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Best Christmas Table Decor Ideas: Tablescape Inspiration – 2020

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Inspiration For Your Christmas Dinner Table 2020: How To Make Your Table Look Amazing This Christmas

By now, you are probably knee-deep in Christmas shopping and all things festive. Lucky you!

I am having to fully embrace online shopping this year due to local restrictions (next year I promise there will be much more social media postings of me out and about, enjoying the festivities and sharing all my Christmas finds).

So today, let’s chat – Christmas table decorations.

I am going to share with you some beautiful inspiration for your Christmas table and help guide you to create a dinner table that your guests will be talking about long into next year.

If your still in need of a bit of inspiration, you’ll love what’s coming in this post. Let’s make sure your Christmas table decorations are extra special in a year that needs finishing off with a bang! 

And, if your still trying to get the rest of your home all festive and cheery, check out my 31 Best Christmas Decoration From Next Home which help you to get that ticked off your to-do list.

Why Are Christmas Table Decorations Important

Each year, Christmas decorations always blow the previous year’s efforts out the window. And this year especially, people have spent so much time in their homes and there is more enthusiasm to create a space that is both welcoming and beautiful.

Table settings sometimes get left until last minute due to the rush of present and food shopping, and that’s a shame. If there was a year to join in, then I think it’s 2020.

We all deserve to treat overselves (and our guests) to a spectacular Christmas, with all the extra festiveness we can.

Also, how many of us have ‘those’ photos from childhood with everyone sitting around the Christmas Dining Table? Happy memories being made, and maybe even an aunty sneaking a quick snooze! So why not make these memories extra special by creating a beautiful setting to remember them in. You can even personalise items for each guest.

It only takes a 5 minute peek-through on social media, to see how high the bar has gotten in the home decor world.

But, you could cut out hours of research (and rabbit-holes) with this guide to making your Christmas dinner table look amazing. There is something for everyone, and it will hopefully give you enough inspiration to create the perfect table for your home.

Let’s get your home looking magical by having a look at these Christmas table settings, I’ve even attached links incase you want to go and have a further look.

So why not grab a notebook, take some notes and schedule half an hour in your diary to order everything in plenty of time for Christmas Day, you’ll be so glad you did!

Oh, and a quick note about the word tablescape…..if you haven’t heard of this phrase then don’t worry. I still giggle a bit when I’m typing it 😉 It’s a fancy way to say – your table decoration.

What Style/Colour Is Best For Your Christmas Table Decor

Clean Lines – Decor Style

Christmas garland decor on table
Image credit: @interior_styling_18 on Instagram

There are so many styles and colours that you can chose for your Christmas table style but I would recommend starting with your own natural style.

Ideas and extra touches will come more naturally to you if it is already a style you love. But, if you wish to try something a little bit different then read on and see what table decor style jumps out to you.

Let’s start with the image above, from Heather @interior_styling_18. This style has simple, clean lines whilst tying in the white, black and silver colours from the surrounding home decor. Heather has styled this table beautifully with the centrepiece garland commanding your attention. If your style is simple lines with a touch of glamour, then I hope this photo inspires you.

The beautiful centrepiece is from Garland Street Interiors.

Natural – Decor Style

Rustic Christmas table decorations
Image credit: @pinaforesandponies on Instagram

How lovely is this festive table decor by Lucy @pinaforesandponies.

Simple white tablecover, soft pink candles and touches of gold tones, all matched with a beautiful eucalyptus garland. Using natural materials for placemats will work great if you want to create Christmas table decorations that bring the outside into your home this Christmas.

If you literally want to bring the outside in, you could also use wood slices as placemats to really embrace the natural look, you could even throw in some pine cones if you wish.

Also, note how Lucy has styled her napkins and cutlery with a little special touch. Your home will be smelling amazing if you opt to decorate your table in this style.

If you want to learn how to create a garland like this yourself, Lucy has a DIY step-by-step tutorial in her highlights on Instagram that can help you along.

Glamorous – Decor Style

white and gold Christmas table setting
Image credit: @at_home_with_an_island_girl on Instagram

If glamorous is your style then take a look firstly, at this beautiful Christmas table setting by RoseMarrie @at_home_with_an_island_girl.

Using crisp white and gold to make the table decor pop against the black dining table, really draws your eye across the full length of the table.

Also, height is a very important factor to your Christmas dining table. Here, you can see candelabra’s and other objects being used to add height and interest to the table.

The fur table runner and cushions really helps to add the warmth and texture to this style.

If you have read any of my Show Home visit posts, I explain how using items with various heights can help with your overall aesthetic.

White feather Christmas table decor
Image credit: @norfolkhome_no9 on Instagram

I wanted to show you another glamorous Christmas table setting, this one is from Hannah @norfolkhome_no9.

Grey and white interiors are super popular so I’m sure there are a few of you out there which this style will give lots of inspiration to.

These Christmas cones are lovely with mixed finishes and using feathers will soften the overall style. Adding fairy lights to your table decoration will bring in some warm tones if you choose a warm white bulb, unless your going for the icy look.

You can also get creative with display pieces. Either scatter around your table or display them on your dinner plates and an extra special touch.

Traditional – Decor Style

Red and green Christmas tablescape
Image credit: www.herfavfood.com

You can never go wrong with some festive red and a touch of tartan. I do live in Scotland after all 🙂

This lovely Christmas table setting from Snita at Her Fav Food was created by matching red with blues, white and of course, a touch of green. Using festive patterns for your dinnerware and table accessories will really add some fun and personality to your table decor.

Dress your table in a red tablecloth and then add touches of tartan from there. With bold patterns it is easy to add too much so just add a bit at a time until your happy with the style.

Rustic Farmhouse – Decor Style

Festive Table Decor, wooden table
Image credit: @mymodularfarmhouse on Instagram

How sweet are those check bows by Ashley @mymodularfarmhouse? This style mixes traditional rustic with minimal contemporary clean lines. A simple mix of black and white check with wood tones make for a lovely choice for your festive dinner table.

So, if you want to create a warm and comfortable style to your Christmas table decor then I’m sure this style will tick all the boxes.

I love that the board is being used as the base for the centre display. This idea is also great if you need to move the display later in the evening for family games, it can be moved as and when it’s needed.

This style is ideal if you are not looking for bright pops of colour, but a more muted softness, with a perfect mix of clean lines and nature.

Scandi – Decor Style

Christmas table decoration with books used as placemats
Image credit: @at_lucys_house on Instagram

Are you wanting to get creative with your Christmas Table Decorations?

Have a look at how creative Lucy @at_lucys_house got by using old books she had as placemats for her dining table. I love it!

The unique idea works really well as a Scandi style is all about light, bright open spaces. Throw in some clean lines and you have a peaceful space which allows the books to be the highlight of the dining table and not get lost and over-cramped.

Simply laid-out cones and flowers are perfect for this style of Christmas table setting. If this is the style for you, remember to keep your dining table uncluttered, and allow each item the space it needs to be appreciated.

To soften the look, fleece throws and faux furs over the seating is a cosy touch to balance the natural materials.

Also, the pretty cut-out garland adds another dimension to the space. So, if you can hang anything from above your dining table, why not try it out.

Themed – Decor Style

green wreath table decor
Image credit: @thegraymodernfarmhouse on Instagram

Why not add animals to your Christmas Table style? And what better animal than a reindeer!

Heather @thegraymodernfarmhouse has decorated her dining table beautifully with reindeer napkins and decor, aren’t they adorable.

When creating themed tablescapes, keep it simple. That will allow everything on your table to stand out. Unless your a maximalism, then I say go for it and let your Christmas Table Decorations turn into a fun, feast for the eyes.

Also, just look at that hanging wreath….beautiful. With the matching centerpiece, this tablescape is ticking a lot of my boxes, what about you?

Other Christmas Table Decor Styles

  • Art Deco Style – Metallic tones of silvers and golds, bold geometry and delicate detail is a perfect style for Christmas.
  • Floral Style – Not your typical Christmas themed style but so beautiful and unique. One way to add this look into your home is to use metallic touches paired with statement flowers, try peonies in your table decorations. Vintage-style baubles with rose petals inside could be used on your table. But the ulimate Christmas floral style is using roses in your Christmas tree – stunning.
  • Dark & Dramatic Style – A personal favourite of mine. Use a deep colour scheme of plums and teal tones, layered with velvet fabrics. If you want your tablescape oozing luxury, this is the style for you.
  • Elegant Glamour Style – keep it sophisticated with just touches of glitter on the edges to highlight details. Crisp white tableclothes matched with a colour of your choice (I love navy blue), and pair with fabric napkins with delicate napkin rings. Also, add tall tapered candles for height, this will help you with creating this style.
  • Winter Cabin Style – Hurricane vases of all sizes with chunky candles, antler-style decor, cosy throws and lots of handcrafted pieces. A perfect match to go with you and your guests Christmas jumpers.

No Time To Source Your Christmas Table Decor?

Pink and white feather cones in a festive tablescape
Image credit: @dressfordinnertablescapes on Instagram

If the Christmas tree has still to be decorated, the presents are still to be wrapped and there are kids running around hyper on Santa thoughts……..then why not have someone else pull together your tablescape?

Ellie at Dress For Dinner sells tablescapes for dressing your Christmas table with everything in a box and delivered straight to your door. All you need to do is unpack and display. How perfect does that sound?

I would imagine these tablescape boxes are a sell out each year. So, if you’ve missed out this time, remember to check out their website in plenty of time for next Christmas.

How Do You Want Your Christmas Table Centerpiece To Look?

Festive Dining Table, grey and green
Image credit: Next (featured image also)

I will go over how to decorate your table a little further down but first, have a think about how you want your table centrepiece to look.

Think about height and width…..how much space can you give to the display?

Also, there is a lot of extra items on Christmas tables, so bear in mind – festive crackers, table decor and any other trimmings.

Also, do you want a fresh or faux Christmas centrepiece?

I hope the inspiration pictures has given you plenty of ideas depending on which style you prefer. You can always build on your centrepiece, so don’t worry. Just get creating, and if it needs more, then just add more until your super happy with it!

There is a lot to think about, but going through this post will give you the best start possible for creating the most amazing Christmas Table Decor.

How Do You Decorate A Christmas Table Beautifully?

metallic cutlery, gold, silver, rose gold, black
Image credit: Jazzupco on Instagram

Once you have decided on the style and colours of your Christmas table decorations, it will be easier to pull your look together. This will be a base to get you started.

I would then decide on your dinnerware, glasses and cutlery. You may already have these from previous years. If you are looking for new homeware then you may find my Next Home post useful – Best Christmas Decorations. Here, I share my favourite finds from candles to dinner sets.

The metallic-toned cutlery above is too stunning not to share with you all. The shape is super sleek and elegant, perfect for a special occasion.

Your style will now be coming together nicely.

To create your beautiful Christmas dining table, build it with layers. You should have your style and colours decided, as well as an idea of how your centrepiece will look.

Now, let’s start designing your Christmas Table.

Metallic Style Dining Set
Image credit: Next

From the inspiration we have seen, you may have an idea how you want your dinnerware to be set out. Dependingon space, you can spread your plates out or layer them on top of each other.

Other things to decide on –

  • Table Cloth (Material, Design, Colour, Size)
  • Table Runners (Material, Style, Shape, Width)
  • Placemats (Shape, Style, Colour, Material)
  • Cutlery (Style, Colour, Use New or Exist)
  • Napkins (Material – Paper or Luxury, Fold Style, Rings or Alternatives)
  • Coasters (Material, Matching, Shape, Colour)
  • Glassware (Style, Type, Charms)
  • Decor (Baubles, Foliage, Branches, Vases, Candles – Multi Heights)

You obviously do not need to use everything on the list above. Dress your table for Christmas the way your want to. But, I hope the list helps you to tick or cross off what you will need, and maybe there is a few things that you hadn’t thought of.

Your Christmas Table Decor is all coming together. You now know the following –

  • What your style is
  • Your colour palette
  • The overall and size of your centrepiece
  • What your table setting looks like
  • What the table decor will be

Is There Anything Else You Need To Add To Your Christmas Dinner Tablescape

There is always room for a little something extra on a special occasion such as Christmas. Finishing touches can sometimes be that special surprise that is remembered by guests for many years to come.

  • Add personal items for each guest. Name cards, a beautifully wrapped gift, initial plaques and even handwritten notes could create more warm, fuzzy feelings around the table.
  • If you are bringing foliage in from outdoors, you could add subtle touches of glitter. You could place the glitter on the edge of leaves, cones, add it to berries…..really as much or as little as you like.
  • Don’t forget Christmas is also about fragrances and scents. Ensure you have a few seasonal scents around your home like fresh pine, gingerbread and cinnamon.
  • And lastly, to go another step further in Decorating your Chrismas Table, why not adds some detail to your dining chairs. Get creative with either a small detail, like a ribbon tied on it or as @thegraymodernfarmhouse did on her kitchen bar stools, add mini wreaths…..I’ll leave you to get creative 🙂

I hope this guide to the Best Christmas Table Decor Ideas: Tablescape Inspiration – 2020 has been helpful for inspiring you to create an amazing festive dining table this Christmas.

Please comment below any other tips you would love to share with me.

Remember, if you are still looking for those last minute decor ideas for your home, please head over to my Next Home post – Best Christmas Decorations. There is even a drinks cabinet in there to help store any extra bottles of fizz you may be stocking up on.

Take care

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