How to Create a Stunning Christmas Tablescape (The Yvonne Ellen Step-by-Step Guide)
Creating a beautiful Christmas tablescape doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few simple ideas and a bit of styling, you can turn your table into something really special for the festive season. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or keeping things low-key, these Christmas tablescape ideas will help you create a cosy, stylish setup that feels effortlessly put together.
1. Choose a Colour Palette That Sets the Mood
It’s much easier to style your table once you’ve picked a colour theme. You don’t need anything fancy, just two or three colours that work well together.
Here are a few options:
✨ Classic red & gold
A timeless Christmas combo that always feels warm and festive.
🌿 Green & natural tones
Perfect if you love a calm, earthy look with a Scandi twist.
💗 Pastels
Soft pinks, mint and cream give a fresh, modern feel.
🖤 Black, white & gold
Sleek and contemporary, ideal if you like things bold but minimal.
Once you’ve chosen your palette, weave those colours through your plates, napkins, candles and decorations.
2. Layer Your Plates for Instant Style
Layering plates is one of the easiest ways to make your table look more considered.
A simple setup:
Start with a charger or placemat
Add your dinner plate
Top with a side plate or bowl
Finish with a small detail like a name card, a a bauble, a sprig of greenery or a cute Christmas cracker
This adds depth, texture and gives your table a little “wow” moment without much effort.
3. Mix & Match Patterns (It Always Looks Good)
Christmas is the perfect time to play with patterns. Mixing designs brings personality to your table and keeps things from looking too uniform.
A few tips:
Stick to your colour palette so everything feels cohesive
Pair bold patterns with softer ones for balance
Repeat small details, like gold rims or similar shapes, to tie everything together
Break up patterns with plain napkins or simple glassware
This approach works especially well if you already have a mix of quirky or illustrated pieces — the contrast creates a really fun, festive look.
4. Add Candles & Napkins to Create Atmosphere
It’s amazing what a few candles and nicely styled napkins can do for your table.
Candles
Mix different heights — tall tapers, chunky pillars and little tealights — and spread them down the centre of the table. It instantly feels cosier and more festive.
Napkins
Try linen or textured fabrics for a softer look. You can tuck a napkin under a side plate, tie it with twine, or add a sprig of eucalyptus for a simple, elegant touch.
5. Build a Centrepiece That Pulls Everything Together
Your centrepiece doesn’t have to be elaborate. A few well-chosen elements can make a big impact.
Ideas to try:
A garland of greenery with fairy lights woven through
A cluster of candles in different styles
A tray filled with baubles, ornaments and little decorations
Mini Christmas trees for height and interest
An xmas themed dish!
Aim for something low enough that people can still chat across the table.
6. Add Small Personal Touches
Little details can make your table feel extra thoughtful:
Name cards
Mini gifts at each place
Coasters that match your theme
Handwritten menus
Matching crackers
These additions help your table feel warm and inviting without much extra work.
Final Thoughts
A beautiful Christmas tablescape doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you’ve chosen your colours, layered your plates, mixed in some patterns and added candles, the table starts to come alive. From there, it’s just about adding a few personal touches to make it feel special.
Keep it relaxed, use what you love and have fun with it!