Elevate your holiday table with luxury place settings, elegant runners, rustic centerpieces and more.
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Sometimes it seems like holiday decorating never ends — of course, you'll need to deck out the Christmas tree, fireplace mantel and the front door in time for Santa to arrive. But as we prepare for a delicious Christmas dinner shared among family and friends, the dining room table requires your attention. Festive centerpieces, place cards, table settings and flower arrangements all play a role in crafting a dreamy tablescape. To help you find inspiration, we've rounded up the best Christmas table decorations of 2023 that are guaranteed to strike up conversation among your guests.
Whether your holiday decorating style strays more minimal, modern, contemporary or eclectic, we've got you covered. Keep it classic with fresh green table garlands, solid Christmas tablecloths and luxury dinnerware. Go for a maximalist approach with a faux fur table runner, stylish ornaments and colorful bottle brush trees arranged into a Christmas village. Embrace a natural style by turning pine sprigs and eucalyptus bouquets into tabletop decor and DIY Christmas wreaths into centerpieces.
For a touch of whimsy, scatter adorable reindeer figures, adorn dinner napkins with mini bells and string ornaments from the ceiling. The best part? While we suggest some of the best Christmas decorations you can buy, many of these table decorating ideas involve easy upcycling ideas and getting creative with Christmas crafts — perfect for anyone hunting for cheap Christmas decorating ideas.
1
Ribbon Tied Silverware
In a pinch, an elegant ribbon can give candles, stemmed glassware and silverware a festive look. Choose a silky ribbon in a jewel-toned hue or keep it traditional with red, green or gold.
2
Layers of Pattern
From the nature-inspired table cloth, paisley napkins tied with a red velvet ribbon to the blooming floral centerpiece, interior designer Erin Gates fills this table setting with pattern and color.
3
Upcycled Bottle Candle Holders
Craft elegant centerpieces using glass bottles (hint: wine or beverage bottles work well). After removing the labels and cleaning the bottles, place evergreens into bottles and fill with water. Feel free to add a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color! Rub sticky candle wax to the bottom of a taper candle and place in the bottle opening. Don't forget to replace the water every few days to keep the greens fresh.
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4
Evergreen Cuttings
Take note from PURE Design and put fresh green sprigs on display in a large glass vase. What's more? Fill a nearby bowl with pinecones to further the rustic aesthetic.
5
White and Blue
From napkins and table runners to dishes and vases, stick to a simple color palette of white and blue. But, don't miss the chance to layer in a few gold accents (note the vintage-inspired candlesticks).
6
Rosemary Candle Centerpiece
Recreate this gorgeous centerpiece with only a few supplies: candles, fresh rosemary stems, ribbon, a few rubber bands and real or faux cranberries to decorate the base. Hint: this blogger uses a flameless candle hack.
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7
Christmas Table Wreath
Rather than hanging your holiday wreath, turn it into a festive centerpiece by securing a few candle wood cups to a wreath form. Of course, you'll need plenty of greenery and a few tapered candles to bring the look together.
8
Christmas Tree Napkin
From the moment your dinner guests spot this origami-inspired place setting, it'll be all they can talk about. To recreate this look, fold a square dinner napkin (we used a green fringe napkin) and decorate it with mini baubles.
9
Icy Blues and Metallics
Here, light blue and sparkly silver ornaments are scattered across a white faux fur table runner, and large deers are placed throughout. As for the place setting, striped dinner plates are paired with solid white salad plates that are then topped with cookie cutters and a sprig of bayberry.
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10
Handmade Candlesticks
Inspired by old-fashioned charm, this blogger creates a centerpiece comprised of a fresh wreath and bowl of oranges, then sprinkles dehydrated orange slices and paper stars around the table. But the star of the show? The homemade beeswax candles that look drippy and more beautiful as they burn.
11
Furoshiki Gift Wrap
Not only does this elegant bowknot make a striking place setting, but it's the perfect way to surprise dinner guests with a small gift. The Japanese wrapping technique is easier than it looks — you'll only need a standard 20" cloth napkin, plus a few faux cranberry sprigs for decor.
12
Plaid Details
Don't be afraid to mix a variety of plaid prints, from buffalo check to tartan. To give your plaid napkins an even more rustic touch, add an evergreen sprig and cinnamon stick.
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13
Trash-to-Treasure Pears
Before you throw out your old lightbulbs, we've got a genius way to upcycle them into sophisticated holiday decor. Start by adding a dot of hot glue to the large side of the light bulb and start coiling twine around bulb (we love sage green and metallic gold twine). Keep adding glue as you go. At the end, add a twig to create a stem and stick on a paper leaf.
14
Mini Christmas Trees
Line a table runner with small Christmas trees in a variety of colors, as interior designer Kate Lester does her. To create a textured look, use a mix of paper, wooden and bottle brush trees.
15
Gold Leafs
Disperse shimmery faux leaves covered in gold foil around the dining table to add a touch of glam. And, you can add gold leaf to almost anything — just make sure you're starting with a dust-free surface. Cover the area in adhesive using a paint brush. Place a sheet of gold leaf onto the painted surface, smoothly it lightly with your hands and using a soft-bristle brush to sweep the area in circular motions. Allow it to dry for a few hours, then paint a smooth thin layer of sealer on top.
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16
Holiday Shakers
If you love nothing more than a good holiday shaker, this easy craft idea is for you. Fill basic salt and pepper shakers with everything from mini trees to reindeer to add a festive touch to your table.
17
Eight-Pointed Star Napkin
Turn any standard 20" napkin into a clever star shape to instantly elevate your table setting. Don't worry: Even beginners are welcome to try this one.
18
Touches of Greenery
Elevate your wood dining set with fresh greenery, taper candles and ceramic village tealight holders in time for the holidays, like Emily Henderson does in this elegant interior.
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19
Crafty Leaf Garland
To express your creativity, make your own leaf garland out of green craft paper. Add red jingle bells to finish the festive look.
20
Cookie Cutter Napkin Rings
Simple yet sophisticated, these star-shape cookie cutters make beautiful napkin holders. Added bonus: You can let your guests take the Christmas cutters home as a small gift.
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