How do you decorate a dining room for Christmas? Start with the table: choose a color palette, add a runner or tablecloth, build a low centerpiece of greenery and candles, then finish each place setting with a napkin and a small personal touch. Beyond the table, add garland to a sideboard or hutch, hang a wreath on the wall or mirror, and dim the lights for candlelight.
Christmas dining room decor has one job during the holiday season: to make the meal feel special while leaving enough room for the food. These ideas cover Christmas table settings, centerpieces and the rest of the room, whether you're hosting ten or setting a quiet table for four.
How to Set a Christmas Table Step by Step
Work from the table up. This order keeps decorating simple.
- Pick a palette. Two or three colors keep Christmas table decorations from looking busy. Try deep green and cream, burgundy and gold, or blue and white.
- Choose your base layer. Tablecloths and table runners both work, or you can use just the bare wood. A beautiful dining table doesn't need covering.
- Build the centerpiece. Keep it low so guests can see each other.
- Set the places. Add plates, flatware, glasses and napkins.
- Add finishing touches. Place cards, ornaments or small sprigs of greenery.
- Test it. Sit down in a chair. If you can't see across the table, lower the centerpiece.
Christmas Table Decor Ideas
1. Let the wood show
Skip the tablecloth and use a natural touch instead. A runner of fresh greenery straight down a wood table looks elegant and costs very little. Protect the surface with a thin liner under fresh stems, and use placemats and trivets under hot dishes.
2. A long garland centerpiece
Garland suits long tables far better than a single arrangement. On a large table such as the Oval-End Grand Dining Table, which is 90.6" long, run it down the center with candles and pine cones, leaving gaps for serving dishes. For more options, see our Christmas centerpiece ideas.
3. Candlelight in groups
Nothing sets the mood like candlelight. Group tapers of different heights in brass or glass holders, or use flameless versions near greenery. Keep lit candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, and never leave them unattended.
4. Plates framed by greenery
Set a small wreath or a ring of eucalyptus under each plate. It's a magical centerpiece idea on a small scale, and it works when the table is too narrow for anything in the middle.
5. Charger plates
Charger plates make any dishes feel more formal. Gold, wood or woven chargers all work with plain white plates you already own.
6. Blue and white
Blue and white china makes a fresh change from red and green. Add silver flatware and white flowers for a calm, classic holiday table.
7. Fruits and spices
Scatter pomegranates, pears and clementines along the table for a festive look. Fresh fruits add color and scent, and guests can eat them.
8. A floral centerpiece
White amaryllis, red roses or ranunculus in a low bowl offer an elegant alternative to greenery. Keep the scent light so it doesn't compete with the food.
Christmas Place Settings
The basic table setting is simple. From the bottom up, stack the charger, dinner plate and any salad plate or bowl. Forks go on the left. The knife and spoon go on the right, with the blade facing the plate. Glasses sit above the knife.
Then add a personal touch for a festive Christmas table:
- Tie a napkin with ribbon and a sprig of rosemary.
- Use an ornament as a place card, with each guest's name in paint pen. It doubles as a gift.
- Fold napkins into a simple tree shape.
- Add party crackers for a fun, British-style family tradition.
- Tie small wreaths or bows to chair backs.
Allow about 24 inches of table width per person so nobody bumps elbows. A table like the Wave Edge Solid Wood Dining Table seats 8 people, and our dining table collection has options for every group size.
Decorating the Rest of the Dining Room
Once the table is done, add a few touches around it so the whole room feels part of the season.
The sideboard
A sideboard is a natural spot for a garland, a pair of candlesticks and a small Christmas tree. It also frees up table space, since you can serve from it. The Travero Modern Buffet Sideboard has a warm travertine-look finish that suits winter greens and brass. See how to decorate a sideboard for layouts that work.
The hutch or china cabinet
Good dishes are decorations in themselves. Display your holiday plates and glassware behind glass, then drape greenery along the top of the cabinet. A large cabinet such as the Grand Framed-Glass Storage Hutch gives you shelves for display and drawers for table linens. Our guide on how to style a display cabinet has more ideas.
The chandelier
Hang ornaments from ribbon at different lengths, or weave in a little greenery. Keep everything away from hot bulbs, and use a dimmer if you have one.
The walls and windows
Hang a wreath on a mirror or over a piece of art, and add a simple garland to the window. A small Christmas tree in a corner can look wonderful if there's still room to pull out the chairs. Allow about 36 inches between the table and the wall.
Christmas Dining Table Tips for Hosting
- Set the table the day before so you can focus on the food.
- Plan where hot dishes will go before you add decorations.
- If the meal is served family style, keep the centerpiece narrow.
- Use a tablecloth with about 8 to 12 inches of drop for a neat look.
- Choose unscented candles at the table.
- Keep extra napkins and serving spoons within reach.
Having guests over before the big day? Our Thanksgiving table decor guide has more hosting tips, and many of them carry straight over to Christmas.
Related: see our Christmas entryway decor ideas, dining room wall decor ideas, and guide to hosting Christmas dinner.
FAQ
How do I decorate my dining table for Christmas?
Choose two or three colors, add a runner or leave the wood bare, set a low centerpiece of greenery and candles, then dress each place with a napkin and a small detail.
What is a good centerpiece for a Christmas dining room table?
A long garland with candles is the most versatile. Low flowers in a bowl, a tray of ornaments or a line of small potted trees also work. Keep it below eye level.
What do I put in the middle of my dining table?
For everyday use, a bowl, a low vase or a runner is enough. For Christmas, greenery with candles, pine cones or fruit will fill the space well.
How do I set the perfect Christmas table?
Plan your palette, lay the base, build the centerpiece, then set each place. Sit in a chair to check sightlines, and leave space for serving dishes.
What are some good decorations for a Christmas dining room?
Garland on the sideboard, a wreath on a mirror, ornaments on the chandelier and displayed holiday dishes all work well without crowding the table.
Related: Christmas kitchen decor · Christmas decorating ideas · Dining room ideas · Christmas mantel decor