20 Christmas Table Decorations Perfect for the Holiday Season
Updated: Nov. 05, 2019Get in the holiday spirit with these stunning Christmas table decorations. We have ideas for every style and budget.
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Advent Calendars
No peeking! Make your advent calendar a focal point by displaying it on the table. We love the idea of little boxes representing each day leading up to Christmas. But a standalone piece (like this wooden sleigh) can be striking, too. Speaking of advent calendars, we’re a big fan of Aldi’s offerings this year!
Cookie Forest
You spent hours decorating your holiday cookies—so why not show them off? These 3-dimensional beauties make for a gorgeous (and edible!) centerpiece. Learn how to make the trees here.
Whimsical Teacups
If you’re a fan of fairy gardens, this seasonal project is for you. Simply fill a festive teacup with glass marbles, then decorate with faux moss or snow. Add some finishing touches—like teeny trees or a darling little house—and your pint-sized project is ready to take center stage on your holiday table.
Editor’s Tip: Pick up some teacups in the holiday or glassware section of your local thrift store. And while you’re there, keep an eye out for these can’t-pass-up items.
Cozy Candles
Add a little warmth (literally!) to your tablescape. Candles of varying heights not only make it easier for guests to see what they’re eating, but it also adds a soft, cozy glow to the atmosphere. For added flair, pick up some festive candle holders. We love these reindeer-shaped ones.
Floating Foliage
Fresh holiday greens aren’t limited to your Christmas tree! Float an array of seasonal items—like holly boughs, cranberries or colorful flowers—in a spherical vase. You could add a few floating candles, too.
Sleigh Bells Ring
They’re mentioned in almost every Christmas song, so you really can’t get more festive than jingle bells. Stack ’em up in clear containers. Or, use smaller bunches to accent your holiday dishes. Just remember—every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. (Love holiday movies? Check out these gifts inspired by the classics.)
Pretty Pinecones
For Christmas table decorations on the cheap, turn to pinecones. These spray-painted beauties look as though they came from a high-end home store, but you can make them with supplies from your own backyard. We painted ours with a cheery color that embodies the natural beauty of a Blues Spruce. You can make edible pinecones, too!
Hung from Above
When designing a Christmas centerpiece, think beyond the table’s space constraints. You can include decor on the wall, off to the side or even above the dining area. We love these ornaments strung from a sturdy branch—they add a height contrast that really takes this tablescape to another level.
Simple Santa Belt
Ho ho ho! Up your table game by embodying the big man himself! Use a red napkin tied off with black and gold ribbon (aka Santa’s “belt”) for a festive brunch or Christmas Eve dinner.
Rustic Elements
Natural accents never go out of style. Include earth tones, wooden accents and sprigs of pine for an easy yet elegant table.
Go Retro
If mom or grandma has a totally tubular collection of retro ornaments, put ’em on display! This genius idea comes together with a cake stand and a clear glass cloche. (Luckily you can buy vintage-inspired ornaments, too.)
Lovely Lanterns
Extend the life of your fall lanterns by giving them a holiday makeover. We love this little light that’s paired with sprigs of cranberry, ornaments and a festive deer friend. Stock up on lanterns of various sizes here.
Winter Whites
If you find holiday decor a tad tacky, reach for neutrals and metallics to decorate your holiday table. This look creates a winter wonderland by sticking to simple shades and decorations. Keep the theme going with these impressive menu ideas.
Paper Wreath
Whether you buy one at the store or make one out of paper, a wreath is a delightful addition to your table. Just stick a candle in the center and voila! Instantly festive. Whip up a wreath-shaped treat, too!
Effortless Elegance
Sometimes the simplest touches are the most elegant. For a truly rustic look, make mini wreaths out of rosemary and top with an anise seed. You could also add a few cranberries for a pop of color.
Home for the Holidays
We all know that there’s no place like home for the holidays, so it’s no surprise that tiny houses have served as holiday decor for years. Keep it simple with a piece made of wood, paper or ceramics. These beauties, for example, are perfect for the task.
Scented Cinnamon Sticks
Certain scents remind us of the season—and cinnamon is one of our favorites. Bring a sweet-spicy aroma to your table by decorating candles with cinnamon sticks, pinecones and other accents. While you’re at it, bake up some cinnamon treats, too.
Sweet Snow Globe
This isn’t one of those tacky snow globes you get at the airport. This beauty uses homemade gingerbread, white sugar and a big ol’ glass jar to transport you to a winter wonderland. Sweet! Get the full instructions here.
