Christmas Table Decorating Ideas

Christmas Day falls on a Friday this year, and for many families the table is the heart of the whole celebration. These Christmas table decorating ideas focus on what makes the table feel festive – the centerpiece, candlelight, place cards and little sparkling details. For the basics of where the forks and glasses go, see our guide on how to set a table.

Start with a Plan

Before decorating, count your guests and measure the table: allow roughly 24 inches for each place setting so nobody bumps elbows. Lay the tablecloth or runner first, set the plates and flatware, and only then add the decorations – it is much easier to see how much room is left for the centerpiece and candles.

1. Build a Low, Layered Centerpiece

Keep the centerpiece low so guests can talk across the table. Start with one statement bowl, then add small pieces along the runner.

Michael Aram Vintage Bloom Centerpiece Bowl

A metal centerpiece bowl handcrafted in the Michael Aram workshops, where each design begins as a hand-forged original. Fill it with ornaments, pine cones or clementines for an instant holiday centerpiece.

Herend Simple Christmas Tree Figurine

A 3.75 in hand-painted porcelain tree with 24k gold accents, in green, key lime or raspberry fishnet. Group a few in different colors down the center of the table, or see all Herend Christmas figurines.

2. Add Candlelight

Christofle Malmaison Silver-Plated Candlestick

A single-candle silver-plated candlestick carrying Malmaison's Empire-style frieze of palm and lotus leaves. Use a pair to frame the centerpiece.

Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo Luxe Candleholders

Handcrafted metal candleholders in Michael Aram's Butterfly Ginkgo design. For a sculptural look, see the Orchid Sculptural Candleholders, or browse all candleholders and candelabras.

3. Welcome Every Guest with a Place Card

Michael Aram Pine Cone Place Card Holder Set

Handcrafted metal pine cones that hold each guest's name – a wintry touch that works from Thanksgiving through New Year's.

Herend Ornament Place Card Holder

A hand-painted porcelain ornament that doubles as a place card holder, in a range of fishnet colors. More styles in our place card holders.

4. Dress the Napkins

L'Objet Stars Napkin Jewels, Set of 4

Star-shaped napkin jewels from L'Objet, hand-finished and beautifully boxed – a sparkle at every place. See all napkin rings.

5. A Festive Dessert Plate

Herend Holiday Sweets Plate

A hand-painted porcelain cake plate, 4.25 in high and 11 in across, with 24k gold accents – for the bûche de Noël or the cookie platter. See our Herend Christmas and holiday dinnerware.

6. Ornaments as Favors

Tie a small ornament to each napkin or set one on every plate: it decorates the table, then goes home with your guests.

Christofle Rêve Cosmique Ornament, 2023

Christofle offers a silver and a gold Christmas ornament each year. Rêve Cosmique is perforated silver plate gilded in gold, with a design of the sun and the phases of the moon.

Lalique Frost Christmas Ornament

A crystal ornament from Lalique, the French crystal house founded by René Lalique in 1888. For something playful, add the Michael Aram Santa in Balloon Ornament, or see all ornaments.

More Christmas Table Tips

Choose a color story – silver and white, or green, red and gold – and repeat it from the centerpiece to the napkins.
Use unscented candles at the table so they don't compete with dinner.
Set the table the night before, so Christmas morning is about family.