What makes a good Christmas centerpiece? A good Christmas centerpiece is low enough to talk over (under about 12–14 inches, or tall and slim enough to see past), about one third of the table's length, and built from three layers: a base such as a table runner, tray or dough bowl; greenery such as pine branches, cedar or eucalyptus; and light from candles or tea lights. Add one accent such as ornaments, pinecones, red berries or cranberries, and keep it in the same colors as the rest of your holiday decor.
Below: 25 Christmas centerpiece ideas, from five-minute arrangements to DIY Christmas centerpiece projects, plus sizing rules for your dining table, how to style the rest of the Christmas table, and answers to common questions.
Christmas Centerpiece Size Guide
| Table | Centerpiece size | Good shapes |
|---|---|---|
| Round, 36–48 in | About 12–16 in across, under 12 in tall | Wreath with a candle, bowl, cake stand |
| Rectangular, 60–72 in (seats 6) | About 20–24 in long, or a runner arrangement | Dough bowl, tray, low garland |
| Rectangular, 84–96 in (seats 8+) | About 28–32 in long, or three small arrangements | Garland runner with candles, trio of vases |
| Kitchen island or buffet | Can be taller; nobody sits across it | Tall branches, tiered stand, lanterns |
Leave at least 12 inches of clear table in front of each place setting for plates and glasses, and keep candles away from where guests pass dishes. See our dining room ideas for table sizing.
Easy Christmas Centerpiece Ideas (Under 15 Minutes)
- Ornaments in a glass bowl. Fill a clear bowl or hurricane with silver ornaments or baubles in two colors. Easy, cheap and festive.
- Cranberries and floating candles. Fill glass cylinders with water and fresh cranberries, then float a tea light on top.
- Pinecones in a dough bowl. Fill a wooden dough bowl with pine cones, faux pine branches and a few red berries; it's a wonderful way to use what you already have.
- Candles on a tray. Group three pillar candles of different heights on a tray and surround them with greenery.
- Bottle-brush trees. Line up small trees down the center of the table, with a ribbon or runner underneath.
- Cake stand display. Stack ornaments, pinecones and a mini tree on a cake stand for height on a small table.
- Clipped greenery. Lay cuttings from the Christmas tree straight down the table runner; add tea lights in glass holders.
Natural and Rustic Christmas Centerpieces
- Fresh greens runner. Cedar, pine and eucalyptus laid along the table with brass candlesticks. Natural elements smell wonderful and last about a week.
- Magnolia and candles. Glossy magnolia leaves with ivory tapers; a classic Southern holiday centerpiece.
- Dried orange slices and cinnamon. Scatter them through greenery for color and scent.
- Birch logs with candles. A split birch log drilled for tea lights.
- Pomegranates and pears. Fruit in a wooden bowl with pine branches; you can eat it afterward.
- Mason jars. Mason jars with greenery, berries and a tea light; perfect for a farmhouse table.
Elegant Christmas Table Centerpieces
- Candelabra and greenery. A brass or silver candelabra wrapped in garland at the center of a long table.
- White Christmas. White roses, white amaryllis or flocked branches with silver ornaments and white lights.
- Red roses and berries. A low arrangement of red roses, red berries and evergreen in a silver bowl.
- Mercury glass trio. Three mercury glass vases or trees in different heights.
- Gold and green. Gold candle holders, gold ornaments and dark green velvet ribbon on a neutral runner.
- Amaryllis or paperwhites. Potted bulbs in a low bowl, topped with moss; they bloom through the holiday season.
DIY Christmas Centerpiece Projects
- Advent wreath. A wreath ring with four candle holders; light one candle each Sunday before Christmas.
- Pinecone tree. Glue pinecones to a foam cone, then spray the tips white for a snowy look.
- Lantern with a scene. Fill a lantern with faux snow, a mini tree and a figurine.
- Candy cane vase. Glue candy canes around a glass cylinder, tie with a ribbon and fill with red flowers.
- Snowflakes and blue. Paper or glass snowflakes with blue and silver ornaments on a white runner for a wintry, gorgeous table.
- Gingerbread village. A row of gingerbread houses on a runner of faux snow; a fun project for kids.
- Tiered tray. Fill a two-tier tray with small ornaments, greenery, a mini sign and a candle; it also works on a kitchen island.
How to Decorate the Rest of the Christmas Table
The centerpiece is the focal point, but the whole holiday table should feel finished. These tabletop basics work on any dinner table.
Start with a base
A table runner, a tablecloth or bare wood all work. A beautiful dining table such as the Black Walnut Solid Wood Dining Table or the Wave Edge Solid Wood Dining Table can go without a cloth; use a runner and placemats to protect the finish. See how to protect a wood dining table.
Set the places
Layer a charger, dinner plate and napkin at each seat, and add a small touch such as a sprig of rosemary, a name card, an ornament or a tiny wrapped gift. Keep place settings simple when the centerpiece is busy, and vice versa.
Light it
Candles are the easiest way to make a Christmas dinner feel special. Use unscented candles at the table so they don't compete with the food, and dim the overhead lights.
Tie it to the room
Repeat the colors of your tree and mantel on the table so the holiday decor feels connected. See Christmas mantel decor and Christmas decorating ideas.
Christmas Centerpiece Mistakes to Avoid
- Too tall: guests can't see each other. Keep it under about 12–14 inches or use slim stems.
- Too big: there's no room for serving dishes. Measure the table first.
- Scented candles: they clash with dinner.
- Loose glitter or flocking: it ends up on the food.
- Open flames near greenery: use glass holders or LED candles.
Christmas Centerpiece FAQ
What is a good centerpiece for a Christmas table?
A low arrangement of greenery with candles is the most versatile. Add ornaments, pinecones or red berries for color.
What are some easy centerpiece ideas for Christmas?
Ornaments in a glass bowl, cranberries with floating candles, pinecones in a dough bowl, or three pillar candles on a tray with greenery.
What are some easy DIY centerpieces for a Christmas table?
An advent wreath, a pinecone tree, a lantern with a winter scene, a candy cane vase or a tiered tray.
How tall should a Christmas centerpiece be?
Under about 12–14 inches so guests can see each other, or a slim, tall arrangement above eye level.
How do you decorate a table for Christmas?
Start with a runner or tablecloth, place a low centerpiece in the middle, add candles, set each place with layered plates and a napkin, and repeat the colors of your other holiday decorations.
How far in advance can you make a fresh Christmas centerpiece?
Two or three days for fresh greenery if you mist it and keep it cool. Faux arrangements can be made weeks ahead.
Related: Thanksgiving table decor · Christmas mantel decor · New Year's Eve party decorations · Dining room ideas
Related: see our Christmas dining room decor ideas, Christmas kitchen decor ideas, guide to hosting Christmas dinner, and guide to setting a table.