the table with platters of festive fruits, such as nectarines and satsumas, pomegranates and fresh figs. Add nuts, berries and dates, filling in any gaps with extra sprigs of foliage and greenery.

4. Fill the table with foraged fare

Image credit: The Cotswold Company

Create a Christmas flower arrangement idea for a tablescape display using foliage and greenery. It can be foraged from the garden or bought cheaply at a florist or garden centre. Go for lush ferns and trailing ivy to add colour, with sprigs of holly and mistletoe or festive spruce and eucalyptus.

A simple linen cloth make a lovely, natural backdrop that will set off greenery beautifully. Tablescapes need height, so add a couple of sturdy wooden candlesticks to create a central focal point. Next get your tableware in position, with mats, dinner plates and glasses at each setting. Then it’s just a matter of filling in with foliage, weaving greenery in and out so that it runs the length of the table.

5. Dress up plain white dinnerware

Image credit: B&Q

Make super-easy place settings by popping a posy of greenery on each dinner plate. Simple white dinnerware and napkins are great for everyday dining, but easy to dress up for occasions as white will go with pretty much any colour scheme.

Fold napkins into a neat rectangle, tucking over the edge to create a pocket. Tuck your cutlery inside – gold adds a touch of luxe – and then add a paper luggage tag so you can write your guest’s names on in a fancy font.

6. Make a simple centrepiece

Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Derby

Keep table decorations as quick and easy as possible, so you’ve more time to enjoy the festivities. Put together an easy centrepiece with a Scandi flavour. Fill a simple enamel pitcher or stoneware jug with armfuls of baby’s breath and berry-loaded foliage, then trim with mini decorations in matching red and white.

Swap fussy table linen and fiddly decorations in favour of a rustic wooden serving board positioned centrally on the table. It makes a great resting spot for dinnerware and glasses or for serving dishes and platters when the festive fare is handed around.

7. Keep it casual for Christmas lunch

Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Derby

More guests around the dinner table, means that extra chairs from around the house come into play. Make seats more comfortable by adding cushions, seat pads and a couple of cosy throws. Go for mix and match fabrics in a cheery colour that will tie your festive colour scheme together.

Decorate the backs of chairs by tying on sprigs of berries and fir, with a length of ribbon or twine. Decorate with mini baubles or tree ornaments and add gift tags with guests names stamped onto them.

8. Double-up with festive tableware

Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Derby

Make everyday dinnerware go further when you have extra guests over at Christmas. Combine plain white china with a bright colour or set of festive-patterned tableware, for a jolly mix and match feel that will give you double the amount of crockery.

Pop a mini gift for your guests at each place setting for a special start to the meal. Wrap in co-ordinating giftwrap and tie with satin ribbon with a berry sprig topper as a pretty finishing touch.

9. Give a neutral scheme subtle sparkle

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

If traditional reds and greens aren’t your style, opt for soft gold and white to give a neutral dining scheme a little extra sparkle. Burnished golds and frosted finishes create more of a subtle shimmer and soft sheen that isn’t as harsh as polished surfaces and high-shine metallics.

Decorate the table with mercury glass votives and tall gold candlesticks that will create a soft and cosy glow after dark. Keep to frosted foliage, soft-sheen eucalyptus and snow-tipped fir trees decked with twinkling fairylights. Warm white bulbs like these are easier on the eyes than cool white bulbs.

10. Pretty-up place settings with winter florals

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Make simple but extra-special place settings by adding winter foliage to decorate the table. Spray a couple of small terracotta planters gold and fill with mini potted snowdrops or white cyclamen, standing one planter at each setting.

Layer up dinnerware in a stack at each place and pop a white linen napkin on top, adding a stem of gypsophila to decorate. Tie with a paper parcel label around each inscribed with your guest’s name in gold pen.

11. Create a sparkly hanging centrepiece

Image credit: Next

Leave more space for festive fare by opting for an overhead centrepiece rather than a tabletop arrangement. Use a large branch or wooden pole that stretches the full length of your table and suspend it from the ceiling on sturdy hooks.

Decorate your branch with battery-operated fairy lights so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to plug them in. Decorating with Christmas lights is the perfect way to add festive sparkle.

Finish off by festooning it with a garland of greenery, coiling it around to create a swagged effect and then hanging on a few more lightweight decorations here and there.

12. Line the table with a garland

Image credit: Layered Lounge

Scale back the decorations for a super-simple look that still looks ultra chic. Mix evergreen fir with rustic linens, white stoneware and pale wood for a scheme that goes together naturally.

In place of a table centrepiece, use a long garland of greenery, either real or faux running the length of the table. Add height to your arrangement with a row of shiny brass candlesticks nestled in amongst the foliage.

Use a mix of tall and short sizes for variation, with simple white dinner candles to echo the simple scheme. Finish off with a few wooden bead strings and paper snow flakes dotted along the table.

13. Choose a relaxed colour theme

Image credit: Maisons du Monde

Make your festive decorations a continuation of your existing colour scheme. Dress up natural wood and sage green by bringing in garlands of shimmering eucalyptus and accents of taupe and bronze on the dining table to add sparkle and shine.

Keep the look relaxed and informal with mismatched dining chairs in natural wood and green paintwork, with a country-style cloth to cover the table. Make garlands twinkle by weaving in strings of fairy lights to take your dining scheme from daytime to night.

14. Swag chairs with greenery

Image credit: Future PLC

It’s the simple finishing touches that make any Christmas scheme look special. With chair backs facing guests as they enter the Christmas dining room decor, why not dress them up so that they look prettier, in colours to complement your table scheme.

Loop swags of greenery over the backs, off-cuts of spruce from the Christmas tree are ideal, tied with satin ribbon and a couple of sparkly baubles.

15. Set up a festive tabletop scene

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Make a simple snow globe centrepiece to decorate the dining table. A glass domed cake stand is ideal or try a couple of large glass bell jars if you don’t have one to hand. Spread a layer of salt or fake snow over the base of your stand to create a frosty backdrop, then arrange a collection of mini light-up houses on top to create a winter wonderland effect.

Use battery-operated tea lights inside the houses to light your display up after dark.

How do you decorate a simple Christmas table?

Think about how you’d like your Christmas table to look first. Whether it’s traditional red and green with lashings of holly and berries, or a white and silver winter wonderland with frosted baubles and candlelight. To keep things simple and save time, choose a colour theme that suits the decor that you already have, so you’ll have plenty of decorations and trimmings that you can grab to dress up the table.

Simple centrepieces are an easy way of adding a decorative finishing touch to your table. Display some of your favourite baubles and decorations in a bowl or on a cake stand to add height to the arrangement. Or fill the centre of your table with an array of pillar candles, arranged on a wooden serving board with a couple of sprigs of holly and berries dotted here and there to add colour.

How do you set a Christmas table?

Start with a tablecloth. While you may not use them for everyday meals, they’re a good idea for Christmas lunch as they’ll protect the table from hot serving dishes and spills. A plain white sheet makes an inexpensive alternative if you don’t have a cloth that’s large enough for Christmas festivities. Dress it up with a length of wintry wallpaper or festive wrapping paper along the middle as a runner. Then add colourful place mats, festive dinnerware and glasses to dress it up.

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